Sam Taylor, BVetMed (Hons), CertSAM, MANZCVS, DipECVIM-CA, FRCVS and Emi Barker BSc (Hons), BVSc (Hons), PhD, DipECVIM-CA, MRCVS summarize ideas about the manifestations and diagnosis of this disease and represent a new era of treatment .
Emi Barker, Samantha Taylor, VetTimes Volume 51, Issue 32, Pages 16-19 | August 31, 2021
Original article: Feline infectious peritonitis: hope on the horizon for cats
FIP is caused by virulent mutations in feline coronavirus (FCoV), which transform it from a mild and enteric infection to a serious systemic disease.
Like other coronaviruses, FCoV is a large enveloped RNA virus - this is important when considering immune system avoidance, environmental survival, detection, treatment and prevention. FIP has a high mortality rate and, until recently, treatments were relatively ineffective.
This article summarizes current views on the manifestations and diagnosis of this disease. It also represents a new era of FIP treatment in the context of the recent availability of legal medicines in the UK.
What causes FIP?
FCoV is an alpha-coronavirus that infects domestic cats and other cats. It is from the same genus as canine enteric coronavirus and swine gastroenteritis virus. FCoV cannot infect humans and is only distantly related to SARS-CoV-2, beta-coronavirus, and pathogen COVID-19.
FCoV, as a feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) biotype, is commonly detected in faeces - especially in cats living in multi-cat households. The infection typically spreads via the fecal-oral route when kittens or young cats are in contact with excreting cats. The chances of survival of this enveloped virus in the environment are generally poor unless the virus is trapped in feces and is sensitive to most disinfectants.
In some cats, and at some point after the initial infection - between viral replication in enterocytes and efficient replication in macrophages and monocytes - the less virulent FECV mutates into a virulent form associated with FIP - that is, the FIP virus biotype (FIPV). Certain mutations associated with this transition have been found in the spike protein gene, although none of them are yet pathognomonic for FIP.
The high frequency of genomic mutations - a hallmark of RNA viruses - can also facilitate the avoidance of the host immune response and drive tissue tropism, leading to various manifestations of the disease. Natural direct transmission of FIPV between cats is considered rare, and it is generally believed that FIPV - and subsequently FIP - results from a new mutation in the FCoV of an individually infected cat.
One of the many complexities of FCoV and FIP is that the infection manifests itself in many different ways depending on viral factors such as strain and dose, but also on the cat's immune response and genetic factors.
A strong cell-mediated immune (CMI) response to FCoV appears to provide protection against FIP. In contrast, cats with a predominantly antibody-mediated response with a weak CMI response typically succumb to the effusive "wet" form of the disease due to immune-mediated vasculitis, while cats with moderate CMI develop tissue granulomas typical of the non-fusive "dry" form of FIP.
It is important to keep in mind that the effusive and non-fusive forms of FIP can significantly overlap, leading to a wide range of symptoms; short episodes of the effusive form of FIP may occur rather than the predominantly non-fusive form, and conversely, effusions may form in the terminal stages of the non-fusive form of FIP. In addition, many exuded cats have tissue granulomas.
Clinical signs
Classic presentation of a young cat with protein-rich ascites (Figure 1) may offer easier diagnostics; however, other cats may be more of a diagnostic challenge. Common non-specific symptoms include lethargy, anorexia and weight loss.
Affected cats may be febrile with a moderate fever, typically less than 40 ° C, which often fluctuates and responds poorly to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or antimicrobials, and jaundice, if present, is usually mild (Figure 2).
High protein viscous effusions are formed in approximately 80% cats with FIP - most (approximately 85%) involve the abdominal cavity, while fewer cases show thoracic effusion (approximately 20%).
Pericardial effusions are occasionally observed, although rarely causing tamponade, and very rarely, scrotal effusions occur in uncastrated cats.
Pyogranulomatous lesions can occur in any tissue, and while they commonly involve the abdominal organs (e.g., mesenteric lymph nodes and kidneys), the disease may be limited to other organs such as the eyes, brain, or spinal cord.
Ocular symptoms include uveitis, ceramic clots, hypopyon, hyphaemia (Figure 3) and retinitis. Neurological symptoms include ataxia, seizures, nystagmus, hyperesthesia, and behavioral / mental changes.
