Identification of new genovariants of canine distemper virus in dogs from the State of Mexico by analyzing the nucleocapsid gene

Abstract

Globally, Canine Distemper Disease is one of the most important viral diseases in dogs due to its high mortality and morbidity. It is caused by an RNA canine paramyxovirus with an elevated genetic diversity. We previously reported the presence of an apparently exclusive genovariant in the State of Mexico, but we do not have data on molecular epidemiology of this virus. In order to determine his genetic diversity in this State, samples collected from dogs showing clinical signs of Distemper Disease were analyzed. The samples were processed by RT-PCR and the nucleotide sequence of an N gene fragment was obtained. The data analysis was performed using molecular phylogeny. The results showed that N gene sequences belong to seven Canine Distemper Virus genovariants that had never been reported before in the State of Mexico.