Developing New Diagnostic and Prognostic Tests for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is perhaps the most devastating infectious disease of cats. Definitive diagnosis of FIP prior to death remains a significant challenge, frustrating owners and veterinarians alike. Although some assays capable of confirming FIP exist, these tests require lengthy wait times for results and can be invasive to an already sick cat. Researchers will look at two novel ways to rapidly and easily diagnosis FIP-suspect cases as well as predict if cats may be at higher risk to develop the disease. This work will not only aid in the decision-making process for patients displaying clinical signs of FIP, but also may be transformative for understanding disease progression and pinpointing mechanisms for targeted prevention.