Variation of the sequence in the gene encoding for transmembrane protein Mof canine coronavirus (CCV)

A nucleotide variability in the sequence of the gene encoding for the trans membrane protein M of canine coronavirus (CCV) is described. A total of 177 faecal samples from pups with enteritis were analysed by a PCR and n-PCR s pecific for CCV. Four samples, collected from a dog presenting a long-durat ion shedding of CCV, and a sample from another diarrhoeic dog, were found p ositive by PCR but negative by n-PCR. Sequence analysis of the samples reve aled silent nucleotide substitutions in the binding site of the internal pr imer used for the n-PCR. Moreover, the nucleotide substitutions occurring o ver the whole fragment of the five samples analysed were similar. (C) 2001 Academic Press.