University of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923Effects of Phytase and Vitamin-Mineral Premix on Performance, Egg Quality, Metabolic Profile, and Nutrient Digestibility in Laying Hens Fed Diets With Different Energy and Nutrient LevelsEffects of Phytase and Vitamin-Mineral Premix on Performance, Egg Quality, Metabolic Profile, and Nutrient Digestibility in Laying Hens Fed Diets With Different Energy and Nutrient Levels14916310606710.22059/jvr.2025.400978.3537FAHossein AliGhasemiDepartment of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Arak University, Arak, Iran0000-0003-4616-7597MohammadAzizollahiGraduated from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Arak University, Arak, Iran0009-0006-3567-367XHamidrezaGhalamkariSepahan Daneh Parsian Company, Isfahan, Iran0009-0006-3567-367XAbbasSaneiSepahan Daneh Parsian Company, Isfahan, Iran0009-0004-7404-6391Journal Article20260427BACKGROUND: Reducing the concentration of energy and nutrients in laying hen diets, as a cost-saving strategy, can impair productive performance, eggshell quality, and physiological status. The use of feed additives, such as the phytase enzyme and a vitamin–mineral premix (VMP), has been proposed as a nutritional approach to compensate for these reductions.OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of phytase (PHYTA GOLD) and VMP supplementation (SuperShell) in diets containing standard or reduced nutrient levels in laying hens.METHODS: A total of 320 Lohmann LSL lite laying hens (54–66 weeks of age) were allocated to a completely randomized 2×4 factorial experiment with 8 replicates of 5 birds each. Experimental treatments included 2 nutrient levels (recommended level; SND, and low-nutrient diet; LND) and 4 supplementation regimens: (1) no supplement, (2) phytase, (3) VMP, and (4) phytase + VMP. Compared to the SND, the LND was formulated having 50 kcal/kg less metabolizable energy, 1% less crude protein, and 0.1% less of each available phosphorus and calcium.RESULTS: A significant interaction between nutrient level and supplement type was observed for egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and the proportion of abnormal eggs (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation, particularly the combination of phytase and VMP in the LND, had greater effects than in the SND. Reducing nutrient intake in LND decreased yolk weight index, serum triglyceride and phosphorus concentrations, while increasing serum glucose and alkaline phosphatase activity (P<0.05). Phytase improved Haugh unit, energy digestibility, and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and reduced alkaline phosphatase activity, whereas VMP increased eggshell weight and thickness (P<0.05). The combined use of phytase and VMP improved eggshell breaking strength and crude protein digestibility (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that phytase and VMP exert a synergistic effect on improving productive performance, eggshell quality, and nutrient digestibility, particularly in low-nutrient diets, and can be recommended as an effective strategy in laying hen nutrition management.BACKGROUND: Reducing the concentration of energy and nutrients in laying hen diets, as a cost-saving strategy, can impair productive performance, eggshell quality, and physiological status. The use of feed additives, such as the phytase enzyme and a vitamin–mineral premix (VMP), has been proposed as a nutritional approach to compensate for these reductions.OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of phytase (PHYTA GOLD) and VMP supplementation (SuperShell) in diets containing standard or reduced nutrient levels in laying hens.METHODS: A total of 320 Lohmann LSL lite laying hens (54–66 weeks of age) were allocated to a completely randomized 2×4 factorial experiment with 8 replicates of 5 birds each. Experimental treatments included 2 nutrient levels (recommended level; SND, and low-nutrient diet; LND) and 4 supplementation regimens: (1) no supplement, (2) phytase, (3) VMP, and (4) phytase + VMP. Compared to the SND, the LND was formulated having 50 kcal/kg less metabolizable energy, 1% less crude protein, and 0.1% less of each available phosphorus and calcium.RESULTS: A significant interaction between nutrient level and supplement type was observed for egg mass, feed conversion ratio, and the proportion of abnormal eggs (P<0.05). Dietary supplementation, particularly the combination of phytase and VMP in the LND, had greater effects than in the SND. Reducing nutrient intake in LND decreased yolk weight index, serum triglyceride and phosphorus concentrations, while increasing serum glucose and alkaline phosphatase activity (P<0.05). Phytase improved Haugh unit, energy digestibility, and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and reduced alkaline phosphatase activity, whereas VMP increased eggshell weight and thickness (P<0.05). The combined use of phytase and VMP improved eggshell breaking strength and crude protein digestibility (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that phytase and VMP exert a synergistic effect on improving productive performance, eggshell quality, and nutrient digestibility, particularly in low-nutrient diets, and can be recommended as an effective strategy in laying hen nutrition management.