Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a major viral pathogen in domestic dogs, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, in the Morbillivirus genus. It is present worldwide, and a wide range of domestic animals and wild carnivores are at risk. In the absence of vaccination, dogs have a low chance of survival; however, if and when a dog survives, it can take an average of a few weeks to a few months to fully wipe out the virus. In the present study, we traced the course of infection of a 1-year-old mixed-breed male dog. The animal had an unusually long course of persistent CDV infection with a vector-borne heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) co-infection. The dog excreted the CDV for 17 months with PCR positivity in urine samples collected from February 2019 through June 2020. The sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin gene revealed the CDV to be the member of the endemic Arctic-like genetic lineage. To the best of our knowledge, this report represents the longest documented canine infection of CDV. Notably, we highlight the necessity regarding CDV infectivity studies to better comprehend the transmission attributes of the virus.
Highlights
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most contagious viral agents among domestic dogs
This study presents clinical and the viral genetic aspects regarding a 17 month long persistent CDV infection in a sheltered dog which was symptomatic for a month with characteristic symptoms of acute CDV infection
The animal was quarantined at a veterinary clinic, and during this period we investigated the CDV RNA presence in the urine samples
Summary
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most contagious viral agents among domestic dogs. It poses a significant conservation threat to a wide range of endangered animal populations around the world. It threatens a wide range of domestic and wild animals and can cross species barriers [1,2]. This virus is a significant veterinary health concern in areas in which the ratio of unvaccinated dogs is high and where the virus is prevalent among wildlife. The virus is primarily transmitted among dogs via various bodily fluids, such as respiratory droplets, saliva, urine and feces, including transmission with direct contact [3]
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