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Characterization of minute virus of canines (MVC) and its pathogenicity for pups

L Macartney1, C R Parrish, L N Binn

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.

The Cornell Veterinarian
|April 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Minute virus of canines (MVC) replicates in dogs, causing pathological changes, primarily in neonatal pups. Further research is needed to understand the natural virulence of this canine parvovirus.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Canine Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Minute virus of canines (MVC), also known as canine parvovirus-1, was first isolated in 1970.
  • Canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2) is a significant pathogen in dogs.
  • MVC and CPV-2 exhibit differences in host cell ranges and hemagglutination.
  • Antigenic and genomic properties of MVC and CPV-2 are distinct.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare Minute virus of canines (MVC) with canine parvovirus type-2 (CPV-2).
  • To investigate the replication and pathogenicity of MVC in dogs.
  • To characterize the pathological changes induced by MVC, particularly in neonatal pups.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of MVC and CPV-2 based on host cell range and hemagglutination.
  • Assessment of antigenic and genomic properties.
  • Oronasal exposure of neonatal pups to MVC.
  • Macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissues from infected pups.

Main Results:

  • MVC and CPV-2 were confirmed to be distinct in antigenic and genomic properties.
  • MVC replicates in dogs and causes pathological changes.
  • Lesions were most prominent in the thymus and lymph nodes of oronasally-exposed neonatal pups.
  • Minor duodenal crypt changes were observed.
  • The MVC strain used had undergone 13 passages in cell culture, potentially altering its virulence.

Conclusions:

  • Minute virus of canines (MVC) is capable of replicating in dogs and inducing pathological changes, with a predilection for lymphoid tissues in neonatal pups.
  • The observed virulence of the cell-cultured MVC strain may not reflect that of naturally occurring strains.
  • Further studies are warranted to ascertain the true pathogenicity of field isolates of MVC in canines.

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