Sarah Kechejian

Ms. Sarah Kechejian


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 April 2019 in Viruses
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SKSarah Kechejian
Sarah Kechejian
NDNick Dannemiller
Nick Dannemiller
SKSimona Kraberger
Simona Kraberger
CLCarmen Ledesma-Feliciano
Carmen Ledesma-Feliciano
JMJennifer Malmberg
Jennifer Malmberg
SVSue VandeWoude
Sue VandeWoude
Feline foamy virus (FFV) is a retrovirus that has been detected in multiple feline species, including domestic cats (Felis catus) and pumas (Puma concolor). FFV results in persistent infection but is generally thought to be apathogenic. Sero-prevalence in domestic cat populations has been documented in several countries, but the extent of viral infections in nondomestic felids has not been reported. In this study, we screened sera from 348 individual pumas from Colorado, Southern California and Florida for FFV exposure by assessing sero-reactivity using an FFV anti-Gag ELISA. We documented a sero-prevalence of 78.6% across all sampled subpopulations, representing 69.1% in Southern California, 77.3% in Colorado, and 83.5% in Florida. Age was a significant risk factor for FFV infection when analyzing the combined populations. This high prevalence in geographically distinct populations reveals widespread exposure of puma to FFV and suggests efficient shedding and transmission in wild populations.