Real-Time RT-PCR for Detection of Feline Coronavirus

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. FCoV consists of two different types: the ubiquitous enteric biotype, feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), and the virulent biotype, feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Compared with FECV, which is more commonly associated with a benign or mild enteric infection, FIPV causes a pathogenic disease presentation of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Genetic markers between FECV and FIPV have not been fully understood. Molecular real-time RT-PCR testing can be used to assist in the diagnosis of FIP together with clinical signs and pathological lesions. In this chapter, a real-time RT-PCR method is described to detect FCoV by targeting the conserved 3′ untranslated region.