Progressive retinal atrophy / Bengal PRA-b (KIF3B-related) - Cat

Bengal progressive retinal atrophy in cats

This DNA test assesses the KIF3B variant c.1000G>A that causes Bengal progressive retinal atrophy. The disorder is also known as bPRA, PRA-b, Bengal PRA and progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited retinal disorder in which light-sensitive cells gradually lose function.

In affected cats, photoreceptor damage starts early. Night vision and orientation can be affected first; as the retina continues to degenerate, vision can become severely reduced and blindness can develop.

How to read the result

• Clear: the tested variant is not detected; the cat will not pass on this variant.
• Carrier: the cat carries one copy; for recessive PRA forms, the cat remains clear because of this variant but can pass it on.
• Affected: two copies cause this form of progressive retinal disease and provide clear breeding-risk information.

Practical value of this test

• confirms whether a cat is clear, carrier or genetically affected for this specific variant;
• identifies carriers reliably, even when they have normal vision;
• supports breeding selection, mating plans and reducing affected offspring.