Feline T-lymphotropic Virus

Feline T-lymphotropic Virus (FTLV), an AIDS-like virus, was discovered in cats in 1987. It suppresses the immune system and results in an increased susceptibility to a wide variety of infections.

An AIDS-like syndrome is the most common form of the disease: progressively worsening gum inflammation, periodontal disease,sinus infections, weight loss, anemia, chronic intermittent diarrhea, neurologist, and chronic poor healing or recurrent infections of the skin and ears. The"pre-AIDS" signs - enlarged lymph nodes, persistent low-grade fever, and a very low white count - usually precede the other clinical signs.

I recommend that you have any new cat tested for FTLV and for the feline leukemia virus before you bring it home. Also, if you already have one or more cats, have each one tested before you bring a new cat home. The diagnosis involves blood test. FTLV is highly infectious to cats but is spread only by intimate and prolonged contact.

FTLV-positive cats that do not show any signs of illness (symptomatic) have a good chance at survival as long as they remain asymptomatic. Keep the FTLV-positive cat indoors so that the virus will not be spread to other cats.

It is hoped that a vaccine will be available soon.

Because this virus was discovered so recently, it is still, as of this writing,known by several names: the feline T-lymphotropic lentivirus, the AIDS-like virus,and "feline AIDS" are some ways your veterinarian may refer to it.

FTLV is not related to AIDS. There is no way for a human to pick upAIDS or FTLV from a cat.

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