Diagnosis
Although one abnormality does not in itself determine the diagnosis of FIP, nor does their absence rule out the diagnosis, the veterinarian may base the suspicion on FIP with the following findings, bearing in mind signaling, clinical picture, clinical pathology, and imaging results if no alternative diagnosis is present. , more likely explanation:
- Clinical examination - may reveal fever, jaundice, abdominal distension (ascites; organomegaly), chorioretinitis, ataxia, cranial nerve deficits.
- Blood analysis - lymphopenia, non-regenerative anemia, microcytosis, neutrophilia, hyperglobulinemia, low albumin / globulin ratio (A: G; classically less than 0.4), hyperbilirubinemia, high α-1 acid glycoprotein (often markedly elevated, more than 1.5 mg / ml).
- Diagnostic imaging - effusions, abdominal lesions, CNS abnormalities consistent with meningeal thickening and / or obstructive hydrocephalus (Figure 4).
- Efusion analysis - non-aseptic pyogranulomatous inflammation with a relatively low cell number (total number of nuclear cells higher than 5 × 109/ l; neutrophils and macrophages) with high protein concentrations (often higher than 35 g / l) and low A: G (Figure 5).
- Molecular diagnostics - positive results of FCoV RNA RT-PCR in fluids (eg effusions, aqueous humor, CSF; Note: false positive and negative results are possible in whole blood) or aspirates with a thin needle (FNA) of the affected organ (eg kidneys, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes); the higher the viral load, the more evidence of FIP. Note: RT-PCR cannot confirm the diagnosis of FIP.
High levels of FCoV antibodies indicate only previous FCoV infection and do not indicate a diagnosis of FIP
The definitive diagnosis of FIP is confirmed by positive immunohistochemical staining for coronavirus antigen in macrophages associated with pathological changes in FIP in formalin-fixed tissue samples. However, sampling for histopathology and immunohistochemical staining requires invasive procedures, which may be contraindicated in a sick cat.
Alternatively, the presence of antigen-positive coronavirus cells in cytological specimens (effusion, aqueous humor, cytospin CSF preparations or FNA from any abnormal organs - such as mesenteric lymph node) showing pyogranulomatous changes is very helpful in diagnosis and allows less invasive specimen acquisition.
Some researchers have used cell pellets prepared from centrifuged effusion samples to improve the sensitivity of immunohistochemical staining (Tasker et al, 2021).
However, it is important to diagnose FIP as reliably as possible before treatment, as there are many other differential diagnoses for these clinical symptoms - including neoplasia (especially lymphoma), other infectious diseases (pyothorax, toxoplasmosis, mycobacteriosis, fungal infections)) and primary immune-mediated disease (idiopathic disease). , uveitis, lymphocyte cholangitis). On the Figure 6 is a graph indicating possible diagnostic pathways.
Minimally invasive sampling may include abdominal or thoracic effusions and FNA abnormal organs.
More detailed diagnostic flowcharts for the diagnosis of FIP are available on the website of the European Advisory Committee on Feline Diseases (www.abcdcatsvets.org/feline-infectious-peritonitis).
FIP treatment with antiviral drugs
In recent years, publications have focused on antiviral drugs (GS-441524, a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral RNA polymerase, and GC376, a viral protease inhibitor) with the potential to cure experimentally induced cats (Kim et al, 2016; Murphy et al, 2018) and naturally obtained (Pedersen et al, 2018; 2019; Dickinson et al, 2020) FIP.
Unfortunately, until recently (see below), legal formulations of these drugs were not commercially available, although some owners obtained and administered illegal formulations to their cats of unknown origin and at great expense.
Remdesivir, a prodrug of GS-441524, is an antiviral drug with a broad spectrum of activity against RNA viruses. It was originally developed to treat hepatitis C virus and Ebola virus in humans. Its development was then significantly accelerated due to the worldwide treatment of SARS-CoV-2.
In Australia, remdesivir has been legally available to veterinarians for several months as a "special" formulation that allows veterinarians to gain experience with this drug in the treatment of cats and kittens with FIP, where it has shown promising results. Unlike GS-441524, remdesivir has low oral bioavailability and is administered by intravenous infusion to human patients.
