Kenya:Cat in Nairobi diagnosed with HIV-like infection

Cat owners in Kenya’s capital Nairobi have been cautioned by pathologists at Lancet Laboratories to be vigilant after a cat was diagnosed with a virus similar to HIV.

Blood tests conducted by the pathologists indicated that the cat had Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), which according to Citizen Digital caused degradation of the immune system.

The cat was said to have exhibited gradual weight loss and lethargy when its owner took it to the vet.

According to Kenyans.co.ke, Dr Dhaval Shah, who examined the pet, said, however, that the virus could not be transmitted to humans.

“The virus spreads between cats through bites during fights, hence cat owners should be vigilant against aggressive or free-roaming cats,” he was quoted as saying.

Health sources say prolonged infection could lead to poor coat condition and persistent fever, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis).

Other complications included chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract are often present, persistent diarrhoea, various kinds of cancer and blood diseases, abortion of kittens and other reproductive failures.