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

Research (Published online: 04-11-2020)

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

Zahraa Mustafa Al-Jumaa, Eva Aisser Ajaj and Mohammad Osamah Dahl

Veterinary World, 13(11): 2326-2329

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.

Keywords: alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, dogs, Hepatitis B virus.