Systematic Veterinary Virology

DIAGNOSIS

• Field diagnosis: Based on clinical signs and blood picture (Leukopenia or lymphopenia). However, it has to be confirmed with a diagnostic test.
• Biopsy of the intestinal mucosa – Damage to the microvilli provide conclusive evidence about infection
• Faecal Parvo ELISA test: Commercial kits are available to identify the virus particles in faeces. Since the virus is excreted for a long time the results provide conclusive evidence in unvaccinated animals. However, the results are not very conclusive in vaccinated animals
• Detection of CPV particles in the faeces using immunoelectronmicroscopy and HA
• Detection of viral nucleic acid by PCR
• Serological tests like HI and Serum neutralization test. These tests are normally performed to findout the protective status of the animals. A HI titre of 1:80 and SN titre of 1:20 is considered as protective