comprehensive review of feline immunodeficiency virus: clinical stages, diagnostic techniques, and management strategies

This study aims to review the literature on feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv) infection, focusing on pathogenesis, clinical stages, diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies. we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and veterinary guidelines on fiv. databases like pubmed and google scholar were searched using key terms such as feline immunodeficiency virus, fiv, diagnosis, treatment, and management. inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed studies and guidelines specifically addressing fiv in domestic cats, while non-english, non-peer-reviewed sources, and unrelated articles were excluded. relevant data on fiv pathogenesis, clinical stages, diagnostic methods, and treatment were extracted and synthesized. fiv, an rna virus from the retroviridae family, is endemic in domestic cats and some wild carnivores. it shares similarities with human hiv but is biochemically distinct. fiv consists of several subtypes and is primarily transmitted through saliva or blood during cat fights, making confinement key for prevention. adult, male, free-roaming cats are at higher risk. the virus progresses through three stages: acute (fever and viremia), chronic asymptomatic, and terminal (immunodeficiency and opportunistic infections). diagnosis typically involves elisa with confirmatory western blot or pcr. saliva testing is an option for difficult-to-handle cats. while no cure exists, management focuses on prevention and supportive care. antiretroviral therapies are limited by toxicity and efficacy, though many fiv-infected cats live normal lives. fiv presents challenges due to its progressive nature and potential for immunodeficiency. effective management relies on early diagnosis and preventive measures. continued research and better understanding of fiv may enhance management strategies and contribute to studies of similar viruses like hiv.