Files and links (1)
CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Successful in vitro propagation of feline coronavirus from clinically diagnosed feline infectious peritonitis cases using Vero cells: A potential model for future research
Veterinary record open, Vol.13(1), e70030
2026
PMID: 41768821
Abstract
Background
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) causes inapparent to progressive fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in domestic and wild cats, which affects multiple-organ systems.
Methods
We investigated three clinically sick cats using different laboratory and molecular tests to diagnose and confirm FCoV and propagate the virus in Vero cell culture.
Results
All the cats exhibited effusive FIP with multiple clinical signs. The haematology profiles revealed lymphopenia in all cases and leukopenia, neutropenia and regenerative left shift in one case. Serum biochemistry showed elevated creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, hyperbilirubinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia in all the cases. Urinalysis revealed bilirubinuria in two cases and marked proteinuria in another. All effused samples showed a positive Rivalta test, and the cytology showed a mixed pyogranulomatous inflammatory exudate. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed that all the cats were infected with FCoV. The specific gene sequencing of three isolates clustered in the same clade of the phylogenetic tree, suggesting a closely related genotype associated with FIP in cats. Feline coronavirus induced cytopathic effects (CPEs) in Vero cells, first appearing on day 5 post-infection (pi) in the primary passage. In the second passage, more distinct CPEs, including cell rounding, shrinkage, detachment and death, were evident from day 2 pi. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed active viral replication, with significantly decreasing Ct values across passages.
Conclusions and clinical importance
The adaptation and propagation of FCoV in a non-feline cell line provide promising opportunities for future studies, including generating sufficient viral RNA for sequencing, evaluating antiviral resistance, and establishing a practical in vitro system for drug screening and vaccine development.
Details
- Title
- Successful in vitro propagation of feline coronavirus from clinically diagnosed feline infectious peritonitis cases using Vero cells: A potential model for future research
- Authors/Creators
- Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana - Murdoch UniversityMahfuza Akther - Murdoch UniversitySusan Beetson - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary MedicineSubir Sarker - James Cook UniversityGabriele Rossi - Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and HealthJasim M. Uddin - Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health
- Publication Details
- Veterinary record open, Vol.13(1), e70030
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.
- Number of pages
- 9
- Identifiers
- 991005869305407891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Harry Butler Institute; School of Veterinary Medicine; Centre for Animal Production and Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
2 Record Views