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_106067_1d1cf7f4f6cef72c47febcb44d341aac.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923The Effect of Echinacea purpurea Leaf Powder and Multi-Strain Probiotics on Blood Biochemical Parameters, Growth Performance, and Jejunal Microbiota of Japanese QuailThe Effect of Echinacea purpurea Leaf Powder and Multi-Strain Probiotics on Blood Biochemical Parameters, Growth Performance, and Jejunal Microbiota of Japanese Quail16517410730710.22059/jvr.2025.394724.3508FAFatemehValipourGraduate from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-7765-7926Hamid-RezaAliakbarpourDepartment of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Babol Branch, Islasmic Azad University, Babol, Iran0000-0001-7729-4703Seyed MasoudHashemi KaroueiDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran0000-0002-5331-1510Journal Article20260418BACKGROUND: Growth-promoting additives for poultry are diverse. Currently, the role of medicinal plants in stimulating poultry growth is emphasized.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea and a multi-strain probiotic on growth performance and vital indices in Japanese quail.METHODS: A total of 320 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates (20 chicks per replicate) from 1 to 35 days of age. The experimental treatments included 1) control (basal diet - without feed additives), 2) basal diet with Echinacea, 3) basal diet with probiotic, and 4) basal diet with Echinacea and probiotic.RESULTS: The effect of experimental treatments on growth performance was significant in the first week of rearing (P<0.05). The maximum growth rate and the best feed conversion ratio were observed in the treatment containing Echinacea and a probiotic (Group 4). The effect of experimental treatments on feed intake was not significant. Although the relative weights of carcass, heart, liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius were not affected by the experimental treatments, testes weight significantly increased in groups 2 and 4 at the end of the experiment (P<0.05). Blood triglyceride concentration was lower in the control group than in other experimental groups (P<0.05). The differences in cholesterol, albumin, total protein concentrations, and liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, were not significant among the experimental groups. Villi length and surface area were greater in the probiotic-receiving groups than in other experimental groups (P<0.05). The effects of the experimental treatments on the populations of aerobic bacteria and lactobacilli were not significant. However, the lowest mean total coliform population was observed in Group 4 (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The use of 1% Echinacea purpurea leaf powder in the diet, along with a multi-strain probiotic, improves growth performance, reduces intestinal coliforms, and increases testes growth in Japanese quail chicks.BACKGROUND: Growth-promoting additives for poultry are diverse. Currently, the role of medicinal plants in stimulating poultry growth is emphasized.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Echinacea purpurea and a multi-strain probiotic on growth performance and vital indices in Japanese quail.METHODS: A total of 320 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks were studied in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 4 replicates (20 chicks per replicate) from 1 to 35 days of age. The experimental treatments included 1) control (basal diet - without feed additives), 2) basal diet with Echinacea, 3) basal diet with probiotic, and 4) basal diet with Echinacea and probiotic.RESULTS: The effect of experimental treatments on growth performance was significant in the first week of rearing (P<0.05). The maximum growth rate and the best feed conversion ratio were observed in the treatment containing Echinacea and a probiotic (Group 4). The effect of experimental treatments on feed intake was not significant. Although the relative weights of carcass, heart, liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius were not affected by the experimental treatments, testes weight significantly increased in groups 2 and 4 at the end of the experiment (P<0.05). Blood triglyceride concentration was lower in the control group than in other experimental groups (P<0.05). The differences in cholesterol, albumin, total protein concentrations, and liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase, were not significant among the experimental groups. Villi length and surface area were greater in the probiotic-receiving groups than in other experimental groups (P<0.05). The effects of the experimental treatments on the populations of aerobic bacteria and lactobacilli were not significant. However, the lowest mean total coliform population was observed in Group 4 (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The use of 1% Echinacea purpurea leaf powder in the diet, along with a multi-strain probiotic, improves growth performance, reduces intestinal coliforms, and increases testes growth in Japanese quail chicks.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_107307_09539c0273d844728a812cfbf9707789.