Diagnóstico e tratamento da peritonite infecciosa felina: Revisão de literatura.

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic infectious disease that has a high mortality rate. Its etiologic agent is the feline infectious peritonitis virus (IFPV) caused by the mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which occurs during replication in the gastrointestinal tract of the organism. Thus, the virus acquires the ability to enter the bloodstream, making intense replication in one of the defense cells known as macrophages. As a consequence, there is the development of the systemic form of the disease that is considered serious. FIP is a widespread disease in several countries, which has no sexual predisposition, but has racial preference. This disease can also present two forms: the effusive form, also known as wet and the non-effusive form, also known as dry. Clinical signs are usually nonspecific and may vary according to the form of the disease. The most common clinical manifestations are persistent fever, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea and dehydration. In the effusive form, peritoneal and/or pleural effusion, abdominal distension, dyspnea and jaundice can be found. In the non-effusive form, granulomas, uveitis, convulsions and behavioral changes may be observed. Its diagnosis is still a challenge because it does not have a specific test, so it is necessary to correlate anamnesis, clinical signs and complementary exams to obtain a diagnosis. The indicated treatment is supportive, with the possibility of immunomodulation and immunosuppression. Currently, there is a new possibility of treatment with the GS-441524 molecule that has been showing effectiveness in restoring the health of patients infected with virus. Thus, the present work aims to review updates on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to FIP.