Seroprevalence of canine influenza virus (H3N8) in Iditarod racing sled dogs

We conducted a cross-sectional convenience sampling study of dogs racing in the 2010 Iditarod to determine the seroprevalence of canine influenza virus (CIV) in the sled dog population. Questionnaires were completed detailing medical and CIV vaccination history, kennel size and location, travel history, and social interactions for each team. A total of 399 dogs were tested for CIV antibodies by hemagglutination inhibition assay. None of these, including 39 samples from dogs reported as CIV vaccinated, were seropositive for CIV antibodies. All of the vaccinated dogs were also negative on virus microneutralization assay. Risk factors for CIV seropositivity could not be determined due to a lack of positive samples. This is the first published study investigating the prevalence of CIV in sled dogs and additional studies are warranted to assess CIV infection among racing sled dogs and to evaluate the ecology of CIV and the vaccine efficacy in this population of dogs.     

Pathology in dogs with experimental canine H3N2 influenza virus infection

Avian-lineage H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV)-associated respiratory disease, which can be fatal, emerged in South Korean dogs in 2007. We show here that dogs experimentally infected with CIV only developed respiratory tract diseases, as no extrapulmonary lesions and virus antigens were detected. This differs from the multiorgan diseases that avian influenza H5N1 induces in small experimental animals. However, the CIV-infected dogs developed a distinctively severe, long-persistent bronchointerstitial pneumonia, which differs from the acute but short-term bronchopneumonia that human (H1N1 and H3N2) influenza cause in rodents and ferrets. Histopathology and in situ TUNEL assays revealed that the neutrophils infiltrating the lesions were undergoing apoptosis, which probably reflects the attempts by the body to maintain appropriate numbers of neutrophils for defense against secondary bacterial infections. Our observations suggest that neutrophils along with the related chemoattractant cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-8, etc.) may play a key role in the pathogenesis of H3N2 CIV in dogs.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors for canine H3N8 influenza virus exposure in household dogs in Colorado

Background: Since 2004, canine influenza virus (CIV) has spread throughout the United States. While studies suggest that CIV is commonly detected in shelter dogs, little is known about its prevalence in household dogs. Objectives: To evaluate the seroprevalence of CIV in pet dogs presented for care in a veterinary hospital in Colorado and to investigate risk factors that might predispose these dogs to CIV infection. Animals: One hundred and forty dogs presenting to the Community Practice service, 110 dogs seen at other clinical services at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 2009, and samples from 75 dogs seen before 2004. Methods: In this prospective study, samples were tested with hemagglutination inhibition assays, using 3 CIV isolates. To identify risk factors for CIV infection, 140 owners completed questionnaires at time of sampling. Results: CIV seroprevalence was 2.9% (4/140) for dogs seen by the Community Practice service and 4.5% (5/110) for dogs seen by other hospital services (P= .48). All sera collected before 2004 tested negative for CIV. No differences were seen in antibody titers to the 3 CIV isolates tested. Data from the questionnaires indicated an association between CIV seropositivity and canine daycare visits (P < .001). Conclusion and Clinical Importance: CIV seropositivity in household dogs in Colorado is low, although it has increased since 2004. Antibody titers to the 3 CIV isolates were comparable, suggesting that measurable antigenic drift has not yet occurred. Finally, dogs boarded in kennels or attending daycare might be at an increased risk of CIV infection.     

The seroprevalence of canine respiratory coronavirus and canine influenza virus in dogs in New Zealand

Abstract

AIM: To determine whether canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) and canine influenza virus (CIV) are present in dogs in New Zealand.

METHODS: Serum samples from 251 dogs of varying age, breed and clinical histories were tested for the presence of antibodies to CRCoV and CIV, using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) analysis. The population sampled represented a wide geographic area but principally encompassed the central and lower North Island of New Zealand.

RESULTS: Seventy-three of the 251 samples (29%) were seropositive for CRCoV. Dogs <2 years old were less likely to be seropositive for CRCoV than older dogs. None was seropositive for CIV.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the presence of antibodies to CRCoV in dogs in New Zealand. Young dogs are less likely to be seropositive than older dogs, probably due to increased opportunity for exposure to CRCoV over time. Serum antibodies to CIV were not detected in any of the dogs sampled, suggesting that this virus is unlikely to be present in dogs in New Zealand.

CLINICAL RELEVENCE: Canine respiratory coronavirus is present in New Zealand. Although the role of this virus in canine infectious tracheobronchitis has not been fully elucidated, evidence suggests that it may have a causal role in this disease. Veterinarians should consider CRCoV as a differential diagnosis in cases of respiratory disease in dogs in New Zealand. While CIV appears not to be currently present in New Zealand, veterinarians should consider infection with this virus as a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with respiratory signs.     

