Evidence of transmission and risk factors for influenza A virus in household dogs and their owners.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The possible transmission of influenza A virus between dogs and humans is important, as in Mexico City there are approximately 1·2 million dogs. We present the first evidence of influenza A virus infection in household dogs in Mexico.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify the presence of antibodies against influenza A virus in dogs and their owners, as well as the presence of RNA of influenza A virus in nasal exudates of dogs and, thereby, assess the possible transmission of the virus between humans and dogs.

Methods

Serum samples from household dogs and their owners were analyzed to detect the presence of antibodies against three subtypes of human influenza virus (H1N1pdm09, H1N1, and H3N2), as well as subtype H3N8 of equine influenza. We

SUBMITTER: Ramirez-Martinez LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4634238 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature