Sensitivity and specificity of a nested polymerase chain reaction for detection of lentivirus infection in lions (Panthera leo)

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

Authors

Adams, Hayley R.
Van Vuuren, Moritz
Kania, Stephen
Bosman, Anna-Mari
Keet, D.F.
New, John
Kennedy, Melissa A.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

Abstract

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus in the Retroviridae family that causes lifelong infection in domestic cats. The lentivirus of African lions (Panthera leo), referred to as FIVple, is endemic in certain lion populations in eastern and southern Africa. Lentivirus infection leads to immunologic dysfunction and immunosuppressive disease in domestic cats; however, little is known about the pathogenic effects of infection in lions, nor about the epidemiologic impact on free-ranging and captive populations. Whole blood and serum samples were collected opportunistically from free-ranging lions in Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa (RSA). Whole blood and serum samples were also collected from captive wild lions in the RSA. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detection of FIV was performed on all whole blood samples. In addition, serum samples were tested for cross-reactive antibodies to domestic feline lentivirus antigens and puma lentivirus synthetic envelope peptide antigen. The PCR assay successfully amplified the lion lentivirus from African lions. The relative sensitivity and relative specificity were 79% and 100%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 67%, respectively. This research represents the first study to compare genetic material with antibody-based methods of lentivirus detection on lions in RSA. Using PCR as an additional diagnostic test for FIV in lions will increase screening sensitivity and will allow viral characterization among circulating isolates and monitoring of changes in the viral epidemiology within geographic regions and populations over time.

Description

Keywords

Feline immunodeficiency virus, FIVple, Panthera leo, PCR

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Adams, H, Van Vuuren, M , Kania, S, Bosman, AM, Keet, D, New, J & Kennedy, M 2010, 'Sensitivity and specificity of a nested polymerase chain reaction for detection of lentivirus infection in lions (Panthera leo)', Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, vol. 41, no. 4, pp. 608-615. [http://www.bioone.org/toc/zamd/41/4]