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923Health Status of Farmed Rainbow Trout in Lorestan Province, Iran: Bacterial Diseases and Risk AssessmentHealth Status of Farmed Rainbow Trout in Lorestan Province, Iran: Bacterial Diseases and Risk Assessment17518810880110.22059/jvr.2026.409907.3557FASaeedehHosseiniGraduated from the Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran0009-0008-0164-9756MehdiSoltaniCentre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, WA, Australia; Department of Aquatic Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5367-7133GholamrezaRafieeDepartment of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran0000-0002-0621-8890KamranRezaei TavabeDepartment of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran0000-0003-0667-2775SepidehAsadiDepartment of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran0000-0002-3659-6745HamidFarahmandDepartment of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.0000-0002-3981-1826MohamadAzizzadehDepartment of Aquatic Animal Health, Iran Veterinary Organization, Iran0000-0001-9192-5022Journal Article20260419BACKGROUND: Bacterial diseases are among the most important factors threatening health and production in rainbow trout farms.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial infections and their risk factors in farmed rainbow trout in Lorestan province, Iran.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in eight cities of Lorestan province in summer 2025. Samples (n=96) were collected from 24 farms fish. Identification of pathogenic bacterial agents was performed by culturing kidney tissues on tryptic soy agar medium and identification of the grown colonies using phenotypic tests and molecular methods. The risk factors for the occurrence of bacterial diseases were also recorded in each fish farm. RESULTS: All fish farms located in 8 cities were affected by bacterial diseases. The highest rates were for Lactococcus garvieae (13%), Streptococcus agalactiae (7%), Aeromonas hydrophila (5%), Streptococcus iniae (5%), Yersinia ruckeri (4%) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (3%). The risk factors including the use of river water as the water source, the presence of rural settlements and agricultural activities upstream of fish farms, failure to comply with quarantine, the presence of warm-blooded animals in fish farms, weak control of tourism traffic in fish farms, unsanitary disposal of the dead fish, use of untrained workers, and poor personal hygiene of workers were predisposing factors which can increase the increased prevalence of Yersiniosis, streptococcosis, lactococcosis.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, promoting health management principles, continuous monitoring, and improving environmental conditions of fish culture as well as an on-time vaccination program can play an effective role in reducing the spread of bacterial diseases, preventing economic losses, and ensuring the sustainability of production in rainbow trout farms in Lorestan province.BACKGROUND: Bacterial diseases are among the most important factors threatening health and production in rainbow trout farms.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial infections and their risk factors in farmed rainbow trout in Lorestan province, Iran.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in eight cities of Lorestan province in summer 2025. Samples (n=96) were collected from 24 farms fish. Identification of pathogenic bacterial agents was performed by culturing kidney tissues on tryptic soy agar medium and identification of the grown colonies using phenotypic tests and molecular methods. The risk factors for the occurrence of bacterial diseases were also recorded in each fish farm. RESULTS: All fish farms located in 8 cities were affected by bacterial diseases. The highest rates were for Lactococcus garvieae (13%), Streptococcus agalactiae (7%), Aeromonas hydrophila (5%), Streptococcus iniae (5%), Yersinia ruckeri (4%) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (3%). The risk factors including the use of river water as the water source, the presence of rural settlements and agricultural activities upstream of fish farms, failure to comply with quarantine, the presence of warm-blooded animals in fish farms, weak control of tourism traffic in fish farms, unsanitary disposal of the dead fish, use of untrained workers, and poor personal hygiene of workers were predisposing factors which can increase the increased prevalence of Yersiniosis, streptococcosis, lactococcosis.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, promoting health management principles, continuous monitoring, and improving environmental conditions of fish culture as well as an on-time vaccination program can play an effective role in reducing the spread of bacterial diseases, preventing economic losses, and ensuring the sustainability of production in rainbow trout farms in Lorestan province.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_108801_eb6eb51fd38354e41e80a66f4bdab336.