Epidemiology of domestic cat hepadnavirus, feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in Santiago, Chile

Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is an emerging hepatitis-B like virus linked to feline liver disease in some studies. Global DCH molecular prevalence varies widely from 1% to 18% and retrovirus coinfection is a risk factor. DCH DNA detection is not yet reported in South America. This study investigated the epidemiology of DCH, FeLV and FIV in cats in Santiago, Chile. Residual diagnostic paired serum/blood samples were stored at –80°C. The age, sex, breed, health status, outdoor access and origin of cats were recorded. The integrity of extracted DNA was confirmed using glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase cPCR. Results of DCH cPCR, retrovirus serology and FeLV qPCR were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test. The study population (n=126) comprised predominantly outbred (98%), desexed (96%) cats, with a median age of 7 years (range 1–21) and female: male ratio 1.21:1. Of the cats, 2/126 (1.59%) tested DCH positive, confirmed on sequencing; 10/126 (7.9%) tested retrovirus positive; 4/126 (3.2%) were FIV antibody positive; and 8/126 (6.3%) were FeLV infected (p27 and qPCR), including 2/126 (1.59%) dual FIV/FeLV infections. No DCH/retrovirus coinfections were identified. Of 12 cats positive for any virus, 11 were male. The risk of retrovirus infection was higher in males than females (P = 0.005). DCH is circulating among cats in Chile with a low molecular frequency compared with Italy and Asia. Measures to control the spread of FeLV and FIV are indicated in this population.