# Comparison of the sequences of the viral capsid protein 1 and viral capsid protein 2 encoded genes in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of canine parvovirus 2 in dogs

## TL;DR

This study compares genetic differences in CPV-2 virus genes between dogs with and without symptoms to understand how mutations might affect disease and vaccine effectiveness.

## Contribution

The study identifies genetic mutations in VP1 and VP2 genes of CPV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in Iraq.

## Key findings

- Significant genetic mutations were found in VP1, VP2, and intergenic regions of CPV-2 in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
- These mutations may help the virus evade control measures like vaccination.
- CPV-2 polymorphisms could influence disease severity and infection dynamics.

## Abstract

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) is a highly contagious virus that infects wild and domestic canines. Despite the use of a routine vaccination protocol, it is endemic in Iraq. The genetic drift of CPV-2 is a major issue worldwide because it abrogates virus control. In Iraq, there is a knowledge gap regarding the genetic sequences of asymptomatic and symptomatic CPV-2 cases. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a genetic analysis of viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) and viral capsid protein 2 (VP2), two major capsid-encoding genes, to demonstrate the possible role of certain mutations in triggering infection.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic cases (n = 100/each) were tested by a polymerase chain reaction targeting VP1 and VP2 genes.

The analysis revealed numerous synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations in VP1 and VP2 and in the intergenic sequence.

The study identified significant genetic mutations in VP1, VP2, and the intergenic regions of CPV-2 in symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in Iraq. These mutations may contribute to the virus’s ability to evade control measures such as vaccination. These findings indicate that CPV-2 polymorphisms can influence the clinical state of the disease and/or trigger infection. Understanding these genetic variations provides critical insights into CPV-2 pathogenesis and could inform improved vaccination strategies to mitigate the virus’s impact in endemic regions.