Post-vaccinal distemper encephalitis in two Border Collie cross littermates

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: One 4.5-month-old male Border Collie cross presented with aggression and seizures in October 2006. A 16-month-old, female, spayed Border Collie cross presented with hypersalivation and a dropped jaw and rapidly became stuporous in September 2007. The dogs were littermates and developed acute neurological signs 5 and 27 days, respectively, after vaccination with different modified live vaccines containing canine distemper virus.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Sections of brain in both dogs showed evidence of encephalitis mainly centred on the grey matter of brainstem nuclei, where there was extensive and intense parenchymal and perivascular infiltration of histiocytes and lymphocytes. Intra-nuclear and intra-cytoplasmic inclusions typical of distemper were plentiful and there was abundant labelling for canine distemper virus using immunohistochemistry.

DIAGNOSIS: Post-vaccinal canine distemper.

CLINCIAL RELEVANCE: Post-vaccinal canine distemper has mainly been attributed to virulent vaccine virus, but it may also occur in dogs whose immunologic nature makes them susceptible to disease induced by a modified-live vaccine virus that is safe and protective for most dogs.     

Clinical and serological response of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) to vaccination against canine distemper,canine parvovirus infection and rabies

Wild dogs Lycaon pictuis (n = 8) were vaccinated 4 times against canine distemper (n = 8) (initially with inactivated and subsequently with live attenuated strains of canine distemper) and canine parvovirus infection (n = 8) over a period of 360 days. Four of the wild dogs were also vaccinated 3 times against rabies using a live oral vaccine and 4 with an inactivated parenteral vaccine. Commercially-available canine distemper, canine parvovirus and parenteral rabies vaccines, intended for use in domestic dogs, were used. None of the vaccinated dogs showed any untoward clinical signs. The inactivated canine distemper vaccine did not result in seroconversion whereas the attenuated live vaccine resulted in seroconversion in all wild dogs. Presumably protective concentrations of antibodies to canine distemper virus were present in all wild dogs for at least 451 days. Canine parvovirus haemagglutination inhibition titres were present in all wild dogs prior to the administration of vaccine and protective concentrations persisted for at least 451 days. Vaccination against parvovirus infection resulted in a temporary increase in canine parvovirus haemagglutination inhibition titres in most dogs. Administration of both inactivated parenteral and live oral rabies vaccine initially resulted in seroconversion in 7 of 8 dogs. These titres, however, dropped to very low concentrations within 100 days. Booster administrations resulted in increased antibody concentrations in all dogs. It was concluded that the vaccines were safe to use in healthy subadult wild dogs and that a vaccination protocol in free-ranging wild dogs should at least incorporate booster vaccinations against rabies 3-6 months after the first inoculation.     

Incidence of adverse events in ferrets vaccinated with distemper or rabies vaccine: 143 cases (1995-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of adverse events in ferrets vaccinated with a modified-live avian cell culture canine distemper virus vaccine licensed for use in ferrets, an inactivated rabies vaccine licensed for use in ferrets, or both. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 143 ferrets. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to identify ferrets that had an adverse event after vaccination. RESULTS: Adverse events developed within 25 minutes after vaccination in 13 ferrets. One ferret developed an adverse event after receiving a distemper and a rabies vaccine simultaneously and developed a second adverse event the following year after receiving the rabies vaccine alone. Therefore, a total of 14 adverse events were identified. All adverse events were an anaphylactic reaction characterized by generalized hyperemia, hypersalivation, and vomiting. Ten of the 14 anaphylactic reactions occurred after ferrets received both vaccines, 3 occurred after ferrets received the distemper vaccine alone, and 1 occurred after a ferret received the rabies vaccine alone. Incidences of adverse events after administration of both vaccines, the distemper vaccine alone, and the rabies vaccine alone were 5.6, 5.9, and 5.6%, respectively. Ferrets that had an anaphylactic reaction were significantly older at the time of vaccination than were ferrets that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that there may be a high incidence of anaphylactic reactions after vaccination of domestic ferrets. Ferrets should be observed for at least 25 minutes after vaccination, and veterinarians who vaccinate ferrets should be prepared to treat anaphylactic reactions.     

THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT ON THE RESPONSE TO DISTEMPER VACCINATION

Three standard batches of combined distemper and hepatitis vaccine tested in pups housed indoors during a constantly hot summer failed to elicit antibody to distemper virus or to protect the pups against challenge with virulent virus. The response to hepatitis vaccination was normal. When tested in pups housed outdoors, the same batches of vaccine produced antibodies to distemper and protection against the disease. It appears that high relative humidity combined with high environmental temperature caused an increase in body temperature of the pups which was deleterious to the distemper vaccine but did not affect the more heat resistant hepatitis vaccine.     

Thrombocytopenia associated with vaccination of a dog with a modified-live paramyxovirus vaccine

Thrombocytopenia (10,000/mm3), with hematochezia and melena, appeared in a dog 8 days after it was given modified-live canine distemper, virus vaccine and persisted for approximately 5 days. Clinical investigation discounted other possible causes of thrombocytopenia; the condition was considered to be associated with vaccination. The problem spontaneously resolved. The appearance of thrombocytopenia after modified-live canine distemper virus vaccination is not unknown and may assume a severe form. This condition may be mistaken for idiopathic thrombocytopenia of immune origin, and in other instances, it may contribute significantly to surgical risk if concurrent coagulation disorders are present. Administration of levamisole HCl may alleviate the decrease in platelet count in affected animals.     

犬瘟热的临床诊断技术与疫苗研究进展

犬瘟热是由犬瘟热病毒引起的犬科、鼬科和浣熊科等动物的一种高度接触性烈性传染病。该病在临床上可根据临床症状和流行特点作出初步诊断,结合病原学检查和血清学诊断即可确诊。目前一直缺少治疗犬瘟热的有效药物,所以犬瘟热的预防主要依靠接种疫苗。结合已有研究报道,总结了犬瘟热的临床诊断技术和犬瘟热疫苗方面的研究进展,以期为兽医同仁提供参考。     

Measles vaccine in dogs: efficacy against aerosol challenge with virulent canine distemper virus.

Fifty young Beagle pups were used in studies on the efficacy of measles virus vaccine in providing protection against virulent canine distemper (CD) virus given intranasally. Among 29 dogs vaccinated with measles virus vaccine and subsequently exposed to virulent CD virus, 1 died, 7 developed relatively severe signs of CD, 15 had mild signs of distemper, and 6 remained clinically normal. Of 15 unvaccinated dogs similarly exposed to virulent CD virus, 11 succumbed to distemper. Six pups vaccinated with modified live-virus (MLV) CD virus vaccine remained clinically normal following immunity challenge.     

Studies from the Birmingham Dogs Home (1) The problem of resettling stray and unwanted animals (2) The effect of distemper vaccination upon disease incidence

(1) Unsatisfactory placing of dogs from Birmingham Dogs Home was more often due to incompatability than fatal disease. The age and sex ratios of unwanted dogs are examined, and it is suggested that emotional and social suitability as well as physical fitness and pleasing conformation should be taken into account in assessing suitability as a household pet.
(2) A controlled vaccination programme using tissue culture distemper vaccine based on measles virus, resulted in a significantly higher incidence of respiratory and alimentary disorders in vaccinated dogs than in controls, especially in puppies. Death from distemper occurred in 3 % of animals placed in new homes. Although deaths from this disease were less frequent in vaccinates than controls, use of this vaccine appears to be contra-indicated under conditions of relatively low distemper incidence.     

Evaluation of the efficacy and duration of immunity of a canine combination vaccine against virulent parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis virus, and distemper virus experimental challenges

The results of this study confirmed that dogs vaccinated subcutaneously with a commercially available multivalent vaccine containing modified-live canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus type 2, canine parvovirus type 2b, and canine parainfluenza virus antigens were protected against sequential experimental challenge 55 to 57 months after initial vaccination given at 7 to 8 weeks of age. All 10 vaccinates were protected against clinical diseases and mortality following parvovirus and infectious canine hepatitis experimental infections. All vaccinates were protected against mortality and 90% against clinical disease following distemper challenge. These data support at least a 4-year duration of immunity for these three "core" fractions in the combination vaccine.     

