D315 - Canine adenovirus type 1

Description:

Canine chronic liver diseases, including various forms of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, have been extensively described in the veterinary literature over the last 30 years. Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), Leptospira interrogans var. grippotyphosa, and canine acidophil cell hepatitis virus have been proposed as possible infectious agents involved in the development of canine chronic hepatitis. Several noninfectious causes of canine chronic liver disease have been reported and classified in different etiologic categories, including copper associated, breed associated, drug associated, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency associated, and autoimmune chronic hepatitis. Most of these etiologic categories share common histologic features that include piecemeal necrosis (periportal necrosis or apoptosis) and progressive fibrosis that eventually leads to cirrhosis. Descriptive histomorphologic terms such as chronic active hepatitis, chronic progressive hepatitis, and lobular dissecting hepatitis have also been used to classify canine chronic hepatitis. However, except for the Bedlington terrier, in which an inherited genetic copper metabolism defect has been demonstrated, the majority of canine chronic liver diseases are idiopathic; morphological features are not cause specific and infectious agent or noninfectious causes cannot be identified with routine diagnostic tools.

Diagnosis:

Canine adenovirus type 1, the agent of infectious canine hepatitis, typically produces an acute necrohemorrhagic hepatitis with intranuclear acidophilic inclusion bodies in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. Chronic hepatitis has been experimentally reproduced in partially immunized dogs challenged with CAV-1. However, immunofluorescence staining of frozen liver sections using anti-adenovirus antibody did not detect the presence of the virus beyond the first week postinfection. The PCR test is a highly sensitive and specific technique that can detect low numbers of DNA copies. This technique is used for retrieval of Canine adenovirus type 1 DNA in tissue culture, liver and blood samples. Positive result confirms infection.

Sample:

1. Tissue samples (liver) in sterile container.
2. Paraffin-embedded liver samples.
3. Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.

Special Handling:

Store blood and tissue samples at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D315

1. Chouinard et al. (1998) Use of polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry for detection of canine adenovirus type 1 in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver of dogs with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. J Vet Diagn Invest. 10:320-5.