MOLECULAR INVESTIGATION OF RECENT CANINE PARVOVIRUS-2 (CPV-2) IN ITALY REVEALED DISTINCT CLUSTERING
Authors Carrino M, Tassoni L, Campalto M, Cavicchio L, Mion M, Corrò M, Natale A, Beato M S
Abstract Canine parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2) is a worldwide distributed virus considered the major cause of viral gastroenteritis in dogs. Studies on Italian CPV-2 are restricted to viruses circulating until 2017. Only one study provided more updated information on CPV-2 but was limited to the Sicily region. No information regarding the circulation and genetic characteristics of CPV-2 in Northeast Italy has been made available since 2015. The present study investigated the genetic characteristics of CPV-2 circulating in the dog population of Northeast Italy between 2013 and 2019. The VP2 gene of 67 CPV-2 was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify patterns of distribution. Phylogenetic and molecular analysis highlighted unique characteristics of Northeast Italian CPV-2 and interestingly depicted typical genetic clustering of the Italian CPV-2 strains, showing the existence of distinct CPV-2 genetic groups. Such analysis provided insights into the origin of some Italian CPV-2 genetic clusters, revealing potential introductions from East European countries and the spread of CPV-2 from South/Central to North Italy. This is the first report that describes the genetic characteristics of recent Italian CPV-2. Tracking the genetic characteristics of CPV-2 nationally and globally may have impact on understanding the evolution and distribution of CPV-2, in particular in light of the current humanitarian emergency involving Ukraine, with the massive and uncontrolled movement of people and pet animals.
Publish Date 2022
Volume 14 (5)
ISSN 1999-4915
DOI doi.org/10.3390/v14050917
URL https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/14/5/917
Journal Viruses
Pages Article no. 917
PMID 35632660