An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes

Yong-Yu Gao; Qian Wang; Xiang-Yu Liang; Shuang Zhang; Di Bao; Han Zhao; Shao-Bai Li; Kai Wang; Gui-Xue Hu; Feng-Shan Gao

doi:10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199059

An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes

Virus Res. 2023 Mar:326:199059. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199059. Epub 2023 Feb 2.

Authors

Yong-Yu Gao¹, Qian Wang², Xiang-Yu Liang¹, Shuang Zhang¹, Di Bao¹, Han Zhao¹, Shao-Bai Li¹, Kai Wang³, Gui-Xue Hu⁴, Feng-Shan Gao⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
² Affiliated Hospital, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China.
³ Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China. Electronic address: wk197811@jlau.edu.cn.
⁴ Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China. Electronic address: huguixue@jlau.edu.cn.
⁵ Department of Bioengineering, College of Life and Health, Dalian University, Xuefu Street 10, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, China; The Dalian Gene and Protein Engineering for Drug Screening Key Laboratory, Dalian 116622, China. Electronic address: gaofengshan@dlu.edu.cn.

Abstract

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) includes two biotypes: feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Although both biotypes can infect cats, their pathogenicities differ. The FIPV biotype is more virulent than the FECV biotype and can cause peritonitis or even death in cats, while most FECV biotypes do not cause lesions. Even pathogenic strains of the FECV biotype can cause only mild enteritis because of their very low virulence. This article reviews recent progress in FCoV research with regard to FCoV etiological characteristics; epidemiology; clinical symptoms and pathological changes; pathogenesis; and current diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. It is hoped that this review will provide a reference for further research on FCoV and other coronaviruses.

Keywords: Etiological characteristics; Feline coronavirus; Feline enteric coronavirus; Feline infectious peritonitis virus; Pathogenicity.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cats
Coronavirus Infections* / diagnosis
Coronavirus Infections* / veterinary
Coronavirus, Feline* / genetics
Feline Infectious Peritonitis* / diagnosis