北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒双重RT-PCR检测方法的建立

H3N8亚型犬流感病毒在北美地区广泛流行,并引发犬的呼吸道疾病,但目前中国尚未有犬感染H3N8亚型犬流感病毒的报道。随着近几年宠物贸易的繁盛,犬流感流行区域可能逐渐扩大,增加北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒传入中国的可能。因此,需要建立一种针对北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒的快速检测方法。本研究中,我们建立了针对北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒的HA和NA基因片段的双重RT-PCR检测方法。该方法可特异性地检出北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒HA和NA基因,而未检出H3N2亚型犬流感病毒及其他亚型流感病毒、犬瘟热病毒、传染性肝炎病毒、犬细小病病毒、副流感病毒;检测方法灵敏度可达0.1 pg/μL。利用该方法对临床样本进行了检测,证实该检测方法可靠。该检测方法的建立为监测北美H3N8亚型犬流感病毒提供了良好的技术支撑,可用于外来犬流感病毒的检测。     

Serological evidence of H3N8 canine influenza-like virus circulation in USA dogs prior to 2004

H3N8 canine influenza virus (H3N8 CIV) was first reported as a novel canine respiratory pathogen in racing greyhounds and shelter dogs in the U.S.A. in 2004. Phylogenetic analyses determined that this host-adapted pathogen originated from interspecies transmission of an equine influenza virus (EIV), but it is unknown when the transmission occurred prior to discovery in 2004. The objective of this study was to determine if racing greyhound and shelter dog sera collected from 1984 to 2004 had serological evidence of exposure to H3N8 CIV or EIV. Archived sera from 702 racing greyhounds and 1568 shelter dogs were tested for H3 antibodies to the original 2004 CIV isolate, as well as EIV isolates from 1991 to 1999. None of the racing greyhounds from 1984 and 1985 had detectable H3 antibodies. One of the shelter dogs, which entered a north Florida shelter in 2004, was seropositive. For racing greyhounds sampled from 1999 to 2004, 133/520 (26%) dogs had antibodies to both CIV and EIV H3 proteins. The annual seroprevalence was 27% in 1999, 28% in 2000, 10% in 2001, 1% in 2002, 41% in 2003, and 28% in 2004. The odds of H3 seropositivity were greater among dogs that raced > or =6 months, raced on > or =2 tracks, and raced in 1998, 2002, and 2003. Many of the seropositive dogs raced at tracks that were involved in 'kennel cough' epidemics in 1998-1999 and 2002-2003. Based on serological evidence, a H3N8 canine influenza-like virus was circulating in racing greyhounds in the U.S.A. as early as 1999.     

H3N2亚型犬流感病毒的分离鉴定

为了解广州地区犬流感的流行情况,本研究采集107份犬鼻咽拭子样品和58份血清样品,SPF鸡胚分离病毒并进行抗体检测。结果显示:分离获得3株H3N2亚型犬流感病毒。分离株的EID50为10-2.42/0.1 mL～10-3.5/0.1 mL;MDT为177.6 h～192 h;对乙醚、氯仿、酸和温度均敏感;对血凝素为热不稳定型;能够凝集公鸡、豚鼠、猪和牛的红细胞。     

Antigenic variation among equine H 3 N 8 influenza virus hemagglutinins

To provide information on the antigenic variation of the hemagglutinins (HA) among equine H 3 influenza viruses, 26 strains isolated from horses in different areas in the world during the 1963-1996 period were analyzed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognizing at least 7 distinct epitopes on the H 3 HA molecule of the prototype strain A/equine/Miami/1/63 (H 3 N 8). The reactivity patterns of the virus strains with the panel indicate that antigenic drift of the HA has occurred with the year of isolation, but less extensively than that of human H 3 N 2 influenza virus isolates, and different antigenic variants co-circulate. To assess immunogenicity of the viruses, antisera from mice vaccinated with each of the 7 representative inactivated viruses were examined by neutralization and hemagglutination-inhibition tests. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring the antigenic drift in equine influenza virus strains and to introduce current isolates into vaccine. On the basis of the present results, equine influenza vaccine strain A/equine/Tokyo/2/71 (H 3 N 8) was replaced with A/equine/La Plata/1/93 (H 3 N 8) in 1996 in Japan. The present results of the antigenic analysis of the 26 strains supported the results of a phylogenetic analysis, that viruses belonging to each of the Eurasian and American equine influenza lineages have independently evolved. However, the current vaccine in Japan consists of two American H 3 N 8 strains; A/equine/Kentucky/1/81 and A/equine/La Plata/1/93. It is also therefore recommended that a representative Eurasian strain should be included as a replacement of A/equine/Kentucky/1/81.     

