parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

: any of a family (Parvoviridae) of single-stranded DNA viruses that include the causative agents of fifth disease in humans, panleukopenia in cats, and parvovirus in dogs

2

: a highly contagious febrile virus disease of dogs that is spread especially by contact with infected feces, that is caused by a strain (Canine parvovirus) of the parvovirus causing panleukopenia in cats, and that is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

Examples of parvovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The disorder usually occurs when the mother contracts feline parvovirus during pregnancy, altering the formation of the kittens' cerebellum. —The Enquirer, 14 Feb. 2024

The parvovirus, which was first recognized in 1978, can live for months outside the body, spreading not just from animal to animal but through feces, sneaking into the yards of dog owners via a bit of excrement stuck to the bottom of a person’s shoe. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2024

It's caused by parvovirus B19, and the distinctive rash appears after about a week. —Parents Editors, Parents, 3 Sep. 2023

Today, puppies are routinely vaccinated for parvovirus, and the 1978 canine pandemic has faded from public consciousness. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2024

Four puppies were brought in Sept. 7 from an undisclosed home in Lake Los Angeles and tested positive for parvovirus disease, according to department spokesperson Leah Cohen. —Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2023

Canine parvovirus primarily attacks the gastrointestinal tract or the gut of puppies that are either not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 6 Oct. 2023

It may also have been born infertile and susceptible to a host of canine diseases, such as parvovirus, distemper, and brucellosis. —Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023

Cookie was one of the first puppies to receive Elanco Animal Health Incorporated's new medical treatment for canine parvovirus The future is looking brighter for the world's puppies. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 6 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin parvus small (akin to Greek pauros small, paid-, pais child) + New Latin -o- + virus — more at few

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

parvovirus

noun

par·​vo·​vi·​rus ˈpär-vō-ˌvī-rəs 

1

a

capitalized : a genus of single-stranded DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that includes the causative agents of panleukopenia in cats and fifth disease in humans

b

: any virus of the family Parvoviridae and especially of the genus Parvovirus

2

: a highly contagious febrile disease of canines and especially dogs that is caused by a virus of the genus Parvovirus (species Canine parvovirus), is spread especially by contact with infected feces, and is marked by loss of appetite, lethargy, often bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and sometimes death

called also canine parvovirus, parvo