In the UK, remdesivir is legally available through Gilead Sciences, a patent-pending company that manufactures a medicinal product for human use. The currently available formulation is Veklury, a powder for reconstitution with water for solutions for injection to a final remdesivir concentration of 5 mg / ml. After reconstitution, it should be cooled and consumed within 24 hours.
In cats, SC is usually administered unofficially, although some cats may benefit from initial IV administration. From August 2021, remdesivir will also be available from specialty drug manufacturers as a veterinary ál special ’(Figure 7) in the United Kingdom. The reformulated remdesivir will be supplied in vials containing 100 mg remdesivir, at a concentration of 10 mg / ml, allowing for smaller injection volumes, with a shelf life of at least three months when properly stored.
The experience of our colleagues from Australia (Malik, personal communication) allows us to design benefits according to the above plan. The authors emphasize the need to diagnose FIP before using this drug to ensure its proper use, while acknowledging that the diagnosis of FIP can be anticipated due to clinical or financial diagnostic limitations.
Costs, prolonged nature of the treatment cycle (recommended at least 12 weeks), potential discomfort with SC injections and risk of relapse should be discussed with cat owners before initiating therapy.
Owners may be instructed to give daily injections to their cat, but must be thoroughly trained to avoid unintentional self-administration, incorrect technique that may harm the cat, and to minimize the risk of the cat reacting to injections leading to bite or scratch injuries. This healing process requires committed owners and is an emotional as well as a significant financial commitment.
Depending on the clinical condition of the cat, supportive therapy is still needed (eg IV or SC fluids, antiemetic stimulation and appetite, analgesia, tube nutritional support, sepsis antimicrobials). Cats with uveitis may require topical treatment with corticosteroids and cats with neurological symptoms may need anti-seizure medication.
Although systemic use of corticosteroids is not generally recommended concomitantly with the use of antivirals, short-term administration of corticosteroids may be considered in cats with a strong suspicion of secondary immune-mediated disease due to FIP (eg immune-mediated haemolytic anemia).
The success rate of treatment is high - 80% to 95% (Malik, personal communication; Figure 8) - and therefore we have reason to be optimistic when discussing treatment with clients, even though we are aware of the commitment and the associated costs and potential for relapse.
Increasing the success of treatment
The treatment is long and remdesivir can be painful when injected. Once opened, the medicine should be stored in the refrigerator and should be warmed to room temperature before injection. Needle size can affect discomfort; for some patients, a faster injection of a larger diameter "green" needle (21G) may be more advantageous, while a smaller diameter orange "orange" (25G) needle may be more advantageous. A new needle should be used for each injection.
Some cats will need to go to the clinic every day for an injection. Gabapentin or trazodone (both 50 mg to 100 mg orally per cat), given two hours before the deadline to reduce anxiety and pain, may benefit some cats. Other cats may need a dose of buprenorphine (0.02 mg / kg to 0.03 mg / kg transmucosally or IM in a clinic before treatment).
To reduce discomfort, the injection site can be trimmed and EMLA topical anesthetic cream applied 45 to 60 minutes before injection. Injection tolerance appears to vary between cats.
Remdesivir in the treatment of FIP
Dosage
- FIP s exudates (ie ascites and / or pleural effusion), but without any ocular or neurological impairment: 7 mg / kg until 8mg / kg once a day.
- FIP s ocular symptoms (that is, uveitis or other eye disorders, but without neurological impairment): 10 mg / kg once a day.
- FIP s neurological symptoms: 12 mg / kg until 15mg / kg once a day.
Method of administration
- Most cases: SC injection into the loose skin of the interscapular area.
- Very severe cases: 10 mg / kg may initially be given by intravenous infusion (ie diluted in 10 ml saline and given slowly over 10 to 20 minutes) to achieve a rapid antiviral effect; This can be done after three to four days of SC injection as soon as the cat starts eating and its health improves. Note: After intravenous administration, some cats may experience depression for several hours.
Duration of treatment
- Treatment of at least 84 days (ie 12 weeks) should be considered. This time is based on a clinical study with GS-441524 and the unofficial use of remdesivir to minimize the likelihood of FIP relapse.
- After 84 days, treatment should only be discontinued if the patient is clinically OK and abnormal laboratory parameters have returned to normal.
- If the response to treatment is only partial or unsatisfactory, a prolongation of treatment may be necessary.
Monitoring
- In the first days, closely monitor for clinical signs:
- Improvement should be rapid, within a few days, with weight gain and improved clinical signs.
- Consider verifying the diagnosis if no improvement is seen (with regard to the following symptoms):
• Efusion (especially pleural) may worsen for one to two days at the start of treatment and may require therapeutic thoracocentesis or abdominocentesis. This appears to occur most frequently after IV treatment. Consider ultrasound monitoring once or twice daily.
• Neurological symptoms may initially appear or worsen in the first days of treatment. This may include the development of seizures that may require medical attention (eg levetiracetam 20 mg / kg to 30 mg / kg every eight hours). - The weight should be checked regularly and the doses adjusted accordingly.
- Monitor PCV, total proteins (albumin and globulin), bilirubin and other abnormal parameters until they return to normal. The frequency of monitoring varies between veterinarians; a monthly assessment of biochemistry and hematology is usually performed, but should be adapted to the client's finances and the cat's response and behavior.
- Serum globulins may increase initially, but any hyperglobulinemia usually resolves by week 12.
- Remdesivir is reported to cause reno / hepatotoxicity in humans, but these have only been observed at higher doses by our Australian colleagues, who resigned when the dose was reduced. * Higher doses may be required depending on the response. Using lower doses to reduce costs may increase the likelihood of treatment failure. Please note that these dosing recommendations may change depending on the growing amount of data and clinical experience of veterinarians using this medicine. It is recommended to consult an expert in cats or internal medicine to discuss the individual case and the appropriate dosage.
Further treatment
The researchers are looking at the beneficial effects of immunostimulants and / or other antiviral medicines, such as interferons or mefloquine, once remdesivir treatment is stopped or if the injections are considered too painful. Most studies published to date have focused on the use of antiviral drugs alone.
Thanks
The authors would like to thank their Australian colleagues David Hughes, Rebecca Brady and Richard Malik for sharing their experiences with remedivirus treatment in cats with FIP. Thanks also to Séverine Tasker and Professor Gunn-Moore for comments on the article.
Do you need advice on FIP treatment?
Stephanie Sorrell and Danièlle Gunn-Moore of the University of Edinburgh will recruit cases to monitor the UK's response to the remdesivir, with more information coming soon.
If advice is needed in the meantime on the diagnosis and treatment of a suspected FIP case, send an e-mail to fipadvice@gmail.com
References
- Dickinson PJ, Bannasch M, Thomasy SM, Murthy VD, Vernau KM, Liepnieks M, Montgomery E, Knickelbein KE, Murphy B and Pedersen NC (2020). Antiviral treatment using the adenosine nucleoside analogue GS-441524 in cats with clinically diagnosed neurological feline infectious peritonitis, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 34(4): 1,587-1,593.
- Kim Y, Liu H, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Sahani Weerasekara S, Hua DH, WC Groutas, Chang K and Pedersen NC (2016). Reversal of the progression of fatal coronavirus infection in cats by a broad-spectrum coronavirus protease inhibitor, PLOS Pathogens 12(3): e1005531.
- Murphy BG, Perron M, Murakami E, Bauer K, Park Y, Eckstrand C, Liepnieks M and Pedersen NC (2018). The nucleoside analog GS-441524 strongly inhibits feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus in tissue culture and experimental cat infection studies, Veterinary Microbiology 219: 226-233.
- Pedersen NC, Kim Y, Liu H, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Eckstrand C, Groutas WC, Bannasch M, Meadows JM and Chang KO (2018). Efficacy of a 3C-like protease inhibitor in treating various forms of acquired feline infectious peritonitis, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20(4): 378-392.
- Pedersen NC, Perron M, Bannasch M, Montgomery E, Murakami E, Liepnieks M and Liu H (2019). Efficacy, and safety of the nucleoside analog GS-441524 for treatment of cats with naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 21(4): 271-281.
- Tasker S and members of the European Advisory Board for Cat Diseases (2021). Feline infectious peritonitis guidelines, www.abcdcatsvets.org/feline-infectious-peritonitis
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