Clinical signs and coronavirus diagnosis infections in cats

The purpose of the study is to analyze modern and relevant scientific data on susceptibility, course and clinical signs, pathological changes and diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. There are two serotypes of this virus: FECV and FIPV. The former is widespread in cat populations and predominantly affects the intestines, causing enteritis. The second serotype appears due to mutations from the first that occur in the body of the animal, and causes infectious peritonitis, which ends in death. Coronavirus infection in cats affects only felines and does not pose a danger to humans. The clinical picture in infectious peritonitis is pronounced and is manifested mainly by a deterioration in the general condition, a rapidly increasing volume of the abdomen and a characteristic effusion. At the end of 2019, a new human pathogenic coronavirus was discovered, and its rapid spread led to the development of a pandemic. Since February 2020, there have been reports of the isolation of the causative agent of a new coronavirus infection from zoo animals that showed symptoms characteristic of upper respiratory tract infections. In addition, cases have been reported among small domestic carnivores in various countries, which were infected, presumably from sick owners. Swabs from contact animals were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time RT-PCR, the virus was detected in nasal, pharyngeal washings, as well as in samples of vomit and feces. In one study, a blood test was performed in parallel with PCR using a rapid test for the presence of antibodies to coronavirus. Clinical manifestations in SARS-CoV-2 infected animals were characteristic of a respiratory infection.