High seroprevalence of feline morbilliviruses in free-roaming domestic cats in Chile

Feline morbillivirus infections have gained increased attention due to repeated reports of their association with urinary tract disease in cats. In the present study, 112 serum samples from free-roaming domestic cats in Chile were tested for antibodies against feline morbillivirus genotypes 1 and 2 (FeMV-1 and FeMV-2) using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. In total, 63% of the animals showed antibodies against one or both FeMV genotypes. Antibodies directed exclusively against FeMV-2 were significantly more prevalent in male cats. The correlation of sex and FeMV-2 infection might give insight into potential routes of transmission. We provide, for the first time, serological data on FeMV in Chile

Identification of Novel Feline Paramyxoviruses in Guignas (Leopardus guigna) from Chile

The family of paramyxoviruses has received growing attention as several new species have been identified recently, notably two different clusters in domestic cats, designated as feline morbillivirus (FeMV) and feline paramyxovirus (FPaV). Their phylogenetic origin and whether wild felids also harbor these viruses are currently unknown. Kidney samples from 35 guignas (Leopardus guigna), a wild felid from Chile, were investigated for paramyxoviruses using consensus-RT-PCR. In addition, thirteen serum samples of guignas were screened for the presence of FeMV-specific antibodies by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Viral RNA was detected in 31% of the kidney samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two well-supported clusters, related to isolates from domestic cats, rodents and bats. No significant histopathology changes were recorded in infected guignas. Serology identified two samples which were positive for FeMV-specific antibodies. Our study highlights the diversity of paramyxovirus infections in felids with special emphasis on guignas from Chile

Molecular cloning of cat interleukin 12

The recently discovered interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric 70000 Mr cytokine composed of a disulphide-bonded 35000 Mr (p35) subunit and a 40000 Mr (p40) subunit. Produced mainly by activated monocytes/macrophages and B cells, it enhances NK/LAK cell cytolytic activity and stimulates cytotoxic T-cell responses and IFN-γ production. It is therefore a key regulatory molecule in T-helper-cell type-1 (Th-1)-driven immune responses that are considered necessary for the elimination of intracellular pathogens

Molecular cloning of cat interleukin 12

The recently discovered interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric 70000 Mr cytokine composed of a disulphide-bonded 35000 Mr (p35) subunit and a 40000 Mr (p40) subunit. Produced mainly by activated monocytes/macrophages and B cells, it enhances NK/LAK cell cytolytic activity and stimulates cytotoxic T-cell responses and IFN-γ production. It is therefore a key regulatory molecule in T-helper-cell type-1 (Th-1)-driven immune responses that are considered necessary for the elimination of intracellular pathogens