First Genetic Detection and Characterization of Canine Parvovirus 2 in Botswana

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV 2) is a highly contagious viral pathogen responsible for severe gastroenteritis in canine species worldwide. This study provides the first comprehensive molecular characterization of CPV 2 variants circulating in domestic dogs in Botswana. A total of 187 fecal samples from diarrheic dogs presented at veterinary clinics were tested for CPV 2 using an ELISA point-of-care test and molecular assays for confirmation. A CPV 2 prevalence of 62.0% was detected via ELISA, compared to 100% via qPCR. Genetic characterization using minor groove binder probe-based qPCR assays and sequencing of the VP2 gene revealed the predominance of the CPV 2c variant (99.1%), with the CPV 2a variant detected in one sample from Maun village. Amino acid sequence analysis of the VP2 gene identified a key mutation at position 426 (glutamic acid) characteristic of the CPV2c variants. Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of the Botswana CPV 2c isolates with Nigerian, Ethiopian, Gabon, Egyptian, and Asian CPV2c variants, while the CPV 2a isolate formed a cluster with CPV 2a variants from Nigeria. These findings confirm the circulation of CPV2a and CPV2c variants in Botswana, with CPV2c as the predominant circulating variant. Continuous monitoring of emerging CPV2 variants is essential for effective disease control in Botswana.