The prevalence of feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection in domestic cats in Fujian, China has been a subject of limited research. This study marks the first comprehensive report on the prevalence rates and epidemiological characteristics of FCoV infection in this region. The analysis involved 112 cat fecal samples collected from various sources in Fujian, aiming to contribute essential data for global and national FCoV epidemiological studies.
Feline Coronavirus Overview:
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) belongs to the Alphacoronavirus family and is classified into feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) biotypes based on pathogenicity. While FECV infections are common and often asymptomatic, FIPV infections can lead to severe diseases with a high mortality rate. This study focuses on the prevalence and characteristics of FCoV in domestic cats, with particular attention to the Fujian province in China.
Methods:
A total of 112 fecal samples were collected from domestic cats in Fujian, China. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to extract RNA from the fecal material for further analysis. The prevalence rate of FCoV infection was determined, and epidemiological risk factors were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to classify the FCoV strains.
Results:
The study revealed an overall FCoV infection prevalence rate of 67.9% among the tested cat population in Fujian. Notably, there was no significant association found between the age, sex, or breed of the cats and the prevalence rate of FCoV infection. Phylogenetic analysis identified all four strains from Fujian as type I FCoV.
Discussion:
The unexpected high prevalence rate of FCoV infection in domestic cats in Fujian emphasizes the need for comprehensive epidemiological investigations. Unlike studies in some countries where FCoV type I strains exhibit higher infection rates, this study found a prevalent presence of type I strains in both domestic and healthy cat populations in Fujian.
Implications and Recommendations:
Understanding the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of FCoV in Fujian provides crucial data for future studies and global comparisons. The study recommends further systematic and comprehensive investigations to ascertain the prevalence of FCoV infection in the region. The results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and research to identify trends and implement effective control measures for FIPV infection.
Conclusion:
This groundbreaking study sheds light on the prevalence and epidemiological features of FCoV infection in domestic cats in Fujian, China. The unexpectedly high prevalence rate underscores the significance of continued research to address the challenges posed by FCoV. The findings contribute valuable data for global and national epidemiological studies, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in managing FCoV infections in domestic cat populations.
