Analyzing Mutations in the Virus that Causes Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is fatal to domestic cats and is especially devastating to young cats in catteries or shelters. The disease is difficult to diagnose, and there are currently no effective treatments. Researchers will identify mutations in the FIP virus and determine how these mutations help the virus invade critical cells of the immune system, thus allowing it to spread throughout the cat's body. Identification of mutations is a critical step toward the development of a diagnostic test and preventive drugs for FIP.