Detection of Canine Viral and Bacterial Agents Associated with Gastroenteritis by PCR and RT-PCR

Background: The important causative agents associated with gastroenteritis include Canine Parvovirus, Canine Rotavirus, Canine coronavirus and E. coli. The diagnostic assay viz. lateral flow test, PCR, RT-PCR was used for screening of diarrheal fecal samples of dogs to detect the presence of these pathogens. Methods: The present study envisaged the appraisal of Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus, corona virus and enterotoxigenic E. coli infection. Total 50 rectal swabs/fecal swab in duplicate were collected for detection of viral andbacterial enteropathogens associated with canine gastroenteritis. For virus detection by PCR a 10% fecal suspension was prepared in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (pH 7.2). The detection of viral and bacterial agents done by as per reference methods. Result: Out of 50 fecal smples 10(20%) samples were found positive, 2(4%) were found to be positive for Canine Rotavirus and None of sample was found positive for Canine Corona virus. Canine Parvo virus 15(30%) and 1(2%) for Canine rotavirus by PCR and RT-PCR and None of the sample was positive for Canine Corona virus. Of this Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus and E. coli were recovered either singly or in association with each other in the form of mixed infection. Out of 50 samples, 15(30%) and 1(2%) were found positive for Canine parvovirus, Rotavirus and 45(90%) E. coli.