MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS BY PCR AND THERAPEUTIC BENEFIT OF FILGRASTIM IN CANINE PARVOVIRUS INFECTION

Abstract

Canine parvoviral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and a potentially fatal disease of dogs, particularly puppies. The present study evaluated the efficacy of diagnostics and therapeutic interventions towards canine parvovirus (CPV) infection. The fecal samples from 59 dogs presenting with a complaint of vomiting and bloody diarrhea were screened using Ubio Quick VET CPV Antigen Rapid Test Kit and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR detected CPV in 100% (59/59) of dogs, while the rapid test diagnosed only 25.42% (15/59), yielding a sensitivity of 25.42% and specificity of 100%. The clinical signs of the affected dogs were vomiting (100%), hemorrhagic diarrhea (100%), dehydration (100%), and inappetence (100%). Hematological alterations in the affected dogs included elevation of hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume with decreases in total leukocyte count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets. Biochemical changes revealed decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio, with an increase in creatinine and BUN. Twelve PCR-positive dogs were divided into two groups: Group I (n=6) dogs received filgrastim (recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) as an adjuvant therapy, and Group II (n=6) dogs received a placebo, alongside standard supportive care (antibiotics, antiemetics, fluids). Post-treatment (day 5), Group I showed normalization of hematobiochemical parameters 100% (17/17) and recovery in 5 days, compared to 70.05% (12/17) in Group II with recovery period of 7 days. PCR proved as superior for diagnosis, and filgrastim enhanced the therapeutic efficacy by accelerating leukocyte recovery.