Feline Herpesvirus Real-time PCR test kit is to detect FHV in cats. which is rapid, accurate and easy-to-operate. Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 100%.
Basic information
Feline herpesvirus (FHV, FHV-1) is a highly contagious virus that is one of the major causes of upper respiratory infections (URIs) or cat flu in cats.This virus is ubiquitous and causes disease in cats all over the world. See also Upper respiratory infections (URIs, Cat flu) in cats. Together, FHV and feline calicivirus cause the vast majority of URIs in cats.
Key facts of the Feline Herpesvirus Real-time PCR test kit
- Ready to use kits for the vet clinic
- No extraction required
- Result in 30min.
Feline Herpesvirus Real-time PCR test kit Components
| Item # | Item | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PCR reaction solution | 120ul |
| 2 | Negative Control | 50ul |
| 3 | Positive Control | 50ul |
| 4 | Exogenous Gene Control | 50ul |
| 5 | Sample buffer | 1ml |
| 6 | Enzyme mix | 10ul |
| 7 | Kit user manual | 1set |
What is FHV and how it is spread
Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a virus that mainly causes acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats, although it has been associated with some other diseases also (see below). The virus is readily transmitted between cats through:
- Direct contact – through contact with saliva, ocular or nasal secretions
- Inhalation of sneeze droplets
- Sharing or food bowls and litter trays
- A contaminated environment (including bedding and grooming aids) – this is less important with FHV than FCV as the virus is fragile can probably only survive for 1–2 days in the environment
What are the clinical signs of FHV infection
- Acute upper respiratory infection – acute URI is the most common manifestation of FHV infection. Typical signs include conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, sneezing, nasal discharge, salivation, pharyngitis, lethargy, inappetence, fever and sometimes coughing. Signs may last from a few days to a few weeks and shedding of the virus typically continues for around 3 weeks. Clinical disease with FHV is generally more severe than that seen with FCV.
- Keratitis – although relatively uncommon, one manifestation of chronic (long-term) FHV infection that is seen in a number of cats is conjunctivitis and keratitis (infection and inflammation of the cornea – the clear part at the front of the eye). Although keratitis can have a number of different causes, FHV infection causes the development of multiple small branching corneal ulcers (called ‘dendritic keratitis’) and this is considered diagnostic of FHV infection.
- FHV-associated dermatitis – a rare manifestation of chronic (long-term) FHV infection is the development of skin inflammation and ulceration. This is most commonly seen around the nose and mouth but can affect other areas such as the front legs. This is only seen rarely.
How is FHV infection diagnosed?
In most cases, a specific diagnosis of FHV infection will not be required. The presence of typical signs of URI is enough for a presumptive diagnosis of FHV (and/or feline calicivirus – FCV) infection. If a specific diagnosis is required, ocular or oral swabs can be submitted to a veterinary laboratory where the virus can be grown in culture or, more commonly, detected by Feline Herpesvirus Real-time PCR test (a molecular technique for detecting the genetic material of the virus). Evidence of the virus may also be present in biopsies and can be useful for the diagnosis of FHV-associated dermatitis (skin infection).
Extended reading
- International cat care, Feline HerpesVirus (FHV) Infection
- WebMD Veterinary Reference from the ASPCA, Feline Herpes Symptoms and Treatment
