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Kalogianni AI, Bouzalas I, Marka S, Zografaki ME, Mavrikou S, Gelasakis AI. Genetic Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Isolated from Dairy Sheep in Greece. Viruses 2024; 16:547. [PMID: 38675890 PMCID: PMC11053789 DOI: 10.3390/v16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The high genetic heterogeneity of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) renders the genetic characterization of the circulating strains crucial for the epidemiological investigation and the designation of effective diagnostic tools. In Greece, research data regarding the genetic diversity of the circulating SRLV strains is scarce, hindering the implementation of efficient surveillance and control programs. The objective of the study was to genetically characterize SRLV strains isolated from intensive dairy sheep farms in Greece and evaluate the variability of the immunodominant regions of the capsid protein. For this reason, a total of 12 SRLV-infected animals from four intensive dairy sheep farms with purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes were used for the amplification and sequencing of an 800 bp gag-pol fragment. The phylogenetic analyses revealed a breed-related circulation of strains; Chios ewes were infected with strains belonging exclusively to a separate group of genotype A, whereas strains belonging to subtype B2 were isolated from Lacaune ewes. Immunodominant epitopes of capsid protein were quite conserved among the strains of the same genotype, except for the Major Homology Region which showed some unique mutations with potential effects on viral evolution. The present study contributes to the extension of the current knowledge regarding the genetic diversity of SRLV strains circulating in sheep in Greece. However, broader genetic characterization studies are warranted for the exploration of possible recombinant events and the more comprehensive classification of the circulating strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite I. Kalogianni
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ilias Bouzalas
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Campus of Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Sofia Marka
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria-Eleftheria Zografaki
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Sofia Mavrikou
- Laboratory of Cell Technology, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), EU-CONEXUS European University, 11855 Athens, Greece; (S.M.); (M.-E.Z.); (S.M.)
| | - Athanasios I. Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece;
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Souza SCR, Pinheiro RR, Peixoto RM, de Sousa ALM, Andrioli A, Lima AMC, Mendes BKM, Magalhães NMDA, Amaral GP, Teixeira MFDS. In vivo evaluation of the antiretroviral activity of Melia azedarach against small ruminant lentiviruses in goat colostrum and milk. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:875-887. [PMID: 38010582 PMCID: PMC10920544 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01174-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate in vivo the use of the extract from the leaves of Melia azedarach in the ethyl acetate fraction at a concentration of 150 µg/mL as an antiretroviral treatment against small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) in goat colostrum, and milk with a 90-min action. Two groups of six kids were treated with the extract. One group received three supplies of colostrum from does naturally positive for SRLV, treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of M. azedarach (EAF-MA) for three days, while the other group consumed milk from does also carrying the virus with the respective extract twice a day for five days. After undergoing treatment, all animals began to receive thermized milk until weaning (60 days) and were monitored for six months using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and western blot (WB) tests. The study revealed cumulative percentages of positive animals in WB or nPCR in the milk group of 66.66% on the seventh day, 83.33% in the following week, and 100% at 120 days, while the colostrum group showed values of 66.66% at 14 days, 83.33% at 90 days, and 100% at 120 days. Variation and intermittency were observed in viral detection, but all animals tested positive in WB or nPCR at some point. A potential delay in infection was observed, which was more significant in the colostrum group. The need for the combination of serological and molecular tests for a more efficient detection of the disease is also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ana Milena César Lima
- Regional Scientific Development Fellowship of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (DCR-CNPq/FUNCAP), Level C, Embrapa Goats & Sheep, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gabriel Paula Amaral
- Graduate Program in Animal Science, Vale Do Acaraú State University, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
