Use of Serologic Tests to Predict Resistance to
Feline Herpesvirus 1, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Parvovirus Infection in
Cats
J Am Vet Med Assoc 220[1]:38-42 Jan 1'02 Prospective
Study 20 Refs
* Dept of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether detection of virus-specific
serum antibodies correlates with resistance to challenge with virulent feline
herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline parvovirus (FPV) in
cats and to determine percentages of client-owned cats with serum antibodies to
FHV-1, FCV, and FPV.
DESIGN: Prospective experimental study.
ANIMALS: 72 laboratory-reared cats and 276 client-owned cats.
PROCEDURES: Laboratory-reared cats were vaccinated against FHV-1, FCV, and
FPV, using 1 of 3 commercial vaccines, or maintained as unvaccinated controls.
Between 9 and 36 months after vaccination, cats were challenged with virulent
virus. Recombinant-antigen ELISA for detection of FHV-1-, FCV-, and FPV specific
antibodies were developed, and results were compared with results of
hemagglutination inhibition (FPV) and virus neutralization (FHV-1 and FCV)
assays and with resistance to viral challenge.
RESULTS: For vaccinated laboratory-reared cats, predictive values of positive
results were 100% for the FPV and FCV ELISA and 90% for the FHV-1 ELISA. Results
of the FHV-1, FCV, and FPV ELISA were positive for 195 (70.7%), 255 (92.4%), and
189 (68.5%), respectively, of the 276 client-owned cats.
CONCLUSIONS & CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for cats that have
been vaccinated, detection of FHV-1-, FCV-, and FPV-specific antibodies is
predictive of whether cats are susceptible to disease, regardless of vaccine
type or vaccination interval. Because most client-owned cats had detectable
serum antibodies suggestive of resistance to infection, use of arbitrary booster
vaccination intervals is likely to lead to unnecessary vaccination
