Serological and molecular evidence of canine enteric coronavirus in southern Italy.

Abstract

Canine enteric coronavirus (CECoV) is one of the most common viruses in dogs, causing gastrointestinal disorders and, in severe cases, death. Despite being a main pathogen, research on its distribution is limited, particularly in some geographical locations, such as Campania region (southern Italy). This study investigated the serological and molecular prevalence of this virus, as well as the risk factors associated with higher exposures. A total of 258 blood and 154 fecal samples from 71 districts were collected, along with anamnestic information such as sex, breed, size, location, age, origin, lifestyle, and attitude. The serological and molecular prevalence were determined using a commercial ELISA and a previously established real-time PCR method. A total of 139/258 dogs tested positive in serological analysis, nevertheless only 5.8% tested positive in real-time PCR. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that hunting dogs and dogs with an outdoor lifestyle had higher seroprevalences. Furthermore, dogs in some locations had seroprevalences of up to 85%, including the bulk of PCR-positive animals. The findings of this study emphasized the widespread prevalence of CECoV in the studied area, as well as the presence of current outbreaks across several districts.