3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine in feline leukemia virus-infected cats: a model for therapy and prophylaxis of AIDS.

Due to similarities between human immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus, the etiological agents of acquired immunodeficiency syndromes in humans and cats, the feline system was used as a model to conduct preliminary investigations as to the efficacy of the thymidine analogue 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) as a therapeutic and preventive agent against retroviruses. In vitro evaluations of AZT cytotoxicity and its antiviral effects were conducted. Subsequently, 50 6-week-old specific pathogen free kittens were inoculated with a highly immunosuppressive strain of Richard-Feline Leukemia Virus. These cats were randomly subdivided into smaller groups with initiation of AZT treatment at variable times postinfection. All animals were periodically monitored for circulating infectious virus particles and virus-neutralizing antibodies. Their clinical condition was closely followed throughout the 6-week AZT treatment phase and for several months thereafter. The results indicate that AZT prevents retrovirus infection if administered immediately following virus exposure, and may also reduce retrovirus replication if administered to previously infected animals. Some of the treated cats developed neutralizing antibodies against the virus and became resistant to subsequent viral challenge. Future trials with this drug, both for the prevention and treatment of retroviral diseases in humans and animals, are warranted.