Real time pcr utility, proved in thirteen feline infectious peritonitis suspicion cases

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a worldwide disease of domestic and wild cats of all ages, with the outcome almost invariably fatal. In the aetiology of FIP, different strains of Feline coronavirus (FCoV) are involved. FIP is difficult to diagnose since some clinical indications are ambiguous and comparable to those described in other feline disorders, and laboratory tests available today cannot distinguish between FIPcausing strains and feline enteric coronavirus strains. Many cats do not acquire FIP illness even when infected with recognised FIP-causing strains. The variables that cause one cat to get ill while another remain healthy are unknown. Moreover, even modern polymerase chain reaction assays (PCR) designed to identify viral genetic material are incapable of distinguishing between coronavirus strains. However, the findings of PCR testing on fluid from a suspected FIP cat's belly might help to rule in or rule out the condition. PCR testing of blood from a suspected case is less definitive in diagnosing FIP, although it might be beneficial in specific cases for the practising veterinarian. In this paper, thirteen samples were analysed using RT-PCR from the utility of the PCR technique in FIP diagnostic protocols by providing evidence of FCoV infection on assuspicion of FIP.