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==Description==
==Description==
Feline panleucopenia is a viral infection of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). Feline parvovirus is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus of one serotype only, that is closely related to canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). CPV-2 is also responsible for some cases of feline panleucopenia. In order to replicate, FPV must infect dividing cells, and so tissues with a high mitotic rate undergo actue cytolysis. FPV is very stable in the environment and may survive for years on infected premises. It is also highly contagious.
Feline panleucopenia is a viral infection of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV). Feline parvovirus is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus of one serotype only, that is closely related to canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2). CPV-2 is also responsible itself for some cases of feline panleucopenia. In order to replicate, FPV must infect dividing cells, and so tissues with a high mitotic rate undergo actue cytolysis. FPV is very stable in the environment and may survive for years on infected premises. It is also highly contagious.
Feline panleucopenia takes its name from the severe depletion of leucocytes thats results from FPV infection. As well as targeting immune cells, FPV destroys the cells of the intestinal crypts causing enteritis, villous atrophy and malabsorption. ''In utero'' infection of foetuses can occur, leading to foetal death, resorption, mummification, abortion or stillbirth. In neonatal kitten the retinal cells of the eye and the granular cells of the epithelium are rapidly dividing. Infection of these by FPV causes permanent retinal dysplasia and cerebellar hypoplasia.
Feline panleucopenia takes its name from the severe depletion of leucocytes thats results from FPV infection. As well as targeting immune cells, FPV destroys the cells of the intestinal crypts causing enteritis, villous atrophy and malabsorption. ''In utero'' infection of foetuses can occur, leading to foetal death, resorption, mummification, abortion or stillbirth. In neonatal kitten the retinal cells of the eye and the granular cells of the epithelium are rapidly dividing. Infection of these by FPV causes permanent retinal dysplasia and cerebellar hypoplasia.