Development and application of multiplex PCR assays for detection of virus-induced respiratory disease complex in dogs

PIEWBANG, Chutchai; RUNGSIPIPAT, Anudep; POOVORAWAN, Yong; TECHANGAMSUWAN, Somporn

This study also exhibited a higher level of infections compared with a previous report [15] , although this might be caused by the different timing of sample collection, population size and locations. However, it has previously been reported that infection with CRCoV and CPIV might facilitate or initiate the disease and, subsequently, enhance the entry of other pathogens [7], so the prevalence of infected dogs is then increased. Moreover, we found that the dogs that were infected with CIV, CPIV, CDV and CRCoV showed a greater severity of clinical symptoms, such as marked bronchopneumonia and sudden death (data not shown). This finding is consistent with other investigations suggesting that co-infections might augment the severity of clinical symptoms [7, 16] . Thus, advanced genetic-based detection methods, such as multiplex PCR assays, are considered as an alternative diagnostic platform for a panel of suspected CIRDC causing viruses with a high sensitivity and specificity. Because of the cost benefit and practical usage, the developed multiplex PCR assays are suitable for a screening test for disease diagnosis, quarantine and prevention measures, especially in