广东1株H3N2亚型犬流感病毒的分离与鉴定

本试验采集一只具有流感临床症状的病犬鼻咽拭子经常规处理后接种SPF鸡胚,分离到一株流感病毒,并对其进行鉴定及生物学特性研究。结果表明,该毒株对1%鸡红细胞的血凝价为26,能被H3亚型流感病毒阳性血清中和,与H1、H5、H7、H9亚型阳性血清和阴性血清无交叉反应。序列分析显示,该毒株的HA和NA基因核苷酸序列分别与犬流感病毒(CIV)H3和N2亚型的病毒株同源性最高。确定该毒株为H3N2亚型CIV,并将其命名为A/canine/Guangdong/01/2011。     

No evidence of horizontal infection in horses kept in close contact with dogs experimentally infected with canine influenza A virus (H3N8)

Background

Since equine influenza A virus (H3N8) was transmitted to dogs in the United States in 2004, the causative virus, which is called canine influenza A virus (CIV), has become widespread in dogs. To date, it has remained unclear whether or not CIV-infected dogs could transmit CIV to horses. To address this, we tested whether or not close contact between horses and dogs experimentally infected with CIV would result in its interspecies transmission.

Methods

Three pairs of animals consisting of a dog inoculated with CIV (10^8.3 egg infectious dose₅₀/dog) and a healthy horse were kept together in individual stalls for 15 consecutive days. During the study, all the dogs and horses were clinically observed. Virus titres in nasal swab extracts and serological responses were also evaluated. In addition, all the animals were subjected to a gross pathological examination after euthanasia.

Results

All three dogs inoculated with CIV exhibited clinical signs including, pyrexia, cough, nasal discharge, virus shedding and seroconversion. Gross pathology revealed lung consolidations in all the dogs, and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was isolated from the lesions. Meanwhile, none of the paired horses showed any clinical signs, virus shedding or seroconversion. Moreover, gross pathology revealed no lesions in the respiratory tracts including the lungs of the horses.

Conclusions

These findings may indicate that a single dog infected with CIV is not sufficient to constitute a source of CIV infection in horses.     

H3N2 canine influenza virus causes severe morbidity in dogs with induction of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis

Dogs are companion animals that live in close proximity with humans. Canine H3N2 influenza virus has been isolated from pet dogs that showed severe respiratory signs and other clinical symptoms such as fever, reduced body weight, and interstitial pneumonia. The canine H3N2 influenza virus can be highly transmissible among dogs via aerosols. When we analyzed global gene expression in the lungs of infected dogs, the genes associated with the immune response and cell death were greatly elevated. Taken together, our results suggest that canine H3N2 influenza virus can be easily transmitted among dogs, and that severe pneumonia in the infected dogs may be partially due to the elevated expression of genes related to inflammation and apoptosis.     

广东1株H3N2亚型犬流感病毒全基因组遗传进化分析

本试验对1株犬源H3N2亚型流感病毒(A/Canine/Guangdong/10/2014)进行了遗传进化分析。结果显示,本毒株8个基因片段与在中国和泰国分离的H3N2亚型犬流感的关系最近,与当前亚洲分离的毒株高度相似(99%)。基因亚型分析显示8个基因片段和目前流行的H3N2CIVs有相同的基因型(K,G,E,3B,F,2D,F,1E)。本毒株为低致病性的禽源H3N2亚型犬流感,从而证实了禽源犬流感亚型在中国的存在,对流感病毒实施广泛的血清学和流行病学检测,以及对该病的防控具有重要意义。     

H3N2犬流感病毒M1蛋白的原核表达及鉴定

为制备犬流感病毒(H3N2) M1蛋白纯品,针对M1基因序列设计引物,用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)扩增目的基因片段,扩增产物克隆至表达载体pET-SUMO中并转化至宿主菌BL21(DE3),诱导表达目的蛋白,探索纯化工艺,制备目的蛋白,并用Western blot检测纯化的M1目的蛋白。通过PCR成功扩增出大小为771 bp的M1基因,成功构建p ET-SUMO-M1表达载体,表达的融合蛋白相对分子量为41 kD,主要以可溶形式表达,纯化后获得蛋白纯品,Western blot检测显示用M1蛋白(28 k D)免疫小鼠制备的多抗能与制备的蛋白纯品发生特异性反应,从而证明蛋白纯品为M1目的蛋白。试验制备出的M1蛋白纯品可为进一步制备通用型抗犬流感病毒抗体提供纯品抗原。     

A serological survey of canine H3N2, pandemic H1N1/09 and human seasonal H3N2 influenza viruses in dogs in China

Influenza viruses have been isolated from dogs in China; however, the extent of influenza infection among dogs is not yet clear. Here, we examined the seroprevalence of avian-origin canine H3N2, pandemic H1N1/09 and human seasonal H3N2 influenza viruses in pet dogs in China during January 2012 to June 2013. The seropositivity rate of canine H3N2, H1N1/09 and human H3N2 were 3.5%, 1.5%, and 1.2%, respectively. Dogs aged 2–5 years were most commonly seropositive to canine H3N2 virus. It is worth noting that two serum samples were positive against both canine H3N2 and H1N1/09 viruses, suggesting the possibility of coinfection with both viruses. Our findings emphasize the necessity for continued surveillance of influenza viruses in dogs in China.     