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Koçkaya ES, Can H, Yaman Y, Ün C. In silico discovery of epitopes of gag and env proteins for the development of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Maedi Visna Virus using reverse vaccinology approach. Biologicals 2023; 84:101715. [PMID: 37793308 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maedi Visna Virus (MVV) causes a chronic viral disease in sheep. Since there is no specific therapeutic drug that targets MVV, development of a vaccine against the MVV is inevitable. This study aimed to analyze the gag and env proteins as vaccine candidate proteins and to identify epitopes in these proteins. In addition, it was aimed to construct a multi-epitope vaccine candidate. According to the obtained results, the gag protein was detected to be more conserved and had a higher antigenicity value. Also, the number of alpha helix in the secondary structure was higher and transmembrane helices were not detected. Although many B cell and MHC-I/II epitopes were predicted, only 19 of them were detected to have the properties of antigenic, non-allergenic, non-toxic, soluble, and non-hemolytic. Of these epitopes, five were remarkable due to having the highest antigenicity value. However, the final multi-epitope vaccine was constructed with 19 epitopes. A strong affinity was shown between the final multi-epitope vaccine and TLR-2/4. In conclusion, the gag protein was a better antigen. However, both proteins had epitopes with high antigenicity value. Also, the final multi-epitope vaccine construct had a potential to be used as a peptide vaccine due to its immuno-informatics results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Su Koçkaya
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Yalçın Yaman
- Siirt University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Genetics, Siirt, Türkiye
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University Faculty of Science Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye.
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Kalogianni AI, Bouzalas I, Bossis I, Gelasakis AI. Seroepidemiology of Maedi-Visna in Intensively Reared Dairy Sheep: A Two-Year Prospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2273. [PMID: 37508051 PMCID: PMC10375974 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to prospectively evaluate the seroepidemiology of maedi-visna (MV) infections in intensively reared dairy sheep. A total of 407 purebred Chios and Lacaune ewes from four farms were surveyed for two consecutive years and were serologically tested semiannually with an indirect ELISA at pre-mating and pre-lambing. The farms' structure and management practices were similar and animal traits (age, breed, and production stage) were recorded. Based on the serological status, morbidity frequency measures were estimated, and ewes were categorized as constantly seronegative, constantly seropositive, seroconverted, seroreverted, or as animals with an intermittent presence of antibodies. During the study, period seroprevalence, incidence rate, and cumulative incidence were 84.8%, 33.6 new cases per 100 sheep-semesters, and 64.2%. Point-seroprevalence ranged from 48.5% to 96.0% among the studied farms and sampling occasions, and they increased by age. Increased morbidity frequency measures indicate the significance of horizontal transmission in intensive dairy sheep farms. A remarkable percentage of infected animals seroreverted (8.1%) or presented an intermittent presence of antibodies (10.3%) during the study, confirming the risk of misdiagnosis in cross-sectional studies and in the currently implemented testing and elimination programs. The serological patterns observed in our study need to be considered when studying MV epidemiology and for the designing of efficient MV elimination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite I Kalogianni
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Ilias Bouzalas
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Campus of Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Bossis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, University Campus, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios I Gelasakis
- Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
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Jacob-Ferreira J, Coelho AC, Grau Vila A, Lacasta D, Quintas H. Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection in Sheep and Goats in North Portugal: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Pathogens 2023; 12:829. [PMID: 37375519 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are transmitted among ovine and caprine species. This disease is a severe problem for small ruminant production, not only for animals' well-being but also for flocks' efficiency. The main aim of this research was to quantify the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for SRLV infection in the northern region of Portugal. Samples were collected from a total of 150 flocks, of which 129 (86.0%; 95% CI: 80.67%-91.33%) had at least one seropositive animal. Out of 2607 individual blood samples, 1074 (41.2%) were positive for SRLVs. Risk factors associated with SRLV infection were species (caprine), age (>2 years old), flock size (>100 animals), production system (intensive), food production system (milk), type of activity (professional), participation in livestock competitions (yes), replacement young ewe bought (yes), and natural feeding management (yes). This knowledge empowers the implementation of effective preventive measures. Overall, biosecurity measures should be promoted and implemented with the main aim of reducing viral transmission and reducing the prevalence of this disease. We recognise that government authorities should promote and audit voluntary control and eradication programs in small ruminant flocks in the region studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Jacob-Ferreira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Coelho
