Seroprevalence of and risk factors for feline coronavirus infection in cats from Greece

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a highly contagious and ubiquitous virus of domestic cats and wild felids. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic disease caused by FCoV infection when spontaneous mutations of the viral genome take place. The aims of this study were primarily to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for FCoV in different populations of cats in Greece and assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 453 cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. A commercially available IFAT kit was used for the detection of FCoV IgG antibodies in serum. Overall, 55 (12.1 %) of the 453 cats were seropositive for FCoV. Based on multivariable analysis, factors associated with FCoV-seropositivity included cats adopted as strays and contact with other cats. This is the first extensive study on the epidemiology of FCoV in cats from Greece and one of the largest worldwide. Feline coronavirus infection is relatively common in Greece. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of FCoV infection, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FCoV infection in cats in Greece and assess the risk factors. Out of 453 cats, 55 (12.1%) were seropositive for FCoV. Stray cats and contact with other cats were found to be associated with FCoV seropositivity. This is the first extensive study on FCoV epidemiology in Greece and one of the largest worldwide. FCoV infection appears to be relatively common in Greece, highlighting the need for optimal strategies for its prevention.