Response to Vaccinations in Cats

Lappin, M. R., J. Veir, et al. (2009). "Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 11(2): 159-162.

Researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the antibody response of cats to a single inoculation of one of two modified live vaccines containing feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These pathogens commonly infect cats, and some cats at greatest risk, such as those in shelters or pet stores, may suffer severe disease, or even death. In these situations, rapid onset of immunity following vaccination is needed. The investigators sought to determine the timing of seroconversion in 10 seronegative cats following a single vaccination with either an intranasal vaccine or one given subcutaneously (both are commercially available vaccines). This study had limitations, in that the number of cats tested were small, and protection was evaluated by antibody levels only. In addition, the cats tested were adults not kittens; thus, the ability to break through maternal immunity could not be evaluated. Nevertheless, results were informative. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers indicating two vaccinations are required for adequate protection. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were given the intranasal versus the injectable vaccine. However, for FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert earlier than cats that were administered the injectable vaccine. These results suggest that the FVRCP vaccine administered IN should be considered in populations of FCV naive cats with high risk of exposure. [MK]
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Related articles:
Lappin, M. R., R. W. Sebring, et al. (2006). "Effects of a single dose of an intranasal feline herpesvirus 1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccine on clinical signs and virus shedding after challenge with virulent feline herpesvirus 1." J Feline Med Surg 8(3): 158-63.
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Lappin, M. R., J. Andrews, et al. (2002). "Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, and feline parvovirus infection in cats." J Am Vet Med Assoc 220(1): 38-42.
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Fecal Parvovirus Testing in Cats

Neuerer, F. F., K. Horlacher, et al. (2008). "Comparison of different in-house test systems to detect parvovirus in faeces of cats." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 247-251.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a common infection of domestic cats. The disease is highly contagious and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. The virus is highly resistant and can survive up to 1 year in infected organic material. Clinical signs in cats are variable and leukopenia is not always present at the time of presentation. In-house tests for the detection of fecal canine parvovirus and/or FPV antigen for use in veterinary practice have become available. The close structural and antigenic relation of FPV and canine parvoviruses offers the possibility to test cats for FPV with the same test kit used for dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of 5 commercial tests and to assess their sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. In total, 200 fecal samples from randomly selected healthy cats (148) and cats with diarrhea (52) were tested and compared with the results of examination by electron microscopy. Ten cats were positive for FPV and all of these had diarrhea. All tests were suitable to screen cats for fecal parvovirus excretion. In-house parvovirus tests may be positive up to 2 weeks after vaccination, and therefore, in recently vaccinated cats positive results do not necessarily mean infection.
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Related articles:
Patterson, E. V., M. J. Reese, et al. (2007). "Effect of vaccination on parvovirus antigen testing in kittens." J Am Vet Med Assoc 230(3): 359-63.
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More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library