Molecular detection and genomic characterisation of Torque teno canis virus in Turkey

Abstract

Torque teno virus (TTV) was first detected in humans, and since then it has been reported in many host species, such as monkeys, cats, pigs, seagulls and dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Torque teno canis virus (TTCaV) in shelter dogs housed in Sivas Municipal Animal Shelter, Turkey. Faecal specimens, including diarrheic and non-diarrheic (n=202), were collected from dogs of various age groups. In total, 32.18% (65/202) of samples were found positive for TTCaV. Out of the 65 positive samples, 34.64% (44/127) samples were from adult diarrheic dogs and 26.09% (6/23) belonged to diarrheic puppies. On the other hand, 28.84% (15/52) positive samples were detected from clinically healthy dogs. Eight sequences showed close homology among themselves, however, the sequences of two samples (CANEL130 and CANEL140) were genetically distinct from other published sequences. This is the first report on the detection of TTCaV in adult dogs and puppies in Turkey, and provides evidence that TTCaV cannot be considered as the sole cause of diarrhea.