Investigation of feline panleukopenia infection in domestic cats with immunochromatographic and molecular methods

Feline Panleukopenia (FP) is a fatal viral disease caused by Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) with high contagiousness and mortality rates in both domestic and wild felines. FPV is a non-enveloped, small-sized, single-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Parvoviridae family. FPV specifically targets rapidly dividing cells, causing damage to intestinal epithelial cells, bone marrow suppression, and destruction of lymphoid tissues. Clinically, panleukopenia, enteritis, and immunosuppression are observed. High mortality rates occur due to severe diarrhea, rapid fluid loss, and electrolyte imbalances. The virus spreads through body fluids such as feces, urine, and saliva of infected animals and remains contagious in the environment for a long time. This makes control difficult in communal living areas. Inactivated or modified live FPV vaccines, which provide effective protection against FP infections, are widely used. Regular administration of vaccines has reduced the incidence and mortality rates of the disease. Although the treatment does not include a direct antiviral method, early diagnosis, good care and supportive treatments can reduce mortality. Stool samples are preferred for diagnosis. Virus isolation, ELISA, PCR, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and lateral immunochromatographic tests are used. In our study, FP infection was investigated in stool samples taken from unvaccinated and naturally infected cats. 23.8% positive results were obtained with lateral immunochromatographic test and 26.19% with RT-PCR. While RT-PCR provides a sensitive diagnosis even in the presence of small amounts of virus, lateral immunochromatographic tests stand out with their economy and practical use. The combination of these methods has an important place in veterinary practice as effective tools in early diagnosis and disease control. Keywords: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV), Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Distemper, Feline Parvovirus, Feline Hemorrhagic Enteritis, RT-PCR, Immunochromatography