Dogs, distemper and osteitis deformans: a further epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Extensive evidence links paramyxoviruses (e.g., measles) to Paget's disease of bone.
• Epidemiology of Paget's disease suggests a potential zoonotic origin, possibly from domestic animals.
• Canine distemper virus, a morbillivirus related to measles, is a candidate pathogen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between past pet ownership, particularly dogs, and Paget's disease of bone.
• To explore potential zoonotic links to Paget's disease through canine distemper virus exposure.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study surveyed 150 Paget's disease patients and matched controls in Greater Manchester.
• Participants recalled previous pet ownership, focusing on dog ownership and exposure during specific historical periods (1930-1960).
• Analysis compared dog ownership rates between patients and controls, and within patient subgroups (e.g., familial vs. sporadic).

Main Results:

• Paget's disease patients reported higher rates of previous dog ownership compared to both inner city and suburban controls.
• The difference in dog ownership was more pronounced during 1930-1960, a period with high dog ownership and potential canine distemper exposure.
• Patients with a first-degree relative with Paget's disease were unexpectedly less likely to report prior dog ownership.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a potential association between past dog ownership and Paget's disease, supporting a zoonotic hypothesis.
• The historical clustering of dog ownership and potential canine distemper exposure warrants further investigation.
• The inverse association in familial cases requires further research to understand underlying genetic or environmental interactions.