(FIV), originally (Feline T-lymphotropic
Lentivirus), is a related Lentivirus that has been identified in domestic cats and
cheetahs. The infection is endemic in cats throughout the world.. Virus is
shed mainly in the saliva and the principal mode of transmission is through bites.
Cats with acquired immunodeficiency induced by (FIV) develop chronic secondary and
opportunistic infections of the respiratory, GI, urinary tracts, and skin.
Cats remain infected for life. The presence of serum antibodies is directly
correlated with the ability to isolate virus from blood cells and saliva.
Because the concentration of (FIV) antigen in the blood of infected cats is often
very low, some (ELISA) diagnostic tests are designed to detect anti-FIV antibodies
rather than antigen.
