Serum Protein Profile in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis in South West Nigeria

Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal immune-mediated disease caused by a mutated feline coronavirus and is characterised by distinctive serum protein disturbances that aid clinical diagnosis. This study characterised the serum protein profile in cats suspected of having feline infectious peritonitis presented to veterinary practices in Lagos and Ogun States, South West Nigeria. Thirty cats with clinical and laboratory features consistent with feline infectious peritonitis were compared with thirty healthy cats. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and the albumin-to-globulin ratio were quantified, and serum protein electrophoresis was performed using cellulose acetate medium. Effusion fluid from peritoneal or pleural cavities was tested for Rivalta reaction and protein content. Affected cats demonstrated marked hyperglobulinaemia with mean globulin concentrations of 62.4 g/L compared to 28.9 g/L in controls, accompanied by hypoalbuminaemia in twenty-two of thirty cases. Albumin-to-globulin ratios below 0.4 were recorded in twenty-seven of thirty clinical cases, consistent with published diagnostic criteria for feline infectious peritonitis. Electrophoresis revealed polyclonal gammopathy in the majority of effusive cases. Rivalta reaction was positive in all cats with effusions. This study provides locally contextualised biochemical diagnostic data for feline infectious peritonitis in South West Nigeria and reinforces the diagnostic value of the albumin-to-globulin ratio. Keywords: feline infectious peritonitis, serum proteins, albumin-to-globulin ratio, globulin, Lagos.