Feline herpesvirus type 1 infection alters the diversity of upper respiratory tract microbiota in cats.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a primary pathogen causing feline upper respiratory tract diseases (FURTD), but its impact on the upper respiratory tract microbiota remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of FHV-1 infection on the upper respiratory tract microbiota by comparing the microbial composition between FHV-1-positive group with FHV-1-negative group.

Methods

The microbial diversity in the upper respiratory tract of FHV-1-positive cats (n = 8) were analyzed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, and then this diversity was compared with that in healthy FHV-1-negative controls (n = 4).

Results

Sequencing results showed that FHV-1 infection significantly increased microbial diversity (Shannon index: 5.55 ± 0.17

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12411189 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature