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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) RT-PCR testing provides molecular detection of this important lentivirus that causes progressive immune system deterioration in cats. This test detects viral RNA or proviral DNA, enabling diagnosis during all stages of infection including the early acute phase before antibody development and in kittens with maternal antibodies, where traditional serological tests may produce false results.
Early Infection DetectionMaternal Antibody DifferentiationViral Subtype CharacterizationDisease Progression AssessmentVaccination vs. Infection Distinction.png)
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a lentivirus related to HIV that causes a progressive immune system deterioration in cats. Primarily transmitted through bite wounds during fighting, FIV infection progresses through three phases: an acute phase with mild symptoms, a long asymptomatic phase (months to years), and terminal phase with opportunistic infections. RT-PCR testing can detect viral RNA or proviral DNA, offering advantages over antibody testing in specific scenarios such as early infection (before seroconversion), kittens with maternal antibodies, and differentiating vaccinated from infected cats.
Clinical Significance of FIV RT-PCR Testing
Diagnostic Challenges: Overcomes limitations of antibody testing in specific scenarios.
Early Disease Window: Detection possible before antibody development (3-8 weeks post-infection).
Kitten Testing: Accurate diagnosis in kittens with maternal antibodies.
Vaccination Interference: Can differentiate vaccinated from naturally infected cats.
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