Canine Parvovirus Research

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of CPV-2 Variants

Canine Parvovirus Research

Project Overview

This comprehensive research project focuses on the molecular characterization, epidemiology, and evolutionary analysis of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV-2) variants. Through advanced bioinformatics approaches and molecular techniques, we investigated the genetic diversity, mutation patterns, and phylogenetic relationships of CPV-2 strains circulating in different geographic regions.

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease affecting dogs worldwide, causing severe gastroenteritis and myocarditis. Understanding the molecular evolution and genetic variations of CPV-2 is crucial for developing effective vaccination strategies and disease management protocols. Our work contributes to the global understanding of parvovirus evolution and host adaptation mechanisms.

Project Details

  • Status: Published
  • Duration: 2022-2023
  • Role: Bioinformatics Researcher
  • Field: Molecular Virology
  • Journal: Acta Tropica

Research Objectives

Molecular Characterization

Identify and characterize genetic variants of CPV-2 through sequence analysis and mutation mapping.

Phylogenetic Analysis

Construct phylogenetic trees to understand evolutionary relationships and geographic distribution patterns.

Epidemiological Insights

Provide data-driven insights for disease surveillance and vaccine development strategies.

Methodology

Bioinformatics Approaches

  • Sequence alignment and comparative genomics
  • Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) analysis
  • Phylogenetic tree construction using ML methods
  • Selection pressure analysis (dN/dS ratios)
  • Structural variant identification

Data Analysis

  • NCBI GenBank database mining
  • Statistical analysis of mutations
  • Geographic distribution mapping
  • Temporal evolution tracking
  • Protein structure prediction and modeling

Key Findings & Contributions

  • Identified novel CPV-2 variants with unique amino acid substitutions in the VP2 capsid protein
  • Characterized mutation hotspots associated with host adaptation and antigenic variation
  • Constructed comprehensive phylogenetic trees revealing evolutionary pathways and geographic clustering
  • Analyzed selection pressures on key viral genes to understand evolutionary dynamics
  • Provided epidemiological insights for veterinary public health and disease control strategies
  • Published findings in Acta Tropica, contributing to the global veterinary virology knowledge base

Technology Stack

Bioinformatics Phylogenetics Python R MEGA BioPython Sequence Analysis Molecular Evolution Data Visualization

Impact & Results

200+

Sequences Analyzed

10+

Countries Covered

Novel

Variants Identified

Published

in Acta Tropica

Research Applications

🐕 Veterinary Medicine

Inform vaccine development and update strategies based on circulating viral variants.

🦠 Disease Surveillance

Support epidemiological monitoring and early detection of emerging variants.

🔬 Evolutionary Biology

Advance understanding of viral evolution, host adaptation, and cross-species transmission.

Interested in Molecular Virology Research?

Let's discuss viral genomics, phylogenetics, or bioinformatics collaborations.