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D’Annunzio G, Ostanello F, Muscatello LV, Orioles M, Bacci B, Jacumin N, Leotti G, Tommasini N, Alborali GL, Luppi A, Vio D, Mandrioli L, Sarli G. Porcine Lawsonia intracellularis Ileitis in Italy and Its Association with Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) Infection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071170. [PMID: 37048426 PMCID: PMC10093578 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to employ a diagnostic algorithm, which involves detecting positive farms by stool PCR followed by PCR and histology/immunohistochemistry on ileum samples, for diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enteritis in Northern Italy. The primary aim was to examine the relationship between the gold standard of L. intracellularis diagnostics, namely histology and immunohistochemistry, and PCR in acute and chronic cases of L. intracellularis enteritides. An additional goal was to investigate the coinfection of L. intracellularis with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Twenty-eight ileum samples, including four from acute cases and 24 from chronic cases, were collected. PCR yielded positive results in 19 cases (four acute and 15 chronic cases). In comparison, immunohistochemistry was positive in 16 cases (four acute and 12 chronic cases), with an observed agreement of 89%. The findings suggest that performing the two tests in series can increase the specificity of the causal diagnosis. PCR may be used as a screening tool to identify the presence of the microorganism, and only positive cases will be examined by histology and immunohistochemistry to confirm the causative role of L. intracellularis. Co-infection with PCV2 was demonstrate in two out of four acute cases and in two out of 24 chronic cases, providing further evidence to support the hypothesis that when the infection starts with ubiquitous pathogens such as L. intracellularis, it may boost the possibility of PCV2 replication, especially in acute cases. As a result, this may trigger a transition from subclinical to clinical forms of PCV2 disease.
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Stubberfield E, Sheldon J, Card RM, AbuOun M, Rogers J, Williamson S, Kay GL, Pallen MJ, Anjum MF. Whole-Genome Sequencing of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae Isolates From England and Wales Reveals Similarities to European Isolates and Mutations Associated With Reduced Sensitivity to Antimicrobials. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:713233. [PMID: 34531838 PMCID: PMC8439570 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.713233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is the principal cause of swine dysentery, a disease that threatens economic productivity of pigs in many countries as it can spread readily within and between farms, and only a small number of antimicrobials are authorized for treatment of pigs. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 81 B. hyodysenteriae archived at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) from diagnostic submissions and herd monitoring in England and Wales between 2004 and 2015. The resulting genome sequences were analyzed alongside 34 genomes we previously published. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) showed a diverse population with 32 sequence types (STs) among the 115 APHA isolates, 25 of them identified only in England; while also confirming that the dominant European clonal complexes, CC8 and CC52, were common in the United Kingdom. A core-genome SNP tree typically clustered the isolates by ST, with isolates from some STs detected only within a specific region in England, although others were more widespread, suggesting transmission between different regions. Also, some STs were more conserved in their core genome than others, despite these isolates being from different holdings, regions and years. Minimum inhibitory concentrations to commonly used antimicrobials (Tiamulin, Valnemulin, Doxycycline, Lincomycin, Tylosin, Tylvalosin) were determined for 82 of the genome-sequenced isolates; genomic analysis revealed mutations generally correlated well with the corresponding resistance phenotype. There was a major swine dysentery intervention program in 2009–2010, and antimicrobial survival curves showed a significant reduction in sensitivity to tiamulin and valnemulin in isolates collected in and after 2010, compared to earlier isolates. This correlated with a significant increase in post-2009 isolates harboring the pleuromutilin resistance gene tva(A), which if present, may facilitate higher levels of resistance. The reduction in susceptibility of Brachyspira from diagnostic submissions to pleuromutilins, emphasizes the need for prudent treatment, control and eradication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Stubberfield
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Sheldon
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick M Card
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Manal AbuOun
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Rogers
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Bury St Edmunds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gemma L Kay
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Pallen
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Muna F Anjum
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, United Kingdom.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
