FIV stands for which virus?

FIV stands for which virus?

• A. Feline leukemia virus
• B. Feline infectious peritonitis
• C. Feline lower urinary tract disease
• D. Feline immunodeficiency virus

Answer: (D)

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and this is the key idea behind recognizing the acronym. It’s a lentivirus within the Retroviridae family that infects cats and causes progressive immune system failure, making the animal more susceptible to infections and certain cancers over time. Transmission is mainly through deep bite wounds between cats, though in kittens it can occur from infected mothers. Clinically, an FIV-infected cat may show recurrent or persistent infections, weight loss, fever, and poor condition as immunity declines. Diagnosis typically relies on antibody tests to show exposure or PCR to detect viral RNA, and vaccination history can affect how antibody results are interpreted. It’s useful to distinguish this virus from others listed: one refers to Feline Leukemia Virus, another to Feline Infectious Peritonitis caused by a feline coronavirus, and the last describes a urine tract syndrome rather than a viral disease. In short, the name Feline Immunodeficiency Virus correctly identifies the virus behind FIV.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and this is the key idea behind recognizing the acronym. It’s a lentivirus within the Retroviridae family that infects cats and causes progressive immune system failure, making the animal more susceptible to infections and certain cancers over time. Transmission is mainly through deep bite wounds between cats, though in kittens it can occur from infected mothers. Clinically, an FIV-infected cat may show recurrent or persistent infections, weight loss, fever, and poor condition as immunity declines. Diagnosis typically relies on antibody tests to show exposure or PCR to detect viral RNA, and vaccination history can affect how antibody results are interpreted. It’s useful to distinguish this virus from others listed: one refers to Feline Leukemia Virus, another to Feline Infectious Peritonitis caused by a feline coronavirus, and the last describes a urine tract syndrome rather than a viral disease. In short, the name Feline Immunodeficiency Virus correctly identifies the virus behind FIV.