Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How long canine distemper virus RNA lasts in shelter dogs
By Allen, Carolyn et al.·Published in PloS one·2023·Department of Medical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prolonged persistence of canine distemper virus RNA, and virus isolation in naturally infected shelter dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of shelter dogs infected with canine distemper virus (CDV) was monitored to understand how long they could spread the virus. Many of these dogs tested positive for viral RNA for an average of 34 days, with some still shedding the virus after 62 days. However, infectious virus was only found in the first two weeks after the initial positive test. This information can help shelters determine when dogs are no longer contagious, allowing them to be adopted more quickly and improving their chances of finding a home.
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Abstract
Canine distemper virus remains an important source of morbidity and mortality in animal shelters. RT-PCR is commonly used to aid diagnosis and has been used to monitor dogs testing positive over time to gauge the end of infectious potential. Many dogs excrete viral RNA for prolonged periods which has complicated disease management. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the duration and characteristics of viral RNA excretion in shelter dogs with naturally occurring CDV and investigate the relationship between that viral RNA excretion and infectious potential using virus isolation data. Records from 98 different humane organizations with suspect CDV were reviewed. A total of 5,920 dogs were tested with 1,393; 4,452; and 75 found to be positive, negative, or suspect on RT-PCR respectively. The median duration of a positive test was 34 days (n = 325), and 25% (82/325) of the dogs still excreting viral RNA after 62 days of monitoring. Virus isolation was performed in six dogs who were RT-PCR positive for > 60 days. Infectious virus was isolated only within the first two weeks of monitoring at or around the peak viral RNA excretion (as detected by the lowest cycle threshold) reported for each dog. Our findings suggest that peak viral RNA excretion and the days surrounding it might be used as a functional marker to gauge the end of infectious risk. Clarifying the earliest point in time when dogs testing positive for canine distemper by RT-PCR can be considered non-contagious will improve welfare and lifesaving potential of shelters by enabling recovered dogs to be cleared more quickly for live release outcomes.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36662900/