Serological and Nucleocapsid Gene Based Molecular Characterization of Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) Isolated from Dogs of Southern Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: The present study was undertaken to diagnose and characterize canine distemper virus (CDV) isolated from dogs of southern Gujarat, India. CDV is lethal disease of canines and felines. Total of 40 different samples were collected from 18 suspected stray dogs having different clinical signs which were processed for diagnosis and characterization of CDV.Methods: All samples were processed by employing different methods like, Immunochromatography based lateral flow test (LFA), IgG based indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA), one step RT-PCR, nested one step RT-PCR and virus isolation in MDCK cell line. Restriction endonuclease (RE) analysis was used to characterize CDV Nucleocapsid (N) gene. Conclusion: Only 04 samples (02 nasal and 02 ocular swabs) of 02 dogs found positive for LFA, while 14 serum samples out of 17 samples of 18 dogs found positive for IgG antibody. As all dogs were unvaccinated, serum samples found positive in IgG based ELISA considered for confirmative positive for CDV infection. Whereas 13 samples of 10 dogs found positive for one step RT-PCR and nested one step RT-PCR. In RE digestion, characteristic two bands were found. All representative CDV positive samples of 10 dogs showed characteristic cytopathic effect in MDCK cell line. On age group wise percent positivity was found 71.42 % (05/07) in 0 - ≤6 months, while 77.77% (07/09) in 6- ≤12 months of age group, whereas, both samples were found positive in 12 months and above group. Overall 77.77% (14/18) dogs found positive for CDV infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on study of CDV infection in dogs from Gujarat state, India.

Review on important diseases of Dogs: At glance

“…Canine Distemper virus (CDV) is a deadly virus that infects dogs, foxes, wolves, lions, and tigers (Desai et al, 2021) [10] . CDV is classified as a member of the genus Morbillivirus, subfamily Paramyxovirinae, family Paramyxoviridae, and order Mononegavirales.…”

“…Important dog diseases like, Rabies, Canine Parvoviral gastroenteritis, Canine Distemper, Canine Coronaviral infection, Canine Rotavirus infection, Canine Herpesvirus infection, Canine Leptospirosis, Canine Brucellosis, Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT), Kennel cough, Pyoderma are presented in India. However, pet-dog get vaccination shot every year (Desai et al, 2021) [10] otherwise it could have the worst situation in India for the pet owner. Even though many of these diseases that are under vaccine coverage, every year millions of dogs get infected by those diseases.…”

A Preliminary Study for Determination of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte, Monocyte to Lymphocyte and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratios in Dogs with Canine Distemper Virus Infection

“…Such a test helps in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with CDV infections to other animals (Dong et al, 2008). Therefore, early diagnosis such lateral flow assays are much important at field level (Desai et al, 2021). On the other hand, false negative results can be obtained in rapid test kits due to insufficient samples or other factors.…”

“…On the other hand, false negative results can be obtained in rapid test kits due to insufficient samples or other factors. Molecular based techniques like Reverse transcriptase PCR can be used for the confirmatory diagnosis of CDV infections (Kim et al, 2001;Desai et al, 2021), but it requires costly machine, skills, and longer period (Desai et al, 2021). Although PCR is the most accurate and precise technique, it has disadvantages in terms of qualified personnel, cost, and time.…”

“…Although PCR is the most accurate and precise technique, it has disadvantages in terms of qualified personnel, cost, and time. Point of care-based diagnostic aids like lateral flow assay are much important at field level for early diagnosis (Desai et al, 2021). Since early detection of CDV would allow appropriate treatment quickly.…”