Genetic Characterization of Canine Enteric Coronaviruses (CECOV-IIa) From Dogs in Mosul City

Canine enteric coronavirus (CCoV) causes significant gastrointestinal illness in dogs, especially puppies, leading to high morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the presence, genetic characteristics, and clinical impact of enteric canine coronavirus (CCoV) among 50 dogs of various breeds, sexes, and age groups from different locations in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, from August 2024 to January 2025. Clinically, infected dogs exhibited symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, dehydration, and fever. Rectal swabs were collected, and nucleic acid was extracted for detection using RT-PCR, which yielded clear positive bands at an amplicon size of 684 base pairs. The overall infection rate for CCoV by RT-PCR was 54% (27/50 dogs). Stray dogs demonstrated a higher infection rate compared to owned dogs. Female dogs were significantly more likely to be infected than Males, and a significantly higher prevalence was observed in dogs younger than one year. Large breeds had a greater rate of infection, and native breeds were more frequently infected than imported breeds. Molecular analysis focused on the SIIa gene and confirmed the circulation of specific CCoV-IIa genotypes in Mosul, Iraq. Out of all samples examined, five viral isolates were successfully sequenced and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers PV454546.1, PV454547.1, PV454548.1, PV454549.1, and PV454550.1. Sequence alignment analysis between local isolates and GenBank reference sequences demonstrated similarity rates ranging from 93.08% to 100%. This study provides the first detailed report of CCoV detection and genotyping in Mosul, Iraq, highlighting the virus’s genetic diversity, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical significance in the region.