"Man's best friend" – as dogs have been referred to for centuries can be harmed by infections of the respiratory tract.
But how can these viruses be detected? How often are they involved in the manifestation of diseases and which mechanism triggers the symptoms? With this project our institute would like to contribute to the clarification of these questions.
research on canine pneumoviruses
Prevalence and pathogenesis of canine pneumovirus
Subject
The research project investigates the distribution and pathogenesis of canine pneumoviruses in dogs in Germany
Summary
Canine pneumoviruses were first discovered in dogs in Italy that showed respiratory symptoms. Subsequently, there have been sporadic reports that these pathogens could be involved in the so-called kennel cough complex (an infectious multifactorial disease of the upper respiratory tract in dogs). However, systematic studies on the pathogenesis of these pathogens are still lacking. Furthermore, there are no studies on the spread of canine pneumoviruses in German dog populations.
This research project aims to develop diagnostic methods for the detection of canine pneumoviruses. In addition, model systems will be generated which, based on cell culture systems, will enable research into the pathogenesis of these pathogens.
Project leader
Prof. Dr. Dr. Thomas Vahlenkamp
Participating employees
Dr. Michael Sieg
Cand. med. vet. Marcus Hoppe
Cooperation partners
Prof. Dr. Romy Heilmann, Clinic for Small Animals, VMF, University of Leipzig
Funding
Budget-financed research