Detecção molecular de coronavírus canino (CCoV) em cães no município de Pelotas - RS

Abstract

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is a pathogen with a wide geographic distribution, primarily associated with self-limiting gastroenteritis in dogs. This virus belongs to the Coronaviridae family and is classified into two main genotypes: CCoV-I and CCoV-II. The CCoV-II genotype is further subdivided into CCoV-IIa and CCoV-IIb due to genetic recombination events. Among the known strains, the pantropic CCoV-IIa strains stand out for causing severe systemic infections, often associated with high mortality rates. The relevance of studying CCoV extends beyond its direct pathogenicity. The virus's high mutation capacity, a hallmark feature also observed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for continuous monitoring of its circulation and spread in different dog populations. This surveillance is crucial for preventing outbreaks and identifying potential variants with greater impacts on animal health. Accurate diagnosis plays a fundamental role in managing viral diseases such as CCoV. PCR-based tests, due to their higher sensitivity compared to commercial immunochromatographic methods, provide greater reliability in virus detection, facilitating definitive diagnoses in dogs presenting clinical signs of gastroenteritis or more severe infections. In the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, epidemiological data on CCoV circulation remain scarce, limiting the understanding of its local dynamics. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of canine coronavirus in domiciled dogs in the city using a semi-nested RT PCR protocol targeting the CCoV M gene. Through this approach, we seek not only to identify the occurrence of the virus but also to emphasize the importance of precise diagnostic methods and to support control and prevention strategies, contributing to local veterinary public health.