A Comprehensive Molecular Survey of Viral Pathogens Associated with Canine Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Abstract Viral pathogens account for the major aetiology of canine gastroenteritis. However, structured comprehensive studies on viral aetiology of canine gastroenteritis are sparse. To this end, 475 rectal swabs collected over a period of three years (2018–2021) from clinical canine gastroenteritis cases were screened for the presence of six majorly known enteric viruses (CPV-2, CDV, CAdV-2, CCoV, CaAstV, CRV), by real-time PCR. The overall incidence rate for each virus was found highest at 64.8% for CPV-2/2a/2b/2c (2a: 21.1%, 2b: 77.4%, 2c: 1.5%), followed by 8% for CDV, 7.2% for CaAstV, 5.9% for CCoV and 4.6% for CAdV-2 with 16.8% incidence for coinfections ranging from two to four viruses in different combinations; no incidence of CRV was reported. The whole-genome sequences of CDV, CCoV and CaAstV Indian isolates were reported for the first time and phylogenetic analysis was performed. This study highlights the need for relevant and routine vaccine prophylactic measures. It is alarming to note that 70.3% of animals vaccinated with DHPPIL were found positive for at least one virus. Hence, regular molecular analysis of the prevalent viruses is crucial to address vaccination failures.