Data from: Molecular analysis of carnivore Protoparvovirus detected in white blood cells of naturally infected cats

Background: Cats are susceptible to feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) and
canine parvovirus (CPV) variants 2a, 2b and 2c. Detection of FPV and CPV
variants in apparently healthy cats and their persistence in white blood
cells (WBC) and other tissues when neutralising antibodies are
simultaneously present, suggest that parvovirus may persist long-term in
the tissues of cats post-infection without causing clinical signs. The aim
of this study was to screen a population of 54 cats from Sardinia (Italy)
for the presence of both FPV and CPV DNA within buffy coat samples using
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The DNA viral load, genetic diversity,
phylogeny and antibody titres against parvoviruses were investigated in
the positive cats. Results: Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 DNA was detected
in nine cats (16.7%). Viral DNA was reassembled to FPV in four cats and to
CPV (CPV-2b and 2c) in four cats; one subject showed an unusually high
genetic complexity with mixed infection involving FPV and CPV-2c.
Antibodies against parvovirus were detected in all subjects which tested
positive to DNA parvoviruses. Conclusions: The identification of FPV and
CPV DNA in the WBC of asymptomatic cats, despite the presence of specific
antibodies against parvoviruses, and the high genetic heterogeneity
detected in one sample, confirmed the relevant epidemiological role of
cats in parvovirus infection.