Circulating Novel Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) Strains in Downstate NY Shelter Cats Exhibit Continuous Recombination and Viral Evolution
Faculty Mentor
Maged Gomaa Hemida
Area of Research
Veterinary Virology
Major
Comparative Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences
Description
INTRODUCTION: Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) is a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV) that causes fatal systemic disease in cats that continues to emerge through genomic mutation and recombination.
METHOD: We conducted demographic data collection, molecular surveillance, and genomic characterization of FIPV circulating in feral and shelter cats within the Downstate NY region.
RESULTS: Among 139 cats screened, 22.3% tested positive for FIPV. Lower weight and Body Condition Scores indicate higher likelihood for FIPV.The western region (the 5 boroughs of NYC) had higher positive FIPV occurrences than Eastern Long Island. Whole-genome sequencing identified three novel FIPV isolates (FIPV-170, FIPV-193, and FIPV-246) belonging to FCoV Type I. The isolates shared ≈90% nucleotide similarity among themselves and ≈83% similarity with local Type II strains. Spike gene analysis revealed 76 amino acid novel substitutions in the S1 region, including 12 mutations in the Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) and the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS). Accessory gene mutations included a premature stop codon in NSP-3a and truncation of NSP-7a. Recombination analysis identified mosaic genomes derived from FCoV types I and II and CCoV lineages, with breakpoints in ORF1b, S, NSP-3abc, E, and M regions, resembling patterns reported during the recent 2023 FIPV outbreak in Cyprus (FCoV-23).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Continued regional molecular and genomic surveillance is advised.
Circulating Novel Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) Strains in Downstate NY Shelter Cats Exhibit Continuous Recombination and Viral Evolution
INTRODUCTION: Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) is a virulent biotype of feline coronavirus (FCoV) that causes fatal systemic disease in cats that continues to emerge through genomic mutation and recombination.
METHOD: We conducted demographic data collection, molecular surveillance, and genomic characterization of FIPV circulating in feral and shelter cats within the Downstate NY region.
RESULTS: Among 139 cats screened, 22.3% tested positive for FIPV. Lower weight and Body Condition Scores indicate higher likelihood for FIPV.The western region (the 5 boroughs of NYC) had higher positive FIPV occurrences than Eastern Long Island. Whole-genome sequencing identified three novel FIPV isolates (FIPV-170, FIPV-193, and FIPV-246) belonging to FCoV Type I. The isolates shared ≈90% nucleotide similarity among themselves and ≈83% similarity with local Type II strains. Spike gene analysis revealed 76 amino acid novel substitutions in the S1 region, including 12 mutations in the Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) and the Furin Cleavage Site (FCS). Accessory gene mutations included a premature stop codon in NSP-3a and truncation of NSP-7a. Recombination analysis identified mosaic genomes derived from FCoV types I and II and CCoV lineages, with breakpoints in ORF1b, S, NSP-3abc, E, and M regions, resembling patterns reported during the recent 2023 FIPV outbreak in Cyprus (FCoV-23).
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Continued regional molecular and genomic surveillance is advised.