Detection of feline coronavirus infection in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) by polymerase chain reaction

Feline coronavirus genetic elements were detected by polymerase chain react ion from blood, fecal samples, and effusive fluid collected from 33 cheetah s in the U.S.A. Feline coronavirus-specific serum antibodies were also meas ured by indirect immunofluorescence. Ten cheetahs were positive for viral s hedding by polymerase chain reaction, whereas 13 were seropositive by immun ofluorescence, Results of serology did not consistently correlate with shed ding of virus, and the capture antigen used for detection of feline coronav irus-specific antibodies had a significant impact on results. Testing of sa mples from one population over a 1-yr period indicated chronic infection in some animals. These relatively healthy carrier animals were a source of vi rus for contact animals. Screening programs in cheetah populations for feli ne coronavirus infection may be most reliable if a combination of serologic analysis and viral detection by polymerase chain reaction is used.