Interaction of the Natural Host and the Canine Hepatitis Virus on the Infectivity of Group G Canine Beta Hæmolytic Streptococci

Abstract

Although infection by hæmolytic streptococci in dogs is presumed from clinical evidence supported to some extent by laboratory findings, the exact etiological relationship of this organism to canine disease cannot be considered as satisfactorily established. Evidence produced by Laughton¹, and the fact that the majority of normal dogs harbour this organism, suggest that, in any event, not all strains are pathogenic to their host. Attempts to reproduce the infection in dogs have been few but, so far, they too have been unsuccessful. In contrast, the primary pathogenicity of the canine hepatitis virus for the dog is well established, and reliable serological tests are available for the diagnosis of infection.