Prevalence of canine herpesvirus 1 and associated risk factors among bitches in Iranian breeding kennels and farms

Alphaherpesvirus in Pets and Livestock

Herpesviruses are a group of DNA viruses capable of infecting multiple mammalian species, including humans. This review primarily summarizes four common alphaherpesviruses found in pets and livestock (feline, swine, canine, and bovine) in aspects such as epidemiology, immune evasion, and latency and reactivation. Despite the fact that they primarily infect specific hosts, these viruses have the potential for cross-species transmission due to genetic mutations and/or recombination events. During infection, herpesviruses not only stimulate innate immune responses in host cells but also interfere with signaling pathways through specific proteins to achieve immune evasion. These viruses can remain latent within the host for extended periods and reactivate under certain conditions to trigger disease recurrence. They not only affect the health of animals and cause economic losses but may also pose a potential threat to humans under certain circumstances. This review deepens our understanding of the biological characteristics of these animal alphaherpesviruses and provides an important scientific basis for the prevention and control of related diseases.

Prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. and Canid herpesvirus-1 in Polish dogs

Background and Aim

Chlamydophila spp. affect Leydig and Sertoli cells by dysregulating spermatogenesis, inducing apoptosis and sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as benign prostate hyperplasia. Canid herpes virus 1 (CHV-1) infection in male dogs is manifested by lesions on the base of the penis and foreskin. There is a lack of information on the influence of these microorganisms on the quality of canine semen. Seroprevalence of Chlamydophila spp. (55%-61%) and CHV-1 (22%-81%) in Europe is high. The prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. and CHV-1 has been evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) only in Sweden and Croatia, respectively. No positive samples were detected in either case. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation in Polish male dogs (PMDs) to provide a solution to limit the spread of these microorganisms using assisted reproduction techniques or elimination from the reproduction of CHV-1 carriers. In addition, we assessed the semen quality of Chlamydophila spp. carriers and CHV-1 carriers.

Materials and Methods

Cotton swabs were collected from prepuce or semen from each dog (n = 130). Real-time PCR for Chlamydophila spp. and CHV-1, as well as semen analysis, was performed using the computer-assisted semen analysis system.

Results

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydophila spp. infection in PMD confirmed by real-time PCR. All parameters, except progressive movement in Chlamydophila semen carriers, were normal.

Conclusion

The average velocity values for a dog with Chlamydia are detailed. No CHV-1 was detected. The results achieved should be verified on the basis of a larger number of studies. However, the high prevalence of these pathogens in the PMD population has not been established.