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923Study of the Feline Calicivirus Infection Frequency in Domestic Cats (Feral and Household) in Tehran CityStudy of the Feline Calicivirus Infection Frequency in Domestic Cats (Feral and Household) in Tehran City18920010764610.22059/jvr.2025.397412.3524FANastarn SadatNajafi BahabadiGraduated from the Veterinary Medicine, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran0009-0003-3762-5952Fatemeh ZahraGharibDepartment of Clinical Sciences, Bab.C., Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran0000-0002-1690-1060MojtabaKhosraviDepartment of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran0000-0002-8391-0389ShohrehAlian SamakhahDepartment of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran0000-0002-5756-6553Journal Article20260429BACKGROUND: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious and lethal viral pathogen in domestic cats. The virus can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infections to mild oral diseases to acute and chronic upper respiratory tract illnesses.OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the frequency of calicivirus infection in stray and household cats using RT-PCR and analyzed the association between prevalence and several risk factors, including age, gender, history of calicivirus infection and vaccination, residential density, and place of residence.METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical survey conducted over 1 year, from September 2022 to September 2023. The study population included household and stray cats referred to veterinary hospitals in Tehran City, Iran, for annual check-ups or for treatment of accidents and fractures by their owners or other individuals. The detection of calicivirus RNA was performed using RT-PCR with specific primers.RESULTS: Out of 180 samples examined, 97 cats (53.88%) were reported positive in molecular analysis. Three variables, including a history of calicivirus infection, residential density, and cats' place of residence, showed a significant association with the frequency of calicivirus infection. The odds of a positive test result in cats with a history of calicivirus infection and living in crowded environments (in multiple groups) were 3.8 times (95% confidence interval, 1.56 – 9.24; P=0.003) and 5.12 times (95% confidence interval, 2.52 – 10.39; P=0.001), respectively. Additionally, in stray cats, the odds of calicivirus infection were 1.97 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12–4.13; P=0.04) those of domestic cats.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, calicivirus was detected at a high frequency in the cats examined. Therefore, to prevent this disease, strict hygiene and management programs, along with vaccination and annual check-ups, are recommended.BACKGROUND: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious and lethal viral pathogen in domestic cats. The virus can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic infections to mild oral diseases to acute and chronic upper respiratory tract illnesses.OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the frequency of calicivirus infection in stray and household cats using RT-PCR and analyzed the association between prevalence and several risk factors, including age, gender, history of calicivirus infection and vaccination, residential density, and place of residence.METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical survey conducted over 1 year, from September 2022 to September 2023. The study population included household and stray cats referred to veterinary hospitals in Tehran City, Iran, for annual check-ups or for treatment of accidents and fractures by their owners or other individuals. The detection of calicivirus RNA was performed using RT-PCR with specific primers.RESULTS: Out of 180 samples examined, 97 cats (53.88%) were reported positive in molecular analysis. Three variables, including a history of calicivirus infection, residential density, and cats' place of residence, showed a significant association with the frequency of calicivirus infection. The odds of a positive test result in cats with a history of calicivirus infection and living in crowded environments (in multiple groups) were 3.8 times (95% confidence interval, 1.56 – 9.24; P=0.003) and 5.12 times (95% confidence interval, 2.52 – 10.39; P=0.001), respectively. Additionally, in stray cats, the odds of calicivirus infection were 1.97 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12–4.13; P=0.04) those of domestic cats.CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, calicivirus was detected at a high frequency in the cats examined. Therefore, to prevent this disease, strict hygiene and management programs, along with vaccination and annual check-ups, are recommended.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_107646_b34688647e7abf7ae18a4f9d9a159b9b.