Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Confirmation of Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 and Feline Calicivirus as Natural Coinfection in a Domestic Cat
Keywords:
Feline Herpesvirus type 1, Feline Calicivirus; coinfection, domestic cat, real-time polymerase chain reaction.Abstract
Upper respiratory tract disease is a common infectious syndrome in domestic cats, primarily caused by Feline Herpesvirus type 1 and Feline Calicivirus. Because these viruses produce similar clinical signs and frequently occur as coinfections, accurate molecular diagnosis is essential for effective clinical management. This case report describes the clinical presentation, molecular diagnosis, and treatment outcome of a naturally occurring coinfection in a domestic cat. A one-year-and-two-month-old female domestic cat presented with anorexia, sneezing, nasal discharge, and unilateral ocular discharge. Clinical examination was followed by fluorescence-based real-time polymerase chain reaction using respiratory swab specimens to detect viral nucleic acids. The diagnosis was established by integrating molecular and clinical findings. Clinical examination revealed respiratory signs consistent with feline upper respiratory tract disease, while body temperature and capillary refill time remained within normal limits. Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed coinfection with Feline Herpesvirus type 1 and Feline Calicivirus. The cat was treated with supportive therapy, including bronchodilator administration, nebulization, doxycycline, anti-inflammatory medication, mucolytic agents, and immunomodulatory supplementation. Clinical improvement was observed within three days, as indicated by restored appetite, reduced ocular discharge, and less frequent sneezing. This report demonstrates that real-time polymerase chain reaction is a reliable method for confirming feline viral respiratory coinfections and supports timely therapeutic intervention. Early molecular diagnosis combined with comprehensive supportive treatment may improve clinical outcomes in cats with upper respiratory tract disease.
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