Virological and serological research of feline coronavirus infection in cats

Virological and Serological Investigation of Feline Coronavirus Infection in Cats Feline coronavirus infection is an important viral disease affecting feline health. In this study, feline coronavirus infection (FCoV) in cats was investigated using virological and serological methods. For this purpose, both blood and stool samples were taken from 60 cats aged six months or older with or without clinical signs in different races, sexes, ages and social environments, which were not vaccinated against the aforementioned infection, which were kept as pets at home. Collected blood samples were checked for FCoV antibodies by applying FCoV rapid test- antibody (Ab) and indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Similarly, stool samples taken from the same cats were checked for the presence of FCoV antigen using the FCoV rapid test-antigen (Ag) method. Of the 60 cat blood serum samples analyzed, 21 (35%) were determined to be seropositive by rapid test- Ab method and 41 (68.33%) by indirect ELISA method. In general, the difference between the antibody positivity rates detected in different age groups and on the basis of gender was found to be statistically insignificant (P˃0.05). However, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference in the statistical evaluation of seropositivity determined by ELISA as 2 years and younger and 3 years and older. Similarly, the difference between the antibody positivity rates determined as a result of the indirect ELISA method and the rapid test-Ab method was found to be statistically significant (P˂0.001). The presence of FCoV in 60 stool samples collected was investigated by rapid test-Ag method and 1 sample (1.67%) was found to be antigen positive. As a result of this research, the presence/prevalence of FCoV infection in owned cats was revealed both virologically and serologically. In addition, the indirect ELISA method was found to be more sensitive and reliable than the rapid test-Ab method in the serological diagnosis of FCoV infection. Keywords: Antigen, Antibody, ELISA, Feline Coronavirus, Feline, Rapid Test