Antigenic detection of Canine Coronavirus in diarrheic dogs in Ahvaz

Abstract: The Purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Canine Coronavirus (CCV) in diarrheic dogs of Ahvaz district. Fecal samples were collected from 58 diarrheic dogs between 2005 and 2006. Dogs were grouped by age (less than and above 6 months), sex, breed, geographical location (urban and rural) and quality of diarrhea (hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic) to determine whether these factors were associated with coronavirus infection, using Fischer's exact test. Prevalence to CCV antigens in these dogs was 3.45% (2 of 58) by means of immunochromatography assay (IC) indicating that this virus is present in the environment. Though the infection had more prevalence in dogs less than 6 months, rural dogs and German shepherds, but there were no significant differences between different sexes, age groups, breeds, location and quality of diarrhea (p>0.05). CBC in 2 dogs that were affected with coronavirus infection was normal. This study that is the first report on prevalence of CCV in Iran showed that CCV infection in the Ahvaz dogs may be attributed as a cause of viral diarrhea in dogs. A vaccine is recommended, especially for open population and kennel dogs that are at a high risk for contacting the virus. Key words: Canine Coronavirus, Immunochromatography assay, dog, diarrhea.