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Grau Vila
- Servicio de Sanidad Animal, Dirección General de Producción Agropecuaria e Infraestructuras Agrarias, Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería, Junta de Castilla y León, 47014 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Delia Lacasta
- Animal Pathology Department, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, Veterinary Faculty of Zaragoza C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
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Liebler-Tenorio EM, Moog U, Barth S, König P. [Indurative mastitis in a herd of Dorper sheep caused by an infection with Maedi Visna virus]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2023; 51:175-183. [PMID: 37567196 DOI: 10.1055/a-2107-7834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
This case report describes indurative mastitis in a herd of sheep caused by Maedi Visna virus (MVV) infection. Reduced udder formation after delivery, small, indurated udders and increased losses of lambs were observed in a herd of Dorper sheep. Examination of the mammary gland and milk did not reveal findings characteristic of chronic bacterial mastitis. The protein supply was insufficient which may have contributed to reduced milk yield, but was considered unlikely as cause for the induration of the mammary gland. Nineteen of the 21 mothers were positive for MVV by serology. Mammary gland and supramammary lymph nodes were collected in a sheep with indurated udder at the time of slaughter. Meat inspection did not reveal lesions in any other organs. One part of the mammary gland showed a mild to moderate multifocal lymphohistiocytic mastitis, the other exhibited a severe diffuse lymphohistiocytic mastitis with atrophy of the glandular acini, vasculopathy, fibrosis and calcification. MVV antigen was visualized by immunohistochemistry in macrophages, dendritic cells, epithelial cells and endothelial cells in the mammary gland, and macrophages and dendritic cells in the supramammary lymph nodes. A large amount of MVV provirus was detected in the supramammary lymph nodes and the severely indurated part of the mammary gland by PCR. In conclusion, indurative mastitis as a result of a systemic infection may occur independently of the commonly known manifestations of Maedi Visna in the lung and central nervous system. MVV should be considered as differential diagnosis in mastitis of sheep. The MVV status of the herd can be tested by serological detection of specific antibodies. Additionally, characteristic histological lesions are present in the mammary gland. MVV antigen can also be detected by immunohistochemistry and MVV provirus by PCR in the altered mammary gland and regional lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Liebler-Tenorio
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut - Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit (FLI), Institut für Molekulare Pathogenese, Jena
| | - Udo Moog
- Schaf- und Ziegengesundheitsdienst, Thüringer Tierseuchenkasse, Jena
| | - StefanieA Barth
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut - Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit (FLI), Institut für Molekulare Pathogenese, Jena
| | - Patricia König
- Friedrich-Loeffler Institut - Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit (FLI), Institut für Virusdiagnostik, Greifswald - Insel Riems
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Rodrigues CS, de Faria DA, Lacerda TS, Paiva SR, Caetano AR, Blackburn H, McManus C. Lentivirus Susceptibility in Brazilian and US Sheep with TMEM154 Mutations. Genes (Basel) 2022; 14:genes14010070. [PMID: 36672811 PMCID: PMC9858560 DOI: 10.3390/genes14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) affect sheep and goats worldwide. The major gene related to SRLV infections is the Transmembrane Protein Gene 154 (TMEM154). We estimated the haplotype frequencies of TMEM154 in the USA (USDA-ARS) and Brazil (Embrapa) Gene Banks by using two different SNP genotyping methodologies, FluidigmTM and KASPTM. We also genotyped the ZNF389_ss748775100 deletion variant in Brazilian flocks. A total of 1040 blood samples and 112 semen samples from 15 Brazilian breeds were genotyped with Fluidigm for the SNP ZNF389_ss748775100 and 12 TMEM154 SNPs. A total of 484 blood samples from the Santa Inês breed and 188 semen samples from 14 North American sheep breeds were genotyped with KASP for 6 TMEM154 SNPs. All the Brazilian samples had the "I/I" genotype for the ZNF389_ss748775100 mutation. There were 25 TMEM154 haplotypes distributed across the Brazilian breeds, and 4 haplotypes in the US breeds. Haplotypes associated with susceptibility were present in almost all breeds, which suggests that genetic testing can help to improve herd health and productivity by selecting non-susceptible animals as founders of the next generations. Fluidigm and KASP are reliable assays when compared with Beadchip arrays. Further studies are necessary to understand the unknown role of TMEM154 mutations, host-pathogen interaction and new genes associated with the clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Souza Rodrigues
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Central de Ciências, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Danielle Assis de Faria
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Central de Ciências, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Thaísa Sant’Anna Lacerda
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Central de Ciências, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Samuel Rezende Paiva
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Final W5 Norte, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Harvey Blackburn
- USDA-ARS—Agricultural Genetic Resources Preservation Research, 1111 South Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 805214500, USA
| | - Concepta McManus
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasilia, Asa Norte, Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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Phylogenetic Analysis of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Originating from Naturally Infected Sheep and Goats from Poland Based on the Long Terminal Repeat Sequences. J Vet Res 2022; 66:497-510. [PMID: 36846042 PMCID: PMC9945007 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous gag and env sequence studies placed Polish small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) isolated from sheep and goats in subtypes B1, B2, A1, A5, A12, A13, A16-A18, A23, A24 and A27. This study extended the genetic/phylogenetic analysis of previously identified Polish SRLV strains by contributing long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences. Material and Methods A total of 112 samples were analysed. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the LTR fragment using the neighbour-joining, maximum likelihood, and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean methods. Results Polish caprine and ovine LTR sequences clustered within group A and grouped in at least 10 clusters (subtypes A1, A5, A12, A13, A16-A18, A23, A24 and A27). Most of the Polish strains (78%) belonged to the same subtype by the indication of the gag, env and LTR genomic regions. Discrepancies in affiliation depending on the particular sequence were observed in 24 (21%) strains, most of which came from mixed-species flocks where more than one SRLV genotype circulated. Sequences of the LTR reflected subtype-specific patterns. Several subtype-specific markers were identified, e.g. a unique substitution of T to A in the fifth position of the TATA box in A17, A27, A20 and B3. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of SRLV field strains in Poland, their phylogenetic relationships and their position in the recently established SRLV classification. Our results confirmed the existence of the ten subtypes listed and the readier emergence of new SRLV variants in mixed-species flocks.
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Wu JY, Mi XY, Yang XY, Wei J, Meng XX, Bolati H, Wei YR. The First Genomic Analysis of Visna/Maedi Virus Isolates in China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:846634. [PMID: 35812856 PMCID: PMC9263623 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.846634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) is a neglected pathogen that damages sheep and goats' nervous and respiratory systems. The virus was discovered 80 years ago and has been endemic in China for nearly four decades; nevertheless, there is little information regarding Chinese isolates' genotypes and genomic characteristics. In this study, the proviral DNA of strains isolated in 1985 and 1994 were extracted, and the proviral DNA was subjected to Illumina sequencing combined with Sanger sequencing of poor coverage regions. The results showed that the two isolates were clustered with genotype A2 and shared 78.3%−89.1% similarity to reference VMV genome sequences, with the highest similarity (88.7%−89.1%) to the USA strain USMARC-200212120-r (accession no. MT993908.1) and lowest similarity (78.3%−78.5%) to the Italian strain SRLV009 (accession no. MG554409.1). A maximum-likelihood tree showed that the Chinese VMV strains and the USA strain 1150 (accession no. MH916859.1) comprise a monophyletic group with a short tree branch. Our data filled the gap in genomic analysis and viral evolution in Chinese VMV strains, and would be benefit China's source-tracing and eradication program development in China.
