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History
Canine parvovirus, otherwise known as "parvo" is caused by the canine parvovirus type 2 virus. CPV was first discovered in European dogs in 1976. Over the course of two years, it had caused a widespread gastroenteritis epidemic in dogs, predominantly affecting puppies (Cornell). Parvovirus not only affects dogs but also wild animals including raccoons, skunks and foxes. It is currently believed that CPV mutated from Feline Panleukipenia virus through several genetic mutations. CPV2 has a high rate of evolution due to it's increased rate of nucleotide substitution, as shown in RNA virus like the Influenzavirus.
Function
CPV2 is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus in the Parvoviridae family. The name comes from the Latin parvus, meaning small, as the virus is only 20 to 26 nm in diameter. It has an icosahedral symmetry. The genome is about 5000 nucleotides long.[25] CPV2 continues to evolve, and the success of new strains seems to depend on extending the range of hosts affected and improved binding to its receptor, the canine transferrin receptor.[26] CPV2 has a high rate of evolution, possibly due to a rate of nucleotide substitution that is more like RNA viruses such as Influenzavirus A.[27] In contrast, FPV seems to evolve only through random genetic drift.[28]
CPV2 affects dogs, wolves, foxes, and other canids. CPV2a and CPV2b have been isolated from a small percentage of symptomatic cats and is more common than feline panleukopenia in big cats.[29]
Previously it has been thought that the virus does not undergo cross species infection. However studies in Vietnam have shown that CPV2 can undergo minor antigenic shift and natural mutation to infect felids. Analyses of feline parvovirus (FPV) isolates in Vietnam and Taiwan revealed that more than 80% of the isolates were of the canine parvovirus type, rather than feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV).[30] CPV2 may spread to cats easier than dogs and undergo faster rates of mutation within that species.
Disease
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious viral disease of dogs that most often causes gastrointestinal distress in puppies. . A rare variant of the disease may be seen in very young (neonatal) puppies is myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle).
Diagnosis
CPV is typically diagnosed through detection of the CPV2 virus in feces using ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Other methods of detection include electron microscopy or a hemagglutination test. As the disease progresses, the virus becomes less likely to be detected in the feces by ELISA. When it has caused gastroenteritis, diagnoses can be misdiagnosed as coronavirus or other forms of enteritis causing diseases. When CPV has infected the pericardium, diagnoses can be made easier and quicker.
Treatment
CPV has no approved treatment and can quickly progess depending on the age of the canine, and how much treatment is administered. Most cases of CPV are treated using supportive care, preventing dehydration and increasing quality of life. Vaccination is the best prevention for lethal CPV cases and tests should be administered as soon as avaliable. Supportive case includes intravenus fluids, antibiotic injections, and anti-inflammatories.
Relevance
Structural highlights
CPV is an icosahedral capsid structure measuring 26 nm in diameter. It contains a major capsid protein, known as VP2. VP1 is a minor structural protein that is present with a specific N-terminal peptide inside the capsid. Each capsid subunit is formed from an eight-stranded This motif is a common motif found in many viruses. The CPV surface is made up of loops that connect the β strands. Each icosahedral 2-fold axis contains "spikes" that recognize receptivity and antigenicity of the host.
