Canine and Feline Parvovirus in Egypt: Current Molecular Update

Abstract

Acute contagious enteritis with dramatic mortality and morbidity caused by canine parvovirus type 2. Although serious clinical illness often affects dogs older than six months, adults with compromised immune systems may also be affected. There is little information about the recent molecular changes in Canine Parvovirus 2 variants in Egypt. The present status of our understanding of Canine Parvovirus 2 variants mutations is reviewed in this article. A total of 200 rectal swabs were collected from Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Matrouh, Gharbia, and Menoufia governorates during 2023-2024 from clinically suspected infected dogs and cats of different ages, breeds, genders, and vaccination status, with moderate to severe signs of enteritis, including bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and inappetence. The viral DNA was identified in 168/200 (84%) samples by PCR; the phylogenetic analysis revealed circulating FPV, CPV-2a, and CPV-2c in examined areas. Nucleotide sequence analysis of (CPV2c/Egy1/CPV2) strain has different point mutations at positions (G106T), (A326G), (AAT493-495GAA), and (G535A). In comparison to the reference strains. While (FPV/Egy1/FPL) and (FPV/Egy2/FPL) had an additional nucleotides substitution at residue (A17T), (C48T), (G116C), (T130G), (C145G), (A185G). Our results revealed the prevalence of CPV-2 among Egyptian dogs and cats; further epidemiological and molecular studies on CPV-2 and FPV are extremely wanted, reinforcing the critical need for vaccination of all healthy dogs and cats against Parvoviruses.