Feline leukaemia virus QPCR
The Molecular Diagnostic Unit run the UK’s only QPCR test for the detection of FeLV DNA (provirus). We have shown that the test not only reliably detects positive cats identified using ELISA and virus isolation, but also identifies FeLV DNA in cats that test negative by other methods. The QPCR allows, for the first time, quantification of the amount of FeLV DNA in the blood of your patients. High levels of FeLV DNA are consistently found in viraemic cats which test positive by ELISA and virus isolation. However, the test can also identify the presence of lower levels of FeLV DNA in cats that are negative by other methods. These cats may have latent infection. The turnaround time for FeLV QPCR results is also considerably quicker than for virus isolation.
The sample required for the FeLV QPCR is 0.5 ml of EDTA anticoagulated blood. The QPCR can also be run on bone marrow aspirate samples (up to 0.5 ml collected into an EDTA tube) when FeLV latency is suspected in the bone marrow. Test results will always be reviewed by a veterinary surgeon at Langford Veterinary Services who can give further guidance on their interpretation. Additionally, each FeLV QPCR includes an internal amplification control to ensure that a valid diagnostic result is produced for every submitted sample.
The Molecular Diagnostic Unit recommendations for FeLV testing: ELISA testing for p27 antigen in the blood is still a good valid screening test for FeLV infection. However, the increased sensitivity of the new FeLV QPCR test can allow the veterinary surgeon to detect FeLV DNA in the blood of cats that are negative on ELISA. This is likely to be of particular importance in those cats in which the veterinary surgeon is highly suspicious of FeLV-related disease.
For more information about this assay please see our publications