Prevalence of FIV and FeLV infection in Malaysia: A retrospective study from 2010-2016

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Asem M Atwa, Amilan Sivaguranathan and R Lobetti

Animal Medical Center, Malaysia

Bryanston Veterinary Hospital, South Africa

: J Vet Sci Med Diagn

Abstract

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Background: In Malaysia, cat ownership is very popular with most feline owners keeping on average 2-3 cats, with some exceeding 10 cats per household. As FIV and FeLV are two clinically important viral infections in cats, prevalence of these diseases would be important for both veterinarians and the public sector. Objective & Design: Retrospective study using domesticated cats in Malaysia to determine the seroprevalence of FIV and FeLV and risk factors associated with these infections. Between 2010 and 2016, a total of 2230 samples were collected and tested. Samples were tested at the Animal Medical Center, Malaysia for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen using commercially available ELISA test kits. Results: 10.03% (224/2230, 95% CI=8.80-11.26) were seropositive for FIV, 11.97% (267/2230; 95% CI=10.62-13.32) were seropositive for FeLV; and 2.6% (58/2230; 95% CI=2.01-3.17) for seropositive for both. Risk factor was adult male cats. Conclusion: The prevalence of FIV and FeLV in Malaysia is common and as it could represent a considerable clinical concern in domesticated cats, vaccinations should be routinely given. Because of the immunosuppressive potentials of both viruses, proper control strategies from screening and routine vaccination, eradication and education programs should be also applied.

Biography

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Asem M Atwa has completed his PhD in Veterinary Microbiology. He invented a patent vaccine for poultry necrotic enteritis. He worked as Laboratory Director at veterinary quarantine. Now, he is working as Researcher at Animal Medical Center.