Nisha Naveen

How can the development and application of antiviral peptide therapy be used to treat Parvovirus in endangered species, and how does this therapy compare to the treatments already on the market?

Started Sept. 12, 2023

Abstract or project description

Canine Parvovirus (CPV), a highly infectious virus that causes severe illness in a variety of species around the world, continues to remain untreatable. This paper seeks to explore the application of antiviral peptide therapy for the global treatment of Parvovirus in endangered species, as well as compare it with current treatments being tested. Parvovirus currently affects several endangered animals including coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and foxes. It is commonly transmitted through the feces of the carrier, and outbreaks have occurred in the wild, in rehabilitation centers, and in more domestic settings. The earliest signs of the disease include lethargy and vomiting, while lesions within the intestines, brain and spinal cord, or lymph tissue found during necropsy help diagnosis at a later stage. Within the affected animal, the virus attacks cells that divide fastest, especially targeting the lymphocytes, bone marrow, and lining of the small intestine. By doing this, the virus is known to leave the organism weak and no longer able to prevent its replication. Parvovirus has also continued to change and develop through the years, transforming into various strains such as CPV-2A, 2B, and currently CPV-2C. For these reasons, finding an effective treatment method against parvovirus is critical in the conservation of the species being affected. Antiviral Peptide Therapy, a treatment currently being implemented against Covid, Herpes, and the Flu, uses short amino acid chains called peptides designed to target specific viruses and prevent their replication. We further examined the effectiveness of using antiviral peptide therapy for Parvovirus in comparison to other treatments being tested today, through the use of graphs and charts to analyze the widespread effects of CPV and comparing research already done by people, universities, and foundations.