D317 - Canine distemper virus

Description:

Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a single-stranded RNA virus. Canine distemper virus is a member of the genus Morbillivirus of the Paramyxoviridae family. The virus is most often transmitted through contact with mucous and watery secretions discharged from eyes and noses of infected dogs. Contact with the urine and fecal material of infected dogs can also result in infection. A healthy dog can be infected without coming in contact with an infected animal. Kennels, runs and other areas used by infected dogs can harbour canine distemper virus. The virus may be borne by air currents and inanimate objects. Short of raising a dog in total isolation, it is nearly impossible to prevent exposure. Some veterinary medical scientists estimate that practically every dog that lives to be a year old has had contact with the virus at some time. The many signs of distemper are not always typical. For this reason, treatment may be delayed or neglected. The disease frequently brings about something like a severe cold. Most infected dogs have a fever and "stuffed up" head. Exposed animals may develop bronchitis, pneumonia and severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The first signs of distemper an owner might notice are squinting, congestion of the eyes, and a discharge of pus from the eyes. Weight loss, coughing, vomiting, nasal discharge, and diarrhea are common. In later stages the virus frequently attacks the nervous system, bringing about partial or complete paralysis as well as "fits" or twitching. Dogs suffering from the disease are usually listless and have poor appetites. Sometimes the signs may be very mild and perhaps go unrecognized, or the dog may have a slight fever for a couple of weeks. If pneumonia, intestinal inflammation or other problems develop, recovery takes much longer. Nervous problems often last many weeks after the animal has recovered from all other signs of infection. Occasionally the virus causes rapid growth of the tough keratin cells on the footpad, resulting in a hardened pad.

Diagnosis:

PCR for detection of canine distemper virus represents a highly sensitive and specific method for the early and safe antemortem diagnosis of distemper by using serum, whole blood, and CSF regardless of clinical signs, pathological findings, neutralizing antibody titers, and viral antigen distribution.

Sample:

1. Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.
2. CSF in a sterile container.
3. Tissue samples.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D317

1. Iwatsuki et al. (1999) Establishment of a persistent mutant of canine distemper virus. Microbes. Infect.1: 987-991.
2. Ek-Kommonen et al. (1997) Outbreak off canine distemper in vaccinated dogs in Finland. Vet. Rec. 141: 380-383.