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Joerling J, Willems H, Ewers C, Herbst W. Differential expression of hemolysin genes in weakly and strongly hemolytic Brachyspira hyodysenteriae strains. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:169. [PMID: 32471432 PMCID: PMC7260840 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02385-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Swine dysentery (SD) is a diarrheal disease in fattening pigs that is caused by the strongly hemolytic species Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae, B. hampsonii and B. suanatina. As weakly hemolytic Brachyspira spp. are considered less virulent or even non-pathogenic, the hemolysin is regarded as an important factor in the pathogenesis of SD. Four hemolysin genes (tlyA, tlyB, tlyC, and hlyA) and four putative hemolysin genes (hemolysin, hemolysin activation protein, hemolysin III, and hemolysin channel protein) have been reported, but their role in strong hemolysis is not entirely clear. Our study aimed to assess the transcriptional activity of eight (putative) hemolysin genes in a strongly hemolytic (B204) and a weakly hemolytic (G423) B. hyodysenteriae strain during non-hemolytic and hemolytic growth stages. Results Strongly and weakly hemolytic B. hyodysenteriae strains caused hemolysis on blood agar at different growth stages, namely during log phase (B204) and stationary/death phase (G423). During the lag, early log, late log (stationary phase in G423) and death phase (time points 1–4) strains differed in their hemolysin gene transcription patterns. At time point 1, transcription of the putative hemolysin gene was higher in B204 than in G423. At time point 2, tlyA and tlyC were upregulated in B204 during hemolysis. TlyB and hlyA were upregulated in both strains at all time points, but higher transcription rates were observed in the weakly hemolytic strain G423. The transcription activity of the hemolysin channel protein gene was quite similar in both strains, whereas the hemolysin activation protein gene was upregulated in the non-hemolytic stage of B204 at time point 4. Sequence analysis revealed deletions, insertions and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the G423 hlyA promoter, although without altering the transcription activity of this gene. Conclusion Our data indicate a combined activity of TlyA and TlyC as the most probable underlying mechanism of strong hemolysis in B. hyodysenteriae. Further studies should verify if the expression of tlyA is upregulated by the putative hemolysin gene. Depending on their immunogenic potential TlyA and TlyC may serve as possible vaccine candidates, especially since vaccines for an effective control of swine dysentery are currently not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Joerling
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hermann Willems
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Swine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 112, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christa Ewers
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Werner Herbst
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 85-89, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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García-Martín AB, Perreten V, Rossano A, Schmitt S, Nathues H, Zeeh F. Predominance of a macrolide-lincosamide-resistant Brachyspira hyodysenteriae of sequence type 196 in Swiss pig herds. Vet Microbiol 2018; 226:97-102. [PMID: 30389050 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae led us question whether specific clones are present in Switzerland. Fifty-one B. hyodysenteriae isolates originating from 27 different Swiss pig herds sampled between 2010 and 2017 were characterised. Multilocus sequence typing revealed the presence of four different sequence types (STs) ST6, ST66, ST196 and ST197 with ST196 being predominant. Antimicrobial susceptibility to six different antimicrobial agents was determined by measurement of the minimal inhibitory concentration by broth dilution. Isolates were examined for the presence of point mutations and genes known to be associated with antimicrobial resistance in B. hyodysenteriae by PCR and sequence analysis. Forty-one isolates belonging to ST6 (n = 1), ST66 (n = 4) and ST196 (n = 36) exhibited decreased susceptibility to macrolides and lincomycin associated with an A2058 T/G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. One isolate of ST66 and five isolates of ST196 exhibited decreased susceptibility to doxycycline associated with a G1058C mutation in the 16S rRNA gene. The Swiss B. hyodysenteriae population is characterised by a low genetic diversity, with macrolide-lincosamide-resistant isolates of ST196 being predominant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B García-Martín
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Alexandra Rossano
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Schmitt
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Friederike Zeeh
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Massacci FR, De Luca S, Cucco L, Tentellini M, Perreten V, Pezzotti G, Magistrali CF. Multiresistant Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
shedding by pigs during the fattening period. Vet Rec 2018; 183:264. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.104886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romana Massacci
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
| | - Silvio De Luca
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
| | - Lucilla Cucco
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
| | - Michele Tentellini
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Vetsuisse Faculty; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pezzotti
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
| | - Chiara Francesca Magistrali
- Research and Development Unit; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche; Perugia Umbria Italy
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De Luca S, Nicholson P, Magistrali CF, García-Martín AB, Rychener L, Zeeh F, Frey J, Perreten V. Transposon-associated lincosamide resistance lnu (C) gene identified in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae ST83. Vet Microbiol 2018; 214:51-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Joerling J, Barth SA, Schlez K, Willems H, Herbst W, Ewers C. Phylogenetic diversity, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence gene profiles of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae isolates from pigs in Germany. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190928. [PMID: 29324785 PMCID: PMC5764319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Swine dysentery (SD) is an economically important diarrheal disease in pigs caused by different strongly hemolytic Brachyspira (B.) species, such as B. hyodysenteriae, B. suanatina and B. hampsonii. Possible associations of epidemiologic data, such as multilocus sequence types (STs) to virulence gene profiles and antimicrobial susceptibility are rather scarce, particularly for B. hyodysenteriae isolates from Germany. In this study, B. hyodysenteriae (n = 116) isolated from diarrheic pigs between 1990 and 2016 in Germany were investigated for their STs, susceptibility to the major drugs used for treatment of SD (tiamulin and valnemulin) and genes that were previously linked with virulence and encode for hemolysins (tlyA, tlyB, tlyC, hlyA, BHWA1_RS02885, BHWA1_RS09085, BHWA1_RS04705, and BHWA1_RS02195), outer membrane proteins (OMPs) (bhlp16, bhlp17.6, bhlp29.7, bhmp39f, and bhmp39h) as well as iron acquisition factors (ftnA and bitC). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) revealed that 79.4% of the isolates belonged to only three STs, namely ST52 (41.4%), ST8 (12.1%), and ST112 (25.9%) which have been observed in other European countries before. Another 24 isolates belonged to twelve new STs (ST113-118, ST120-123, ST131, and ST193). The temporal distribution of STs revealed the presence of new STs as well as the regular presence of ST52 over three decades (1990s-2000s). The proportion of strains that showed resistance to both tiamulin und valnemulin (39.1%) varied considerably among the most frequent STs ranging from 0% (0/14 isolates resistant) in ST8 isolates to 46.7% (14/30), 52.1% (25/48), and 85.7% (6/7) in isolates belonging to ST112, ST52, and ST114, respectively. All hemolysin genes as well as the iron-related gene ftnA and the OMP gene bhlp29.7 were regularly present in the isolates, while the OMP genes bhlp17.6 and bhmp39h could not be detected. Sequence analysis of hemolysin genes of selected isolates revealed co-evolution of tlyB, BHWA1_RS02885, BHWA1_RS09085, and BHWA1_RS02195 with the core genome and suggested independent evolution of tlyA, tlyC, and hlyA. Our data indicate that in Germany, swine dysentery might be caused by a limited number of B. hyodysenteriae clonal groups. Major STs (ST8, ST52, and ST112) are shared with other countries in Europe suggesting a possible role of the European intra-Community trade of pigs in the dissemination of certain clones. The identification of several novel STs, some of which are single or double locus variants of ST52, may on the other hand hint towards an ongoing diversification of the pathogen in the studied area. The linkage of pleuromutilin susceptibility and sequence type of an isolate might reflect a clonal expansion of the underlying resistance mechanism, namely mutations in the ribosomal RNA genes. A linkage between single virulence-associated genes (VAGs) or even VAG patterns and the phylogenetic background of the isolates could not be established, since almost all VAGs were regularly present in the isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Joerling
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie A. Barth
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut/ Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Molecular Pathogenesis, Jena, Germany
| | - Karen Schlez
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hermann Willems
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Clinic for Swine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Herbst
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christa Ewers
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Giacomini E, Gasparrini S, Lazzaro M, Scali F, Boniotti MB, Corradi A, Pasquali P, Alborali GL. The role of transportation in the spread of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in fattening farms. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:10. [PMID: 29321027 PMCID: PMC5763801 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct and indirect contact among animals and holdings are important in the spread of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of slaughterhouse vehicles in spreading B. hyodysenteriae between unconnected farms. Results Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Multiple Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) were used to characterize B. hyodysenteriae strains isolated from trucks. Before cleaning, 976 batches of finishing pigs transported by 174 trucks from 540 herds were sampled. After cleaning, 763 of the 976 batches were also sampled. Sixty-one of 976 and 4 of 763 environmental swabs collected from trucks before and after cleaning and disinfection operations, respectively, were positive for B. hyodysenteriae. The 65 isolates in this study originated from 48 farms. Trucks were classified into five categories based on the number of visited farms as follows: category 1: 1–5 farms, category 2: 6–10 farms, category 3: 11–15 farms, category 4: 16–20 farms, category 5: >21 farms. Although the largest number of vehicles examined belonged to category 1, the highest percentage of vehicles positive for B. hyodysenteriae was observed in categories 3, 4 and 5. Specifically, 90.9% of trucks belonging to category 5 were positive for B. hyodysenteriae, followed by categories 4 and 3 with 85.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The results of MLST and MLVA suggest that trucks transporting pigs from a high number of farms also play a critical role in spreading different B. hyodysenteriae genetic profiles. STVT 83–3, which seems to be the current dominant type in Italy, was identified in 56.25% of genotyped isolates. The genetic diversity of isolated strains from trucks was high, particularly, in truck categories 3, 4 and 5. This result confirmed that MLST and MLVA can support the study of epidemiological links between different B. hyodysenteriae farm strains. Conclusions This study highlights the potential role of shipments in B. hyodysenteriae spread. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of strict vehicle hygiene practices for biosecurity programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Giacomini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sara Gasparrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Lazzaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federico Scali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Boniotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Attilio Corradi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Pasquali
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,FAO Reference Center for Veterinary Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Loris Alborali
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna [Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna] "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi 7/9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
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