Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Online ISSN : 1347-7439
Print ISSN : 0916-7250
ISSN-L : 0916-7250
Pathology
Distribution of domestic cat hepatitis B virus in cholangiocarcinoma and non-neoplastic liver tissue
Haruka DOSAKA, Nanami X KATO, Kei TAGA, Soshin YAMAMOTO, Kaito KONDO, Rissar Siringo RINGO, Yasuyuki KANEKO, Takuya HIRAI, Akatsuki SAITO, Naoyuki FUKE
Author information
JOURNAL OPEN ACCESS
Supplementary material

2026 Volume 88 Issue 3 Pages 458-462

Details
Abstract

Domestic cat hepatitis B virus (DCHBV), shares similarities with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is associated with liver disease. We report the first case of cholangiocarcinoma in a 17-year-old spayed female cat infected with DCHBV and positive for feline immunodeficiency virus. The patient presented with vomiting, anorexia, and an elevated globulin level. Ultrasonography revealed multiple hypoechoic hepatic lesions, and histopathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor exhibited CK7 positivity and HepPar-1 negativity, confirming biliary origin. Quantitative PCR detected DCHBV in the spleen and ascitic fluid, while immunohistochemistry and RNA in situ hybridization revealed viral antigen and mRNA in both tumor and non-tumor liver. The presence of a viral antigen and mRNA in neoplastic tissue suggests a potential role for DCHBV in hepatobiliary carcinogenesis.

Content from these authors
© 2026 by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons [Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International] license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top