Introduction

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a feline retrovirus characterized for immunosuppression due to the decrease of CD4/CD8 ratio, leading to the manifestation of clinical signs and opportunistic infections.

Objective

The aim of this study is to document the presence of opportunistic infections and clinical signs in naturally infected cats with chronic disease.

Method

The population consisted of 118 FIV+ cats treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Buenos Aires University. They were diagnosed through immunochromatography and PCR. Detailed clinical examination was performed and additional routine methods (blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound, etc.) were used as needed in each case. In 65 samples, determining RCD4/CD8 was performed.

Results

The results showed 62% lymphadenopathy, gingivitis 57%, 70% anemia, uveitis 10%, pyoderma 17%, 37% respiratory diseases, neoplasia 20%, 19% neurological symptoms. In addition, M. haemofelis 48%, toxoplasmosis (positive serology) 23%, 14% mycosis, ectoparasites 26%, and 14% endoparasites.

The RCD4/CD8 ranged between 0.4 and 1.6. Seventy-eight percent of patients were found with values lower than 0.7. The lowest values were related to neoplasia and neurological signs, the highest in cats with gingivitis and lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

FIV infection in domestic cats is associated with immunosuppression and the presence of opportunistic infections and comorbidities. The progress of the disease is accompanied by reducing RCD4/CD8 and opportunistic diseases. In many countries, FIV-infected cats are euthanized, and because of this there is little literature on opportunistic infections seen in cats with spontaneous chronic infection. The increased knowledge about the clinical behavior of the disease allows early diagnosis and more efficient management.