OBJECTIVES

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a member of the genus Morbillivirus in the Paramyxoviridae family, and has been known for centuries causing severe systemic disease throughout the world. In the present study, CDV was evaluated by using RT-PCR, and cytology of conjunctival scrapings, ELISA system and virus neutralization test (VNT).

MATERIALS

Nasal and ocular swabs, conjunctival scraping, and serum samples were taken from 20 canine distemper suspected stray dogs.

RESULTS

CDV RNA was detected by RT-PCR in 45% of suspected cases while dot-ELISA and virus neutralization test revealed variable results as 65% and 15%, respectively. On the other hand, crystalline inclusions were not determined in the conjunctival scraping preparations.

CONCLUSION

However, ELISA may have more advantageous in terms of estimating protective features (or titres) of the antibody response detected. we found that RT-PCR is more reliable than other methods in diagnosis of canine distemper during early stages.