Canine distemper virus causes apoptosis of Vero cells

Apoptosis of Vero cells infected with two canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine strains was detected using TdT (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase)-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL), flow cytometric analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis and electron microscopy (EM). By TUNEL, apoptotic cells were found in CDV-Onderstepoort (CDV-Ond)-infected cells. DNA fragments isolated from infected cells were separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and a 'ladder' pattern appeared. EM observations demonstrated that the cells undergoing cytopathic effect (CPE) possessed morphological characteristics of apoptotic cells. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that CDV could induce apoptosis of Vero cells, but the percentages of the apoptotic cells were correlated with the CPE types. The strain showing the cell-rounding type of CPE produced a much higher percentage of apoptotic cells than CDV-Ond with the syncytium type of CPE (P < 0.01). It was concluded that CDV vaccine strains could induce apoptosis of Vero cells and the apoptosis was virus strain-dependent and cell-dependent. The mechanism remains to be studied.     

Detection of intracellular canine distemper virus antigen in mink inoculated with an attenuated or a virulent strain of canine distemper virus

Using an indirect immunofluorescence technique, the distribution of viral antigen in various tissues and blood mononuclear leukocytes was studied in wild mink, either vaccinated with an attenuated vaccine strain of canine distemper virus (CDV) or experimentally inoculated with the virulent Snyder-Hill strain of CDV. Viral antigen was detected in cells of the lymphoid system 6 to 12 days after vaccination. From 2 to 3 days after inoculation with the virulent strain, CDV antigen was demonstrated in cells of the lymphoid system and, during the incubation period, the antigen had spread to the epithelia and brain at days 6 and 12, respectively. In clinical cases of acute fatal canine distemper, the viral antigen was detected in a wide variety of tissues, including the cells of the lymphoid system, epithelial cells of skin, mucous membranes, lung, kidney, and cells of the CNS. The diagnostic importance of CDV antigen detection is discussed on the basis of these findings.     

貉犬瘟热暴发流行与诊治报告

论文介绍了某养殖场饲养的貉突然暴发犬瘟热病以及流行情况。通过临床症状、剖检变化和实验室检查确诊为貉犬瘟热,对全场动物紧急注射犬用顶级抗多病免疫球蛋白,并对假定健康貉注射犬瘟热疫苗,及时阻止了疫情的蔓延。     

Pathogenesis of two strains of lion (Panthera leo) morbillivirus in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Canine distemper virus (CDV) was previously considered to have a host range restricted to the canid family. In 1994, the virus was associated with sporadic outbreaks of distemper in captive felids. However, after severe mortality occurred in the Serengeti lions (Panthera leo), attention became focused on the pathogenesis of the virus and a concerted effort was made to identify the virus as CDV or a closely related feline morbillivirus. The present study was designed to explore the susceptibility of ferrets to challenge with two morbilliviruses isolated from lions and the protective effects of a modified-live mink distemper vaccine. Because mortality in ferrets infected with pathogenic CDV approaches 100%, the ferret was selected as a test animal. Two strains of lion morbillivirus were used as a challenge, A92-27/20 (California lion isolate) and A94-11/13 (Serengeti lion isolate). The two strains of lion morbillivirus were antigenically related to CDV (Rockborn strain), and ferrets were susceptible to both of the viruses when inoculated intraperitoneally. The inoculated ferrets were anorectic at 5-6 days postinoculation (PI), exhibited oculonasal discharge at 9-12 days PI, and became moribund at 12-22 days PI. Severe bilateral conjunctivitis was the typical clinical sign. Inclusion bodies characteristic of morbillivirus (eosinophilic, intranuclear, and intracytoplasmic) were distributed in many epithelial cells, including those of the skin, conjunctiva, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, trachea, lung, urinary bladder, and kidney. Virus was reisolated from selected lung tissues collected at necropsy and identified by CDV-specific immunofluorescence. Ferrets vaccinated with the mink distemper vaccine (Onderstepoort strain) were protected from challenge with the two lion strains, adding further support to the premise that the viruses are closely related to CDV.     

