FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS ON A HOUSE CAT IN ALGERIA: A CASE REPORT
ARKENE ABDENNEBI
National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria.
RATIBA BAAZIZI
National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria.
NORA MIMOUNE *
National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria. and Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Biotechnologies Related to Animal Breeding, University Saad Dahleb, BP: 270, Soumaa Road, Blida, Algeria.
ISMA ABDENNEBI
National High School of Veterinary Medicine, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria.
SAIDI RADHWANE
Department of Agronomy, Telidji Amar University, 03000 Laghouat, Algeria.
RACHID KAIDI
Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Biotechnologies Related to Animal Breeding, University Saad Dahleb, BP: 270, Soumaa Road, Blida, Algeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The current study highlighted FIV in Algeria in the absence of a previous report. This is the first reported FIV positive case. Indeed, a cat was presented for consultation; it was a dewormed, vaccinated subject with no major history. The unavailability of epidemiological data, a varied and non-specific clinical picture made the diagnosis difficult. The inconclusive symptomatic treatments, the aggressiveness of the animal and its access to the outside putting it in contact with stray animals led us to the use of a Rapid Kit based on immunochromatography for the diagnosis of FIV. The result was positive, highlighting the presence of the disease in Algeria, but due to the unavailability of an epidemiological map, cats likely to be carriers of the virus represent a potential danger for the transmission of the virus. Cats indeed die without clear causes whereas veterinarians suspect their attack by the FIV.
Keywords: Feline immunodeficiency virus, cat, immunochromatography.