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Alternative Molecular Tools for the Fight against Infectious Diseases of Small Ruminants: Native Sicilian Sheep Breeds and Maedi-Visna Genetic Susceptibility. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131630. [PMID: 35804527 PMCID: PMC9264923 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Local breeds represent a precious reservoir of genetic diversity, crucial to adapting to environmental and climate changes and reacting to evolving diseases. In Sicily, four native dairy breeds, namely Valle del Belìce, Comisana, Barbaresca, and Pinzirita, have adapted to low-input farming systems and semiarid environments, having an essential role in producing high-quality milk and typical dairy products. Maedi-visna (MV) is one of the most important chronic diseases affecting the sheep sector worldwide, causing production losses. Different target genes play an important role in immunity and in genetic resilience to MV, such as TMEM154, TLR9, MYD88, and CCR5. A major host genetic component to sheep MV susceptibility was identified in the ovine TMEM154 gene. Animals with either of TMEM154 haplotypes that encode glutamate at position 35 (E35) of the protein are at higher risk of MV infection than those homozygous with lysine at position 35 (K35). In the tested Sicilian breeds, animals carrying the allele E35 showed a greater risk of being serologically positive. Comisana, Barbaresca, and Pinzirita breeds showed a good frequency of the protective allele K35, whilst a high frequency of risk allele was found in the Valle del Belìce breed, related to the selection strategies addressed to obtain a productive dairy sheep. Our results highlight the importance of the preservation of autochthonous breeds as a reservoir of natural resistance against infectious disease. Abstract Maedi-visna (MV) is a disease caused by small ruminant lentiviruses. It is included in the list of notifiable terrestrial animal diseases due to economic losses and animal welfare harm in the sheep sector. To date, control programs remain the onliest approach to avoiding infection. The allelic variant p.Glu35Lys (E35K) of the TMEM154 gene has been strongly associated with host vulnerability to MV illness. The present study aimed to investigate the association of TMEM154 E35K allele frequencies with MV susceptibility in native Sicilian sheep breeds. More than 400 animals from 14 local sheep were serologically tested and genotyped for the TMEM154 E35K polymorphism. The local breeds displayed different values of MV seroprevalence, with the lowest antibody prevalence in Barbaresca and Pinzirita breeds. TMEM154 protective allele (K35) was less frequent than the risk allele (E35) in Valle del Belìce breed, whereas the other three breeds showed a more balanced alleles distribution. A positive association between seroprevalence and genotype was found in the entire sample set. The risk of infection resulted in more than 3-fold times as high in sheep with EK and EE genotype compared to the KK genotype. Our data could be helpful in establishing selection breeding programs aimed at reducing MV infection in Sicilian sheep farming and encouraging the breeding of native breeds.
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Hailat NQ, Algharaibeh TB, Al-Eitan LN. Pathological, molecular, and serological study of small ruminant lentiviruses in Jordan. Vet World 2022; 15:1423-1429. [PMID: 35993078 PMCID: PMC9375225 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1423-1429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Maedi-visna is a chronic viral disease of sheep with worldwide distribution causing substantial economic losses to the small ruminant industry. Pneumonia and mastitis are the main manifestations of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of maedi-visna virus (MVV) in sheep using histopathology and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques and also to estimate the seroprevalence of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) in sheep and goats using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Materials and Methods: Lung tissue samples from 380 sheep were collected and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathology and molecular diagnosis of MVV. Separately, 806 serum samples were randomly collected from 633 sheep and 173 goats to detect the seroprevalence of SRLVs using ELISA. Results: The results showed that 4.7% of lung samples (n=190) were positive by both histopathology and nested PCR, 5.8% (n = 380) were positive by histopathology only (have lymphoid follicular hyperplasia), and 7.4% (n = 190) were positive by nested PCR only. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate agreement between the two tests (Kappa=0.451, n = 190). Serology results revealed that sheep and/or goats herd prevalence was 59.8% (n = 87), while individual seroprevalence in sheep (40.1%, n = 633) was significantly higher than that in the other six countries and also significantly higher than that in goats (18.5%, n = 173) (at p < 0.05). Conclusion: The moderate statistical agreement between nested PCR and histopathological diagnosis of MVV in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sheep lung tissue samples (Kappa=0.451, n = 190) suggests combining both tests for more sensitive MVV detection in sheep lung samples. SRLVs seropositivity in sheep was significantly higher than in goats, thus, it is of high concern and urges the inquiry into the economic impact of the disease and the financial benefit of adopting eradication measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Q. Hailat