区分犬瘟热病毒Asia-Ⅰ型野毒株及疫苗株的AS-PCR方法

犬瘟热是一种接触性传染病,可侵害免疫系统、呼吸系统、消化系统,甚至神经系统,导致全身性的病理变化,对宠物犬、毛皮动物等存在巨大威胁。目前常用的胶体金检测法不能有效区分疫苗免疫与动物自然感染。为建立一种高效准确的鉴别犬瘟热病毒野毒株和疫苗株的检测方法,本试验对从武汉地区收集已确诊犬瘟热的6只犬分离得到的野毒株以及3株广泛使用的CDV疫苗株进行全基因组测序,从氨基酸水平和碱基水平比对分析后,确定H基因为AS-PCR引物设计的靶基因。通过对H基因进行分型,发现武汉地区流行的CDV均为Asia-Ⅰ型,而疫苗株Y2为America-I型,疫苗株Y1和Y3均为America-Ⅱ型。对比179株Asia-Ⅰ型（6株野毒株样品+173株GenBank Asia-Ⅰ型）与3株疫苗株的CDV-H基因序列,采用AS-PCR技术（3'端错配）设计出1对能有效区分犬瘟热Asia-Ⅰ型野毒株和疫苗株的特异性引物,上游引物序列为5'-TTAAATGATAATGACATAGTG-3',下游引物序列为5'-CCTGGCAAGGCAAGA-3'。结果显示该引物有较强的特异性,6株样品野毒株均可扩增出长894 bp的片段,疫苗株不能扩增,且野毒株的H基因上存在9个较为规律的碱基（氨基酸）变异位点,而疫苗株在第277位氨基酸上均为天冬酰胺,这些变异可能导致N-糖基化位点的增加,从而对犬瘟热病毒疫苗株的毒力产生影响。本研究建立的AS-PCR方法能有效区分犬瘟热疫苗和Asia-Ⅰ型野毒株。     

The Establishment of AS-PCR Method to Distinguish Canine Distemper Asia-I Type Wild Strains and Vaccine Strains

Canine distemper (CD) is a contagious disease, which can damage the immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, and even nervous system, leading to systemic pathological changes, and has a huge threat to pet dogs, fur animals, etc. At present, the commonly used colloidal gold test cannot effectively distinguish vaccine immunity from animal natural infection. To establish an efficient and accurate detection method for identifying wild strains and vaccine strains of canine distemper virus(CDV), the whole genome of six canine distemper wild strains isolated from dogs and three widely used CDV vaccine strains collected from Wuhan area were sequenced. After comparing and analyzing the amino acid and the base sequences, the H gene was determined as the target gene for AS-PCR primer design. By genotyping the H gene, it was found that the prevalent CDVs in Wuhan were all Asia-Ⅰ, while the vaccine strain Y2 was America-I, and the vaccine strains Y1 and Y3 were both America-Ⅱ. Comparing the CDV-H gene sequences of 179 Asia-Ⅰtypes (6 wild-type strain samples + 173 GenBank Asia-Ⅰtype stains) and 3 vaccine strains, using AS-PCR technology (3'mismatch) to design a pair of primers. It can effectively distinguish CDV Asia-I wild strain and vaccine strain. The upstream primer sequence is 5'-TTAATATAATAATGACAGTG-3', and the downstream primer sequence is 5'-CCTCAAGGGGCACA-3'. The results showed that the primer had a strong specificity and the wild strains could amplify an 894 bp fragment, while the vaccine strains could not. There are 9 more regular bases (amino acids) variation sites in H gene of wild strain, and the 277th amino acids of all vaccine strains are Asparagine. These mutations may lead to an increase in N-glycosylation sites, which will have an impact on the virulence of canine distemper virus vaccine strains. The AS-PCR method established in this study can effectively distinguish the canine distemper vaccine and Asia-Ⅰwild strains.     

Serologic response to a canarypox-vectored canine distemper virus vaccine in the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is known to be susceptible to natural infection with canine distemper virus (CDV). Vaccination of giant pandas with conventional modified live CDV vaccines has been avoided due to the numerous carnivore species known to have become infected with CDV after vaccination. Serum-neutralizing antibodies to CDV were measured after s.c. and i.m. annual vaccination with a canarypox-vectored recombinant CDV vaccine in an adult male and female giant panda over the period of 2 yr. The vaccine proved to be safe, and serum-neutralizing antibody titers interpreted as protective against CDV disease were measured in each animal.     

Distemper encephalitis in pups after vaccination of the dam.

A five-year-old labrador bitch which had whelped 10 pups three days previously was given booster vaccination against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenzavirus and leptospirosis. Eighteen days later, signs of central nervous system disease developed in some of the pups, five of which were ultimately euthanased. The cause of the nervous disease was found to be canine distemper, and serological studies showed that the infection was limited to some members of the litter, suggesting that the vaccinal rather than a field virus was more likely to have been responsible.     

