A RETROSPECTIVE IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY STUDY ON FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA VIRUS, INDUCED ENTERITIS, IN CATS

Abstract

The retrospective study of 30 cases records using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
intestines, from Feline Panleukopenia (FPL) infected cats using histopathological criteria as seen by the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Chulalongkorn University between 1997-2001, was undertaken. The objective of the study was to examine FPLV infection in feline intestines showing characteristic lesions of parvovirus enteritis and to describe the relationship between the intestinal microscopic lesions of FPL in affected cats, with the location of FPL antigens, using immunohistochemical methods. The most striking histological lesions were villous atrophy and epithelial cell necrosis 96.67%. The lumen of crypts were often greatly reduced in diameter or occasionally were widely distended with mucus, 56.67%. Degenerative and hyperplastic changes
were noted in the crypt epithelium, 90%. Secondary complications with bacteria and fungal organisms were commonly seen, 66.67%, with inflammatory cells infiltrating into the lamina propria, 60%. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated FPLV antigens in 12 out of 30 cases, (40%) and were mostly detected in infected, crypt epithelium, 36.67%, smooth muscle cells, 13.33% and villous epithelium, 6.67% which correlated with the histopathological criteria.