title: Seroprevalence of Canine Parvovirus in Dogs in Lusaka District, Zambia.
abstract: Canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis is a highly contagious enteric disease of young dogs. Limited studies have been done in Zambia to investigate the prevalence of CPV in dogs. Blood was collected from dogs from three veterinary clinics (clinic samples,n= 174) and one township of Lusaka (field samples,n= 56). Each dog's age, sex, breed, and vaccination status were recorded. A haemagglutination assay using pig erythrocytes and modified live parvovirus vaccine as the antigen was used. Antibodies to CPV were detected in 100% of dogs (unvaccinated or vaccinated). The titres ranged from 160 to 10240 with a median of 1280. Vaccinated dogs had significantly higher antibody titres compared to unvaccinated (p< 0.001). There was a significant difference in titres of clinic samples compared to field samples (p< 0.0001) but not within breed (p= 0.098) or sex (p= 0.572). Multiple regression analysis showed that only age and vaccination status were significant predictors of antibody titres. The presence of antibody in all dogs suggests that the CPV infection is ubiquitous and the disease is endemic, hence the need for research to determine the protection conferred by vaccination and natural exposure to the virus under local conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Ngonda
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-6470-4582
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saasa
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: King Shimumbo
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-0125-9009
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Nalubamba
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Ethel
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3693-0544
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: M'kandawire
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 32379, 10101 Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: Joyce
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9734-3576
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siwila