Predominance of canine parvovirus (CPV) in unvaccinated cat populations and emergence of new antigenic types of CPVs in cats

Serological, sequence, and in vitro host range analyses of feline parvoviru s (FPV) isolates in Vietnam and Taiwan revealed that more than 80% of the i solates were of the canine parvovirus (CPV) type, rather than feline panleu kopenia virus (FPLV). Although parvovirus isolates from three Vietnamese le opard cats were genetically related to CPV type 2a or 2b, they had a natura l mutation of VP2 residue 300 Gly to an Asp, resulting in remarkable change s in their antigenic properties. These results indicated the possibility th at CPV-2a/2b-type viruses can spread in cats more efficiently than conventi onal FPLV under natural conditions and that CPV-2a/2b Viruses are further e volving in cats. (C) 2000 Academic Press.