Genetic and Statistical Study of Anelloviruses and Gyroviruses in Diarrheic Cats and Their Co-Occurrence Patterns

Abstract

Members of the Anelloviridae family are increasingly being recognized for their role in veterinary and public health, with domestic cats identified as potential carriers of anelloviruses and gyroviruses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of these viruses in diarrheic cats from Sivas, Türkiye. A total of 91 fecal samples were analysed, initially for feline panleukopenia virus using conventional PCR, followed by screening with our Anelloviridae panel. The results revealed that 19 (20.9%) samples were positive for TTFeV1, 32 (35.2%) for CAV, 67 (73.6%) for Avian gyrovirus 2, four (4.4%) for Gyrovirus 3, and three (3.3%) for Gyrovirus 4. Statistical analyses revealed frequent co-infections among parvoviruses, anelloviruses, and gyroviruses, with a significant association between Gyrovirus chickenanemia (CAV) and Gyrovirus galga1 (AvGyV2). Notably, Gyrovirus 4 (Gyrovirus homsa3) was identified in feline stool for the first time. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses, based on partial TATA box-ORF2 sequences for anelloviruses and VP1 sequences for gyroviruses, provided further insights into viral diversity. These findings expand current knowledge of anellovirus and gyrovirus circulation in feline populations, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance for feline and public health.