MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS BY PCR IN FELINES TREATED AT A VETERINARY CLINIC

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a gammaretrovirus that can cause immunosuppression, anemia, and neoplasia in cats, with substantial morbidity and mortality. Because infected cats can remain asymptomatic and still transmit the virus, early identification and preventive management depend on reliable diagnostic testing. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of FeLV infection detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to explore potential epidemiological risk factors in domestic cats treated at a veterinary clinic (blinded for review) in Brazil. Blood samples were collected from clinically healthy cats and submitted to PCR for FeLV proviral DNA detection. Demographic and epidemiological variables (age, sex, neuter status, street access, rescue history, and contact with FeLV-positive cats) were recorded. Bivariate analyses were performed using odds ratios (OR) and Fisher’s exact test when appropriate (p