The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a Lentivirus of the Retroviridae family isolated from cats and shows characteristics similar to those of human HIV. Transmission occurs mainly through bite or scratch wounds of infected cats while transmission through saliva, as well as transplacental and venereal transmissions are considered uncommon.
Initially, the virus replicates affecting T-helper lymphocytes (CD4 +), then T-cytotoxic (CD8 +) lymphocytes, macrophages and B lymphocytes inducing a transient fever, lymphadenopathy and neutropenia followed by activation of the immune response with a decrease of the circulating virus. This acute phase is followed by an asymptomatic latency phase that can last for months or years during which, however, the T-helper lymphocytes progressively decrease, compromising the immune system. After several months or years, a recrudescence of the infection may arise, with the occurrence of the immunodeficiency syndrome, responsible for secondary infections, neurological disorders and neoplastic diseases.
The diagnosis of FIV is based on the antibody detection. The antibodies are produced about 3-4 weeks after infection and last for the entire life of the animal. Kittens under 6 months can give false positive results when they absorb maternal antibodies (from positive mothers), then antibodies are eliminated and after four months they return to be negative.