Phylogenetic analysis and nonsynonymous mutations in a Feline immunodeficiency virus env gene genotype A in Colombian cats

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that infects domestic cats. Genetic variability of the virus, particularly in the V3–V5 region of the envelope gene, may contribute to amino acid changes that affect viral pathogenicity and the development of eight distinct subtypes. The circulating genotype and nonsynonymous mutations in an env gene fragment were analyzed in domestic cats from Colombia. Blood samples were collected from 151 felines, and an 859‑base pair fragment of the env gene was amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis identified genotype A as the circulating genotype; however, sequences clustered into different clades within this genotype. Twelve nonsynonymous amino acid substitutions were detected, of which H86R, N88K, E41V, and K91D showed a high probability of having a deleterious impact. These findings highlight the genetic diversity within FIV genotype A and underscore the potential impact of specific nonsynonymous mutations on viral pathogenicity.