[Immunopathogenesis of virus diseases of cats and dogs].

Immunopathological reactions may determine the pathogenesis of some viral infections of cats and dogs. Three pathomechanisms may aggravate the viral disease or may ultimately cause death. Some viruses cause transient or persistent immunosuppression (Feline Immunodeficiency, Feline Leukemia, Feline Panleukopenia Virus, Canine Parvovirus-2, Canine Distemper Virus). In other viral infections cells and tissues are destroyed as a sequela of cell-mediated cytotoxicity reactions (demyelinating encephalitis in distemper). The third example of a pathogenic immune reaction is virus-induced immune complex diseases (infections with FeLV, FIPV and CAV-1).