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923Transcriptomic Analysis of Molecular Features in Canine parvoviral Enteritis Based on Gene Expression ProfilingTranscriptomic Analysis of Molecular Features in Canine parvoviral Enteritis Based on Gene Expression Profiling20121210730610.22059/jvr.2025.396797.3521FANahidAskariDepartment of Biotechnology, Institute of Sciences and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-9462-1144MortezaHadizadehInstitute of Sciences and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-8866-0737DariushVosoughDepartment of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-9462-1144AliShafieipourGraduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-7413-9318Journal Article20260421BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs refers to a disorder characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. It can lead to symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anorexia. Various factors, including food allergies, infections, and immune disorders, typically cause the disease. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for improving the quality of life and health of affected dogs.OBJECTIVES: This research investigates the molecular mechanisms and gene expression patterns in CIE using bioinformatics methods and molecular experiments.METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from healthy dogs and dogs with CIE were processed and normalized using the Seurat package version 3. After identifying 20 distinct cell clusters, the expression of key genes associated with major signaling pathways was evaluated by RT-qPCR in 35 samples (25 diseased and 10 control).RESULTS: Comparing gene expression between CIE (4 samples) and healthy samples (3 samples) yielded 385 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG pathway analysis revealed a key signaling pathway associated with Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection, involving 217 genes. Among these, 15 genes were of particular importance in this study. These findings, confirmed by bioinformatic methods, provide deeper insight into genetic regulation in CIE and suggest mechanisms that affect cellular function. RT-qPCR results showed that EGR2 was upregulated in diseased samples, while CSF2 and ETS2 were downregulated. NFKBIA also showed a significant decrease. Conversely, the overexpression of SLC2A1 and NFATC4 indicated their roles in glucose metabolism and immune regulation.CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with viral infection and the immune response, including the cfa05166 and JAK-STAT pathways, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this enteropathy, which could pave the way for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches.BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs refers to a disorder characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. It can lead to symptoms such as persistent diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anorexia. Various factors, including food allergies, infections, and immune disorders, typically cause the disease. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for improving the quality of life and health of affected dogs.OBJECTIVES: This research investigates the molecular mechanisms and gene expression patterns in CIE using bioinformatics methods and molecular experiments.METHODS: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from healthy dogs and dogs with CIE were processed and normalized using the Seurat package version 3. After identifying 20 distinct cell clusters, the expression of key genes associated with major signaling pathways was evaluated by RT-qPCR in 35 samples (25 diseased and 10 control).RESULTS: Comparing gene expression between CIE (4 samples) and healthy samples (3 samples) yielded 385 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG pathway analysis revealed a key signaling pathway associated with Human T-cell Leukemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection, involving 217 genes. Among these, 15 genes were of particular importance in this study. These findings, confirmed by bioinformatic methods, provide deeper insight into genetic regulation in CIE and suggest mechanisms that affect cellular function. RT-qPCR results showed that EGR2 was upregulated in diseased samples, while CSF2 and ETS2 were downregulated. NFKBIA also showed a significant decrease. Conversely, the overexpression of SLC2A1 and NFATC4 indicated their roles in glucose metabolism and immune regulation.CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that dysregulation of signaling pathways associated with viral infection and the immune response, including the cfa05166 and JAK-STAT pathways, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this enteropathy, which could pave the way for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_107306_dc0d0d924687fe701e646470aee24071.pdfUniversity of Tehran PressJournal of Veterinary Research2008-252581320260923Evaluation of Rapid Slide Feline Erythrocyte Agglutination and Inhibition Assays for the Diagnosis of Canine Parvoviral InfectionEvaluation of Rapid Slide Feline Erythrocyte Agglutination and Inhibition Assays for the Diagnosis of Canine Parvoviral Infection21322510618310.22059/jvr.2025.389941.3489FASimaNikkhahGraduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranOmidMadadgarDepartment of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USAHesameddinAkbareinDepartment of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-3276-4649TaraneBehniapourGraduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0009-0007-5823-6592AliRahmanifarGraduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-3346-4233NiloofarZarifianGraduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0009-0003-0909-1770IrajAshrafi TamaiFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6784-3721MahanBitarafSmall Animal Practitioner, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-8132-2512ElnazKamraniFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranShahramJamshidiDepartment of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-2182-2196Journal Article20260415BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus is one of the leading causes of mortality in puppies. Rapid diagnosis of this disease plays a key role in the timely initiation of treatment and reduction of complications and fatal outcomes. However, despite their high diagnostic power, standard diagnostic methods face limitations in resource-limited conditions. In addition, the dependence of hemagglutination-based assays on specific biological resources, such as porcine erythrocytes, has limited their practical application in many clinical and field environments. From a clinical perspective, the availability of rapid diagnostic methods capable of detecting parvoviral antigens in fecal samples while simultaneously assessing the host immune response can be beneficial for early therapeutic decision-making. Nevertheless, such methods cannot replace standard assays with higher sensitivity and reproducibility. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a slide agglutination test (SAT) for rapid detection of the virus in fecal samples and a slide inhibition test (SIT) for antibody detection in serum, as complementary and supportive tools alongside reference methods, particularly in resource-limited conditions. In this regard, feline erythrocytes were used as an accessible alternative to porcine erythrocytes.METHODS: SAT and SIT were performed using feline and rhesus erythrocytes on 33 fecal samples that tested positive by a rapid immunochromatographic assay. The tests were conducted at three different temperatures (4, 25, and 37 °C). The performance of these methods was evaluated based on PCR and cell culture results as reference standards, and the agglutination activity under different conditions was compared.RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the SAT were estimated to be 92 % and 95%, respectively, and this assay showed close agreement with PCR results. The SIT was able to completely inhibit agglutination in all positive samples.CONCLUSIONS: The use of feline erythrocytes instead of porcine erythrocytes reduces some common limitations and facilitates the field application of SAT and SIT. These methods are not intended to replace standard diagnostic assays with higher sensitivity and reproducibility, but rather can serve as auxiliary screening tools in resource-limited settings to support improved management of canine parvoviral infection.BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus is one of the leading causes of mortality in puppies. Rapid diagnosis of this disease plays a key role in the timely initiation of treatment and reduction of complications and fatal outcomes. However, despite their high diagnostic power, standard diagnostic methods face limitations in resource-limited conditions. In addition, the dependence of hemagglutination-based assays on specific biological resources, such as porcine erythrocytes, has limited their practical application in many clinical and field environments. From a clinical perspective, the availability of rapid diagnostic methods capable of detecting parvoviral antigens in fecal samples while simultaneously assessing the host immune response can be beneficial for early therapeutic decision-making. Nevertheless, such methods cannot replace standard assays with higher sensitivity and reproducibility. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a slide agglutination test (SAT) for rapid detection of the virus in fecal samples and a slide inhibition test (SIT) for antibody detection in serum, as complementary and supportive tools alongside reference methods, particularly in resource-limited conditions. In this regard, feline erythrocytes were used as an accessible alternative to porcine erythrocytes.METHODS: SAT and SIT were performed using feline and rhesus erythrocytes on 33 fecal samples that tested positive by a rapid immunochromatographic assay. The tests were conducted at three different temperatures (4, 25, and 37 °C). The performance of these methods was evaluated based on PCR and cell culture results as reference standards, and the agglutination activity under different conditions was compared.RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the SAT were estimated to be 92 % and 95%, respectively, and this assay showed close agreement with PCR results. The SIT was able to completely inhibit agglutination in all positive samples.CONCLUSIONS: The use of feline erythrocytes instead of porcine erythrocytes reduces some common limitations and facilitates the field application of SAT and SIT. These methods are not intended to replace standard diagnostic assays with higher sensitivity and reproducibility, but rather can serve as auxiliary screening tools in resource-limited settings to support improved management of canine parvoviral infection.https://jvr.ut.ac.ir/article_106183_8e3b2a4effc71ea03c4aed916d5a58cb.pdf