Feline immunodeficiency virus in puma, bobcats and domestic cats
Most members of the Felidae family habor their own species-specific subtype of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Due to a long history of host-pathogen co-evolution, FIV is nonpathogenic in most large cats species. Because FIV evolves relatively rapidly and persists as a lifelong infection with causing clinical symptoms in puma (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), the virus can be assessed as a marker of contact between populations or individuals, providing a means to assess host connectivity and population dynamics in these widely-ranging, elusive carnivores. In collaboration with the Sue VandeWoude Research Group at Colorado State University, we aim to investigate the ecology of various cat species through genetic and genomic characterization of FIV and other lentiviruses.
Most members of the Felidae family habor their own species-specific subtype of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Due to a long history of host-pathogen co-evolution, FIV is nonpathogenic in most large cats species. Because FIV evolves relatively rapidly and persists as a lifelong infection with causing clinical symptoms in puma (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), the virus can be assessed as a marker of contact between populations or individuals, providing a means to assess host connectivity and population dynamics in these widely-ranging, elusive carnivores. In collaboration with the Sue VandeWoude Research Group at Colorado State University, we aim to investigate the ecology of various cat species through genetic and genomic characterization of FIV and other lentiviruses.