H3N2亚型犬流感病毒血凝及血凝抑制试验的研究

为优化H3N2亚型犬流感病毒(CIV)的血凝抑制(HI)试验方法,本研究应用不同种类红细胞进行CIV的血凝(HA)试验,应用不同种类红细胞和不同血清处理方法进行CIV的HI试验,评价其对HA和HI试验的影响。结果表明,H3N2亚型CIV对鸡和犬红细胞的凝集性最好,对小鼠、猪和牛红细胞的凝集性较差。HI试验应用鸡红细胞悬液效果最好,受体破坏酶(RDE)和高碘酸钾处理可以有效去除犬血清中非特异血凝抑制素,但高碘酸钾对血清特异性抗体有损耗。本研究筛选出H3N2亚型CIV HI试验的最佳方法,为犬流感的血清学诊断提供技术支持。     

H3N2亚型犬流感病毒HA1基因的原核表达及抗原性分析

为原核表达H3N2亚型犬流感病毒(CIV)HA1蛋白,本研究利用特异性引物扩增CIV H3分离株的HA1基因,将其克隆到pMD18-T载体后进行序列测定。再将其亚克隆于pET-32a(+)中构建重组表达质粒pET-HA1。将该质粒转化于大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中,经IPTG诱导,SDS-PAGE电泳分析,表达的重组蛋白约为58 ku。纯化的HA1蛋白经western blot和Dot-ELISA鉴定表明,表达的重组HA1蛋白可以与H3N2亚型CIV阳性血清发生特异性反应。     

Interspecies transmission of equine influenza virus (H3N8) to dogs by close contact with experimentally infected horses

In horse populations, influenza A virus subtype H3N8 (equine influenza virus, EIV) is a very important pathogen that leads to acute respiratory disease. Recently, EIV has emerged in dogs, and has become widespread among the canine population in the United States. The interspecies transmission route had thus far remained unclear. Here, we tested whether the interspecies transmission of EIV to dogs could occur as a result of close contact with experimentally EIV-infected horses. Three pairs consisting of an EIV-infected horse and a healthy dog were kept together in individual stalls for 15 consecutive days. A subsequent hemagglutination inhibition test revealed that all three dogs exhibited seroconversion. Moreover, two of the three dogs exhibited virus shedding. However, the dogs exhibited no clinical signs throughout the course of the study. These data suggest that the interspecies transmission of EIV to dogs could occur as a result of close contact with EIV-infected horses without clinical symptoms. Although the interspecies transmission of EIV is unlikely to become an immediate threat to canine hygiene, close contact between EIV-infected horses and dogs should be avoided during an EI epidemic.     

宠物鸟H3N8亚型流感病毒HA基因的特征性分析

来自香港和世界各地的10株宠物鸟H3N8流感病毒的HA基因进行了全基因序列测定,用DNASTAR和Tree-View软件进行序列编辑,序列翻译,进化树绘制和分子演化分析.结果表明来自不同国家和地区的H3N8流感病毒的HA基因都非常相似,都形成一个独立的分支,属于欧亚亚系,同源率为95.9%～100%;香港2001年宠物鸟的毒株之间的同源率最高,分别为99.2%～100%.HA基因与A/Equine/Jilin/89(H3N8)的同源性为最高,在92.9%～93.6%之间.氨基酸分析表明只有A/Parakeet/Netherland/33/01的HA基因在97～99受体结合位点处有一个额外潜在的糖基化位点NKT;因此可见宠物鸟H3N8流感病毒的HA基因高度保守,HA基因均来自共同的祖先.     

Fatal pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus infection in a Pennsylvania domestic cat

We report the earliest recognized fatality associated with laboratory-confirmed pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) influenza in a domestic cat in the United States. The 12-year old, indoor cat died on 6 November 2009 after exposure to multiple family members who had been ill with influenza-like illness during the peak period of the fall wave of pH1N1 in Pennsylvania during late October 2009. The clinical presentation, history, radiographic, laboratory and necropsy findings are presented to assist veterinary care providers in understanding the features of this disease in cats and the potential for transmission of infection to pets from infected humans.