Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 21
The Dreaded Viruses
Viruses are microorganisms that are composed of protein chains (DNA
or RNA). They are considered living organisms, although they cannot
reproduce unless they attach themselves to other living cells.They cause
infection but they do not respond to antibiotics, because antibiotics
only fight bacterial infections. Most viruses are species-specific, which
means cat viruses affect cats and human viruses affect humans.
Viruses mutate and change, which is why people are subject to so
many flu “bugs.” There are numerous viruses that affect cats, but some
are more dangerous than others.Viruses are destroyed in the body by
the host animal's immune system, but some viruses hide out and can-
not be totally removed. Some viruses can be fought through vaccina-
tion, which stimulates an animal's immune system to fight the infection.
FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a serious virus in cats because at this
time it has no cure. Unlike some of the other deadly viruses that affect
cats, there are reliable screening tests for FeLV.This makes it possible to
identify sick cats and healthy cats who are carrying the virus.
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