Occurrence, morphological characterization and antigen localization of felid herpesvirus-induced pneumonia in cats: a retrospective study (2000-2006)

J Comp Pathol. 2009 Aug-Oct;141(2-3):163-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2009.04.008. Epub 2009 Jun 21.

Abstract

The pathological findings in nine cases of pneumonia associated with infection by felid herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) are presented. The animals affected were five kittens, two subadult cats and two adult cats. The microscopical changes included fibrinonecrotic pneumonia and severe necrosis of the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium. FeHV-1 antigen was detected immunohistochemically in pneumocytes, alveolar macrophages and necrotic bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells. In the youngest kitten viral antigen was also found in the liver. FeHV-1 infection should therefore be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats with fibrinonecrotic pneumonia and demonstration of viral antigen by immunohistochemistry is a useful diagnostic procedure in such cases.

MeSH terms

  • Alphaherpesvirinae / immunology*
  • Alphaherpesvirinae / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral / analysis
  • Bronchioles / immunology
  • Bronchioles / pathology
  • Cat Diseases / immunology
  • Cat Diseases / pathology*
  • Cat Diseases / virology
  • Cats
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / pathology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary*
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques / veterinary
  • Liver / immunology
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / pathology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / veterinary*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / immunology
  • Respiratory Mucosa / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral