Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus, a Hepatitis B-like Virus Associated with Feline Liver Disease.

In 2018, a surprising finding was reported; cats are naturally infected with a virus related to hepatitis B virus (HBV), domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH). HBV causes chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma in people, and HBV-like viruses cause similar diseases in rodents. If DCH negatively impacts feline health then demand for diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccination will follow. Hence, understanding pathogenic potential of DCH for cats, and the size of any associated disease burden are critical goals. Here we evaluate progress made towards these goals by reviewing published studies of DCH against the backdrop of our understanding of HBV and HBV-like viruses.