Impacts of Antiretroviral Therapy on the Oral Microbiome and Periodontal Health of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Cats.

ABSTRACT: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is the domestic cat analogue of HIV infection in humans. Both viruses induce oral disease in untreated individuals, with clinical signs that include gingivitis and periodontal lesions. Oral disease manifestations in HIV patients are abated by highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), though certain oral manifestations persist despite therapy. Microorganisms associated with oral cavity opportunistic infections in patients with HIV cause similar pathologies in cats. To further develop this model, we evaluated characteristics of feline oral health and the oral microbiome during experimental FIV infection over an 8-month period following cART. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we evaluated gingival bacterial communities at four timepoints in uninf

SUBMITTER: Bashor L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11861066 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature