Epidemiological-molecular analysis of feline leukemia virus (FELV) infection in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco, Northeast, Brazil
Genetic sequencing; Epidemiology; PCR; shelter cats; Prevalence.
The objective of this project was to carry out an epidemiological-molecular study on Feline Viral Leukemia (FeLV) in cat shelters in the Metropolitan Region of Recife - PE (RMR). Total blood was collected from 214 cats, an epidemiological questionnaire was carried out to identify risk factors and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to identify the proviral DNA. PCR-positive samples were submitted to genomic sequencing for phylogenetic analysis and identification of circulating subgroups in RMR-PE. In addition, an online questionnaire was carried out for knowledge about the perception of cat owners in Brazil to understand the level of information about feline vaccination.