Molecular detection and phylogenetic relationship of wild-type strains of canine distemper virus in symptomatic dogs from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence of canine distemper virus (CDV) by evaluating the presence of viral RNA within urine samples of dogs from Uberlândia, MG, with clinical manifestations suggestive of infection by CDV by targeting the CDV N gene. Of the clinical samples collected (n=33), CDV viruria was detected in 45.5%. Five dogs died spontaneously; all had characteristic CDV-associated histopathological alterations and demonstrated CDV viruria. Statistical analyses revealed that the age, gender, breed, or the organ system of the dog affected had no influence on the occurrence of canine distemper. Myoclonus and motor incoordination were the most significant neurological manifestations observed. A direct association was observed between keratoconjunctivitis and dogs with CDV viruria. These findings suggest that CDV viruria in symptomatic dogs might not be age related, and that symptomatic dogs can demonstrate clinical manifestations attributed to CDV without viruria identified by RT-PCR. Additionally, the results of the sequence identities analysed have suggested that all Brazilian wild-type strains of CDV currently identified are closely related and probably originated from the same lineage of CDV. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analyses suggest that there are different clusters of wild-type strains of CDV circulating within urban canine populations in Brazil.Keywords: canine distemper, viruria, phylogeny, epidemiology RESUMO A presença do ácido nucleico (RNA) do vírus da cinomose canina (CDV) foi avaliada por meio da amplificação parcial do gene N pela técnica RT-PCR realizada em urina de cães provenientes de

Epizootiology of canine distemper in naturally infected dogs in Goiânia, Brazil

“…Similar to other studies (KOUTINAS et al, 2002;SILVA et al, 2009;HEADLEY et al, 2012;HEADLEY et al, 2015;MARTINS et al, 2020), we reported motor deficits and myoclonus as the most frequent clinical manifestations. Motor deficits are nonspecific signs that involve different neuroanatomical components.…”

“…Many of these dogs are unvaccinated and roam freely in urban and rural areas, coming in direct contact with other dogs and wild animals that are prone to being viral reservoirs. As a result, they get infected, develop the disease, and transmit the virus to other domestic and wild animals (HEADLEY et al, 2012;HEADLEY et al, 2015).…”

“…The most frequently observed ES were hyporexia or anorexia, nasal or ocular secretions, and dehydration. However, these signs are nonspecific and are also observed among dogs with other isolated or concomitant diseases (HEADLEY et al, 2015;MARTINS et al, 2020). Hyperkeratosis of the foot pads and nose, the most frequent ES associated with CDV, was observed in approximately 30% of dogs.…”