Feline immunodeficiency virus model to study human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome conditions

This study was designed to induce rapid progression of the feline immunodef iciency virus (FIV) infection in cats. Predictably inducing the Fly disease state in the cat would yield an excellent tool to study endodontic disease processes under immunosuppressed conditions. Eight cats were immunosuppres sed with steroids before infection with Ply. Another eight cats, age- and s ex-matched littermates, served as uninoculated seronegative controls. Compl ete blood counts were taken for 10 mo in the FIV group, and 10 wk in the co ntrol group, including lymphocyte subsets. ELISAs were used to detect FIV i nfection. Statistical analysis was performed with generalized estimating eq uation models. All cats were positive at one point in time. The Ply group h ad significantly lower peripheral blood CD4(+) counts compared with the con trol group. Therefore the Ply model presented gives the desired outcome and simulates what occurs in human immunodeficiency virus infection.