Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 October 2009
The main clinical and pathological features of the naturally occurring canine virus hepatitis were reproduced in dogs, using four strains of virus from different parts of the world and by various routes of inoculation. Young puppies seemed to be most susceptible. A kitten was also infected. An unusual type of kerato-conjunctivitis occurred after both intraocular and intraperitoneal injection.
Specific antigen was detected in the blood for short periods at irregular intervals during the acute stages of the illness and up to 6 months after complete clinical recovery.
Specific antibodies were detected in the blood of recovered animals 3 to 10 weeks after the inoculation and 2–6 weeks after the onset of clinical illness.
The four strains of virus were similar in their serological and immunological characters.
Evidence is presented that virus can persist for some months in recovered animals.
Virus was demonstrated in lice collected from affected dogs.
The importance of clinically inapparent infections is stressed.