Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2)

Test code: S0103 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of canine adenovirus type 2 by real time polymerase chain reaction

S0103 is included on P0019 - Canine Respiratory Panel

Adenoviruses are linear, double-stranded DNA viruses which infect a wide variety of mammals and birds. Two adenoviruses have been identified in the dog: canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) which infects most of the major organs causing, among other diseases, hepatitis; and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) which causes respiratory and enteric diseases.

CAV-2 is one of the major causes of infectious tracheobronchitis in dogs, also known as kennel cough. Vaccination against CAV-2 will not prevent infection with this virus but it can minimize its severity so that the chances of developing secondary bacterial infections and complications are lessened.

Normally, symptoms of kennel cough will develop within a week after a dog has been exposed to CAV-2. The most common symptoms are a dry, hacking cough followed by retching, and coughing up a white foamy discharge. The cough is brought on by an inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. Some dogs also develop conjunctivitis, rhinitis or a nasal discharge.

Diagnosis of CAV-2 has been done by electron microscopy, viral culture or serological testing. However, these tests are laborious and do not have high sensitivity. Molecular detection by PCR is a rapid, highly sensitive and specific technique for detecting CAV-2.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Ensure that animal groups and populations are free of canine adenovirus type 2
• Early prevention of spread of CAV-2 among a population
• Minimize human exposure to this virus
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from susceptible animals

Specimen requirement: Nasopharyngeal, conjunctival or throat swab, or 1 ml tracheal wash, or 1 ml feces, or 0.5 ml fresh or paraffin-embedded tissue, shipped overnight at room temperature; or tissue shipped frozen.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected