Seroprevalence of canine hepatitis in stray dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq

Abstract

Aim: The current study was conducted to explore evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 78 dogs were used to (i) estimate levels of the antibodies against HBV through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and (ii) measure the activity of liver function enzymes. Results: Seropositive dogs for HBV constituted 9% of total tested dogs. The differences in seropositivity among males compared to females and among different ages were not statistically significant. Liver function enzymes analysis revealed a significant increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in seropositive dogs compared to those seronegative. Conclusion: Hepatitis B is evident in dogs in Nineveh Province, Iraq, with a significant impact on liver function in affected dogs. It is important to confirm this evidence through molecular tests.

Exploring the link between viruses and cancer in companion animals: a comprehensive and comparative analysis

“…Given the possibility of inter-species transmission, the evidence that some viruses circulate among both dogs and cats [ 302 ], and the presence of antibodies specific to HBV in canine sera from several studies [ 303 – 306 ], it was hypothesized that HBV-like viruses might also be harbored by dogs. In 2019, Hepadnavirus DNA was detected in dogs for the first time using PCR targeting the preS/S1 genomic region and the core gene of HBV.…”

“…In 2019, Hepadnavirus DNA was detected in dogs for the first time using PCR targeting the preS/S1 genomic region and the core gene of HBV. Hepadnavirus DNA was identified in 10% of sampled dogs [ 306 ]. In 2022, another study reported that 6.3% of canine sera samples tested positive by qPCR, and the virus became known as Domestic Dog Hepadnavirus (DDH) [ 307 ].…”