Bone marrow stem cells are infected and there i s extensive viral multiplication in neutrophil and platelet precursors. Virus spreads to and replicates in salivary glands, respiratory epithelium, pharyngeal mucosa, cell marrow elements, the pancreas and intestinal epithelial cells. This is the most likely scenario. Mild illness such as fever, poor appetite, lethargy and swollen lymph nodes may occur 3-10 days post infection. Persistent infection .
Virus stays circulating in the blood for life.
These cats shed virus continually and are usually the source of infection for other cats. The virus inserts its DNA into some of the cat s cells. These cells may then be converted to non-functional or to cancer cells. Virus will appear in the blood and start to be shed again. Immune carrier .