(www.neomundo.com.ar_–_Agencia_CyTA_–_Instituto_Leloir). A study published in the scientific journal Virus Research dongles on a high presence in the Argentina of a variant of the canine Parvovirus that causes a disease in puppies of up to approximately 6 months of age, causing gastroenteritis haemorrhagic.
The authors of the study – the Animal Virology, Institute of science and technology centre “Dr. Cesar Milstein” of CONICET and the Foundation studies in Animal Virology – analysed 79 stool samples of which 55 were infected with the virus.
“In 91% of the samples detected virus corresponded to ECA CPV2c.” Parvovirus evolves continually; the first strain, described in the Decade of the 1970s, called CPV-2 (currently present in commercial vaccines). Later appeared chronologically CPV-2b and CPV-2a variants in the 1980s. The latest variant (CPV-2 c), described for the first time in Italy in 2001, it was detected in our country, after an outbreak in Bahia Blanca in 2009, detecting then in the rest of the country. However, subsequent analysis of samples showed that that alternative had been present in Argentina, from the 2003 “, said Dr. Marina Rooster Calderón, CONICET researcher who carried out the study under the direction of Dr. José La Torre, director of the Institute of science and technology César Milstein.
ATYPICAL table
The difference in clinical level between ECA CPV2c (identified by the authors of the study) and other variants, is that it can produce an atypical clinical picture which includes not bloody discharge diarrhoea and resembles a liver disease or kidney.
“These clinical manifestations can mislead the veterinary clinical, making difficult their diagnosis”, emphasized the researchers. And added that the molecular diagnosis (PCR) is important to rule out this serious infection.
“Atypical symptoms and the fact that the difference between CPV-2b and CPV-2 c is only an amino acid (an organic molecule), make very difficult their identification by the classical procedures.” It is therefore required the application of molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing of DNA for identification, stressed Dr. La Torre.
Also the researchers noted that current vaccines not preparing the organism of the dogs to defend effectively ECA CPV2c.
“This is a new variant of the virus that can even also affect Cubs who received the vaccine, and particularly those who did not complete the recommended immunization schedule (3-4 initial doses, with annual revaccination)”, explained Dr. Gallo Calderón.
New VACCINES
In this sense, La Torre said that it is advisable to produce new vaccines that are effective against all strains of parvovirus until now identified, including ECA CPV2c.
And continued: “our group is on board with a national company in the development of up-to-date vaccine.” This is not easy because the Parvovirus vaccines are based on attenuated strains, i.e., are modified live virus to immunize but do not produce clinical disease. To develop this type of vaccine, it takes many years. Therefore, the only quick way is the development of recombinant vaccines containing sequences of amino acids corresponding to the new variants. “Added this to the development of new adjuvants and new schemes of immunization aimed to generate levels of protection in vaccinated animals.”
Dogs affected by parvovirus treatment is rehydration parenteral.
“Is providing intravenously electrolytes to replace losses due to severe diarrhea and the supply of antibiotics and prevent secondary infections”, explained Dr. Gallo Calderón.
Prevention and treatment
Due to his extreme infectivity, affected animals must be isolated, performing a thorough disinfection of the site, in order to avoid malware, dispersal, in places where a greater number of animals, such as veterinary and breeding is concentrated, say the authors of the study. And clarify that, despite the fact that vaccines are not completely effective for ECA CPV2c, it is advisable to vaccinate puppies with regular vaccination scheme recommended by the veterinary trials.
Vaccines are important, but not enough tools emphasizes Dr. Gallo Calderón. And concludes: “To prevent disease, we recommend making vaccination in time and manner, as recommended by the international protocols”. It is also necessary to carry out a cleaning and disinfection of areas where there were infected animals; not bring animals to establishments in which could be infection; ask the vet you come to the home to carry out the vaccination; “and all measures hygienic – sanitary recommended by our veterinary or health authorities as for example, the Elimination of fecal matter in public.”
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