What is feline coronavirus enteric FCoV? - briefly
Feline coronavirus enteric FCoV is a common viral infection in cats, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract and typically causing mild or asymptomatic enteritis. It is distinct from the more severe feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus, which can arise from mutations of FCoV.
What is feline coronavirus enteric FCoV? - in detail
Feline coronavirus enteric (FCoV) is a common viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of cats. It belongs to the family Coronaviridae and is highly contagious, spreading through fecal-oral transmission. The virus is shed in the feces of infected cats and can be ingested by other cats through grooming, shared litter boxes, or contaminated food and water. FCoV is typically asymptomatic in most cats, causing mild or no clinical signs, but it can occasionally lead to transient diarrhea, especially in kittens or cats with compromised immune systems. The virus exists in two forms: feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which remains localized in the intestines, and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a mutated form that can cause a severe and often fatal systemic disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FECV is the more common and less pathogenic form, while FIPV arises from a mutation in the virus that allows it to spread beyond the intestines and infect macrophages, leading to widespread inflammation and organ damage. Diagnosis of FCoV is challenging due to its prevalence and the fact that many cats are asymptomatic carriers. Testing methods include fecal PCR to detect viral RNA, serology to identify antibodies, and histopathology in cases of suspected FIP. Management of FCoV involves maintaining strict hygiene to reduce viral spread, such as cleaning litter boxes regularly and isolating infected cats. There is no specific treatment for FCoV, and vaccination options are limited and not widely recommended. Understanding the epidemiology and biology of FCoV is crucial for controlling its spread and mitigating the risk of FIP, particularly in multi-cat environments such as shelters or catteries.