A Comparative Study on the Impact of FIV and FeLV Infection on the Ocular Microbiota in Persian Cats: Insights From Co-Infection and Single Infections.

BACKGROUND

The ocular microbiome of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) might differ from that of healthy cats. This study aimed to examine and compare the conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in these groups.

METHODS

Bacterial and fungal cultures were conducted from the conjunctiva of 80 Persian cats, categorized into four groups: normal, FIV-infected, FeLV-infected, and co-infected with both FIV and FeLV. PCR assays confirmed the presence of FIV, FeLV, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma. The microbiological analysis was compared across the different.

RESULTS

The conjunctival bacterial flora of normal cats was predominantly Gram-positive, with Staphylococcus species as the most common isolates. Escherichia coli was absent in the normal group but present in all infected groups, with the highest prevalence in the co-infected group (17.5%). Co-infection with FIV and FeLV led to a distinct microbiota with Streptococcus agalactiae, Corynebacterium renale, Fusarium, and Aspergillus brasiliensis exclusively found in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-infection of FIV and FeLV significantly alters the conjunctival microbiome, promoting the colonization of specific opportunistic pathogens. These findings may influence the clinical management of cats with these viral infections, especially in combination, and may create a more favorable environment for the growth of certain bacteria and fungi in the conjunctiva.