Analysis of canine parvovirus sequences from wolves and dogs isolated in Italy

The VP2 genes of Italian canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2 strains isolated fr om dogs and wolves were sequenced and a three-dimensional model of the VP2 capsid protein was constructed. Two mutations were detected in the VP2 sequ ences of the Italian strains: one at residue 297 and one at residue 265. Va riant 297 is the predominant CPV isolate in Europe, whereas variant 265 has never been detected before. The mutation at residue 265 causes a disruptio n in a G strand of the beta -barrel in the VP2 protein. Data on strains iso lated from wolves demonstrated that the same strain of CPV can circulate am ong domestic and wild canids; therefore, this result leads us to exclude th e possibility that a separate parvovirus pool exists in wild populations.