VP2 gene region based molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of canine and feline parvoviruses

Objective: Canine and feline parvoviruses are viruses that frequently infect dogs and cats, usually progress with gastroenteritis and can cause death in young animals. It is assumed that CPV-2 emerges in dogs by breaking the host barrier due to mutations in the VP2 gene region of feline parvovirus, which has single-stranded DNA. The existence of mutations that continue to occur constantly necessitated the investigation of parvoviruses in transformation. In this study, we aimed to simultaneously investigate feline and canine parvoviruses in terms of molecular and phylogenetic. Material and Methods: In total, 50 samples of suspected parvovirus belonging to 25 cats and 25 dogs were collected. Almost the entire (1755 bp) sequence analysis of the VP2 gene region of the positive samples was performed by PCR for molecular investigation. Sequence data were evaluated through data programs. Genotyping was revealed, amino acid changes were observed and phylogenetic analysis was made. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using two different methods (ML, NJ) and finding similar results supported the accuracy. Results: Parvovirus positive was obtained in 7 (14%) of them, 4 of them (16%) belonged to dogs and 3 (12%) belonged to cats in 50 samples. In the tree topography, CPV2a is subdivided as 2b and 2c, and FPV as G1 and G2. While the FPV sequences were in the G1 geno group, the CPV sequences were found in the 2a and 2b genogroups. The 426th amino acid residue of VP2 is still the most critical factor for host identification and genotyping. In addition, changes in amino acids 5, 297, 324 and 370 on VP2 are noteworthy. Conclusion: As a result of phylogenetic analysis, it was observed that branching was species-specific as FPV for cats and CPV-2 for dogs. By simultaneous sampling of feline and canine parvoviruses, molecular and phylogenetic evaluation was provided for the first time in the same study. For the first time in Aydın province, the data of feline and canine parvovirus sequences were defined by Genbank. Molecular and phylogenetic studies on CPV and FPV will provide us with feedback in terms of detecting possible host changes in the future and monitoring the effectiveness of the vaccines used.