Cobalamin and folate levels in cats with feline coronavirus

Objective: In cats and dogs, changes in cobalamin and folate levels are primarily associated with deficiencies resulting from impaired intestinal absorption and increased permeability. The levels of both parameters may vary depending on the underlying disease, showing either an increase or decrease. Considering the diarrhea observed in cats infected with feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) and the potential for co-infection, along with the progression of the mutagenic form feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) which is characterized by vasculopathy, an increase in intestinal permeability may occur, potentially leading to a decrease in these intestinal biomarkers. This thesis aims to determine serum folate and cobalamin levels in cats infected with FCoV. Material and Methods: A total of 32 cats were included in the study, comprising 22 cats infected with FCoV and 10 healthy controls. In these cats, levels of cobalamin, folate and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Changes in mucous membrane color, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, and signs of anemia were identified as significant clinical findings in cats infected with FCoV (p<0,001). Significant alterations among the hematological parameters, neutrophilia (p=0,005), non-regenerative normocytic normochromic anemia (p=0,010), and a mild decrease in platelet count (p=0,025) were detected. Regarding biochemical parameters, only the reduction in albumin levels was found to be significant when compared to the healthy cats (p=0,014). On the other hand, although a slight increase was observed in B12 and cobalamin levels in infected cats, these parameters were found to be smilar to those of healthy indivuduals (p>0,05). Conclusion: It was found that serum folate and cobalamin levels did not change in cats identified as being infected with FCoV. Keywords: Albumin/globulin ratio, Biomarker, FCoV, FIP, Serum amyloid A.