A detailed phylogenetic analysis of FIV in the United States.
BACKGROUND
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus associated with AIDS-like illnesses in cats and has been used as a model for the study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A feature of HIV and FIV infection is the continually increasing divergence among viral isolates between different individuals, as well as within the same individuals.


RESULTS
The goal of this study was to determine the phylogenetic patterns of viral isolates obtained within the United States (U.S.) by focusing on the variable, V3-V4, region of the FIV envelope gene.


CONCLUSIONS
Data indicate that FIV, from within the U.S., localize to four viral clades, A, B, C, and F. Also shown is the geographic isolation of strains where clade A and clade B are found predominately on the west coast; however, clade B is also found throughout the U.S. and represents the predominant clade. This study presents a complete and conclusive analysis of FIV isolates from within the U.S. and may be used as the essential basis for the development of an effective multi-clade vaccine.
Weaver
Eric A
EA
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America. weaver.eric@mayo.edu
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation; D016089:Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D014481:United States; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins