Genotyping of feline leukemia virus in Mexican housecats

• DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2740-4
• Publication Date: 2016-01-08T06:13:06Z
• Authors: Hugo Ramírez; Marcela Autran; M. Martha García; M. Ángel Carmona; Cecilia Rodríguez; H. Alejandro Mart...
• Keywords: Feline leukemia virus; Endogenous retrovirus; Provirus; Bovine leukemia virus

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with variable rates of infection globally. DNA was obtained from cats' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and proviral pol env genes detected using PCR. Seventy-six percent cats scored positive for FeLV env-PCR; 54 %, by pol-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis both regions identified sequences that correspond to group includes endogenous retroviruses. They form an independent branch and, therefore, new viruses. Cat gender, age, outdoor access, cohabitation other were found be significant risk factors associated the disease. This strongly suggests these genotypes are widely distributed in studied feline population Mexico.