Development of hypertrophic osteodystrophy and antibody response in a litter of vaccinated Weimaraner puppies

Two different vaccination protocols were compared with regard to the development of hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) (also termed metaphyseal osteopathy) and effectiveness of immunisation in a litter of 10 Weimaraner puppies. Five puppies (group 1) were vaccinated with a modified live canine parvovirus vaccine (CPV) and then two weeks later with a trivalent vaccine containing modified live canine distemper virus and adenovirus type 2 combined with a Leptospira bacterin (DHL). The CPV and DHL vaccine protocols were administered a further two times, at two-week intervals. Group 2 was vaccinated with three consecutive multivalent vaccines containing modified live canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, parainfluenza and adenovirus type 2 combined with a Leptospira bacterin, at four-week intervals. All puppies were first vaccinated at the age of eight weeks. Three dogs in group 1 developed HOD, while all five dogs in group 2 developed HOD during the study period. Dogs in group 2 had more episodes of HOD than those in group 1. Dogs in group 1 developed higher antibody titres to canine distemper virus and parvovirus compared with those in group 2. Only two out of the 10 dogs developed protective antibody titres to parvovirus. The results of this study suggest that the two different vaccination protocols affected the pattern of appearance of HOD and immunisation in this litter of Weimaraner puppies. The results obtained and the previously reported data suggest that a larger controlled study is needed to further elucidate the effect of different vaccination protocols on HOD and immunisation in Weimaraner puppies.     

Evaluation of oral and subcutaneous delivery of an experimental canarypox recombinant canine distemper vaccine in the Siberian polecat (Mustela eversmanni).

We assessed the safety and efficacy of an experimental canarypox-vectored recombinant canine distemper virus (CDV) subunit vaccine in the Siberian polecat (Mustela eversmanni), a close relative of the black-footed ferret, (M. nigripes), an endangered species that is highly susceptible to the virus. Siberian polecats were randomized into six treatment groups. Recombinant canine distemper vaccine was administered s.c. at three dose levels (10(4.5), 10(5.0), and 10(5.5) plaque-forming units [PFU] per dose) and was administered orally by spraying the vaccine into the oropharnyx at two dose levels (10(5.5), 10(8.0) PFU per dose). The sixth group of control animals was not vaccinated. For both routes of administration, two 1-ml doses of reconstituted vaccine were delivered 4 wk apart, followed by live virus challenge 3 wk after the second vaccination. During the challenge, Synder Hill test strain CDV obtained from the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, was administered i.p. Serial blood samples for CDV serology were collected immediately before vaccination and challenge, and 10, 15, and 20 days after challenge. Clinical signs and body weights were recorded up to 32 days after challenge. The survival rate in animals receiving vaccine at the highest oral dose (10(8.0) PFU per dose) was 83.3%. Survival rate was 50.0% in the high s.c. and 60.0% in the medium s.c. groups. All animals in the low-s.c. dose, low-oral dose, and control groups died after exposure. Vaccine dose overall (oral and s.c.) and dose in response to s.c. administration when considered alone were significant predictors of survival (P = 0.006 and P = 0.04, respectively). Among the polecats challenged with virulent virus, those that died became sick sooner than those that survived. Animals that died lost significantly more weight during the 10 days after challenge than did animals that survived (P = 0.02). Survival rates did not differ by sex, founder female status, or breeding pedigree in any of the treatment groups. Survival rates were higher in animals with increasing serum neutralization titers (P = 0.027). This study demonstrates the efficacy of oral delivery of a recombinant CDV vaccine in the Siberian polecat. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vectored recombinant vaccines in highly susceptible species and especially in those species in which vaccination with modified live CDV has led to disease.     

表达犬瘟热病毒H基因重组新城疫病毒的构建及其免疫原性研究

为研制安全、有效的新型犬瘟热疫苗,本研究利用新城疫病毒(NDV) LaSota弱毒疫苗株反向遗传操作系统,构建出表达犬瘟热病毒(CDV)弱毒疫苗株Rockborn-20/8血凝素(H)蛋白的重组病毒rLa-CDV-H,并对其生物学特性进行鉴定,评估其作为犬瘟热活载体疫苗的安全性和有效性.通过免疫荧光和western blot试验证明了CDV H蛋白的正确表达;重组病毒株保持了LaSota亲本株的低致病性和高滴度鸡胚生长特性;重组病毒rLa-CDV-H接种12周龄比格犬后,可以诱导显著的CDV中和抗体反应.本研究表明重组病毒rLa-CDV-H具有作为犬瘟热重组病毒活载体疫苗的潜力.