Canine mastadenovirus A (CAdV-1)

Canine mastadenovirus A (commonly known as canine adenovirus type 1 or CAdV-1, occasionally referred to as infectious canine hepatitis virus or Rubarth’s disease virus) is a non-enveloped, icosahedral double-stranded DNA virus in the Mastadenovirus genus of the Adenoviridae family[1][3][5]. It has a genome of approximately 32 kb and infects both domestic and wild canids, causing infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), a severe and often fatal systemic disease characterized by acute hepatitis, vascular damage, and multi-organ involvement[5][7][8]. CAdV-1 primarily targets hepatic and endothelial cells, where viral replication leads to tissue damage and clinical disease. The virus possesses structural proteins including hexon, penton base, and fiber, with the fiber protein mediating attachment to host cell receptors, specifically the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR)[2][9]. Disease prevention relies on vaccination with live attenuated CAdV-2 vaccine, which cross-protects against CAdV-1 without inducing adverse events associated with CAdV-1-based vaccines[1][5]. There are no direct-acting antiviral drugs against this virus; diagnostics rely on molecular and serological tests. CAdV-1 is not a therapeutic target in the sense of a single molecular entity (like a receptor, enzyme, or transporter) suited for pharmacological modulation, but it is a target of preventive vaccination and diagnostic surveillance[1][3][5].

Other names

Canine adenovirus type 1Infectious canine hepatitis virusCAV-1CAdV-1Rubarth's disease virus

Not applicable (vaccines are preventive, not directly therapeutic against a molecular target on the virus)