Which therapy is described as experimental parvovirus treatment that blocks the virus from penetrating the cell and can only be given for early infection?

• A. Canine parvovirus monoclonal antibody
• B. Broad-spectrum antiviral medication
• C. Antibiotics alone
• D. Vaccination during infection

Answer: (A)

Blocking the virus from entering cells with a monoclonal antibody is a form of passive immunotherapy. In canine parvovirus infection, these antibodies bind to the virus particles and stop them from attaching to and penetrating host cells. Because antibodies act outside of cells, they can only prevent infection if given very early, before the virus has entered cells and begun replication. That’s why this approach is described as experimental and time-sensitive.

Broad-spectrum antivirals are not reliably effective against parvovirus in dogs and aren’t specifically targeted to prevent entry. Antibiotics don’t affect the virus itself and are used for preventing or treating secondary bacterial infections. Vaccination during an active infection won’t help to treat it, since vaccines are preventive and require time to elicit an immune response.