The most common clinical signs of FIV infection include: Oral cavity disease such as severe gingivitis or periodontitis, Upper respiratory distress, Gastrointestinal and skin disease.

Historically, diagnosis of FIV infection has been based on history, clinical signs, and detection of specific serum antibodies directed against the FIV virus using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For equivocal results, veterinary diagnostic laboratories can confirm the presence of specific antibodies against FIV antigens by Western Blot analysis. A "positive" result demonstrates the presence of FIV antibody in the test serum and indicates that the cat is infected with FIV. Young kittens may test "false positive" for 12-16 weeks after birth, due to passive transfer of antibodies.

A "negative" result indicates that antibodies against FIV antigen have not been detected in the test serum. Currently, an FIV (killed whole virus) vaccine is available to veterinary practitioners. Because specific antibodies against FIV antigen are produced in response to vaccination, tests (ELISA, Western Blot) that rely on antibody detection as a means of identifying FIV infection are no longer valid in vaccinated animals.

VITA-TECH offers a DNA-based assay for the identification of FIV-infected cats.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to amplify unique proviral DNA in circulating lymphocytes. This DNA-PCR is capable of detecting less than 10 viral particles. To date, no cross-reactivity with other feline viruses has been demonstrated. Although field strains of FIV do exhibit significant genetic variability, the DNA-PCR test compares favorably with the FIV-ELISA and "Gold Standard" Western Blot assay.

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