Avaliação de suscetibilidade à cinomose em cães institucionalizados no município de Taubaté-SP

Resumo (EN)

Objective – To measure neutralizing antibody titers against canine distemper virus (CDV) in serum of shelter dogs from Associação Protetora de Animais de Taubaté (APATA), Taubaté-SP, Brazil, and to evaluate the protective level of this population against distemper. Distemper is an infectious diseases caused by CDV. Seroneutralization tests (SN) can be used to determine serum antibody titers and are considered the gold standard method for evaluation of protection against distemper in dogs. Methods – We analyzed 52 serum samples by SN using CDV Lederle Bio-Vet CDV strain adapted to fibroblasts of chicken embryos. In addition to sampling, clinical and physical examinations were performed. Results – Distemper was reported as a common disease in the shelter despite regular vaccination. Antibodies were detected in 71.2% (37/52) of samples. A unique sample presented titer 32 (1.9%, 1/52), 15.4% (8/52) of them presented antibody titers ≥16, and the majority (51.9%, 27/52) presented titers between 4 and 8. Conclusions – Considering titers ≥32 as protective, we can conclude that with the exception of a unique animal, the shelter dog population was unprotected against distemper. Even considering titers ≥16 as protective, only 15. 4% (8/52) of the animals shelter could be considered protected. In order to increase the immune protection status of the shelter dogs against distemper, we suggest an annual revaccination program, revaccination intervals as specified by the manufacturer in addition to reducing the environmental stress by improving unspecific conditions in the institution.