[Retrovirus infections of the cat: feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). A review from the clinical viewpoint].

Diseases caused by FeLV are very variable. They can be classified in FeLV associated, proliferative and neoplastic signs. Moreover there are other nonspecific diseases and clinically inapparent infections. FeLV as well as FIV may cause immunodeficiency syndromes; this is the main problem in FIV infections. In contrast to humans FIV does not induce specific secondary diseases. Positive diagnostic results obtained by use of commercial test kits must be verified by other methods. Methods of treatment and their problems are discussed.