Effects of beta-glucan and inactivated parapoxvirus ovis applications on serum 2′5′ oligoadenylate synthetase in distemper infected dogs

Oligoadenylate synthase proteins are activated through interaction with viral double-stranded RNA, where they polymerise ATP into 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates that subsequently bind and activate latent ribonuclease L. Once activated, ribonuclease L degrades both viral and cellular RNA, ultimately resulting in the suppression of protein synthesis. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of beta-glucan and inactivated parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701, used alongside standard therapy, on serum 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) activity. The study included 60 unvaccinated dogs, that displayed respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms of distemper and were confirmed positive using a rapid diagnostic test. Dogs were randomly divided into three groups. Group I received only standard treatment, Group II was given beta-glucan 1.3/1.6 in addition to standard treatment, and Group III received inactivated parapoxvirus ovis strain D1701 alongside standard therapy. After treatment, OAS1 levels increased by 74.4% in Group I, 8.96% in Group II, and 142.45% in Group III compared to pre-treatment levels. These results suggest that serum OAS1 levels increased in treated dogs with distemper, with the increase being lowest in the beta-glucan group. However, additional studies directly correlating serum OAS1 levels with disease severity or prognosis are needed.