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Tameem B. Algharaibeh
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Laith N. Al-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Breuer RM, Riedesel EA, Fowler J, Yaeger MJ, Smith JS, Kreuder AJ. Ultrasonography and digital radiography findings in sheep with clinical disease associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2022; 63:391-399. [PMID: 35368401 PMCID: PMC8922380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Digital radiography and ultrasonographic images were used in this case series to evaluate 4 ewes from a single flock for chronic weight loss and ill-thrift. On examination, all displayed tachypnea, dyspnea, coughing, and normothermia with abnormal thoracic auscultations. Three of the 4 animals were diagnosed with chronic respiratory disease associated with Maedi-visna (MV) infection confirmed via serologic testing. Diagnostic thoracic imaging identified characteristics consistent with pathological lesions associated with interstitial pneumonia in the 3 MV affected animals; these findings were absent in the animal that tested negative for MV. Key clinical message: Diagnostic imaging may be useful to clinicians looking to obtain further visualization of lung pathologies and as a reliable means of detecting thoracic lesions indicative of interstitial pneumonia on-farm. These results can be used to aid the practitioner in determining appropriate further diagnostic testing and treatment strategies while awaiting confirmatory test results for diagnosis of MV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Breuer
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Riedesel
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Jennifer Fowler
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Michael J Yaeger
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Joe S Smith
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
| | - Amanda J Kreuder
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences (Breuer, Riedesel, Fowler), Veterinary Pathology (Yaeger), Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine (Smith, Kreuder), Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine (Kreuder), Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1809 South Riverside Drive, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA
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13
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Genetic Characterization of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLVs) Circulating in Naturally Infected Sheep in Central Italy. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040686. [PMID: 35458416 PMCID: PMC9032261 DOI: 10.3390/v14040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) represent a very heterogeneous group of ss-RNA viruses that infect sheep and goats worldwide. They cause important, deleterious effects on animal production and limit the animal trade. SRLVs show a high genetic variability due to high mutation rate and frequent recombination events. Indeed, five genotypes (A–E) and several subtypes have been detected. The aim of this work was to genetically characterize SRLVs circulating in central Italy. On this basis, a phylogenetic study on the gag-pol genetic region of 133 sheep, collected from 19 naturally infected flocks, was conducted. In addition, to evaluate the frequency of mutation and the selective pressure on this region, a WebLogo 3 analysis was performed, and the dN/dS ratio was computed. The results showed that 26 samples out of 133 were clustered in genotype A and 106 samples belonged to genotype B, as follows: A9 (n = 8), A11 (n = 10), A24 (n = 7), B1 (n = 2), B2 (n = 59), and B3 (n = 45). No recombination events were found. Mutations were localized mainly in the VR-2 region, and the dN/dS ratio of 0.028 indicated the existence of purifying selection. Since the genetic diversity of SRLVs could make serological identification difficult, it is important to perform molecular characterization to ensure a more reliable diagnosis, to maintain flock health status, and for the application of local and national control programs.
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14
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Jones S, McKay H, Eden L, Bollard N, Dunham S, Davies P, Tarlinton R. Clearance of Maedi-visna infection in a longitudinal study of naturally infected rams is associated with homozygosity for the TMEM154 resistance allele. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35144720 PMCID: PMC8941955 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Maedi-visna (MV) is a lentiviral disease of sheep responsible for severe production losses in affected flocks. There are no vaccination or treatment options with control reliant on test and cull strategies. The most common diagnostic methods used at present are combination ELISAs for Gag and Env proteins with virus variability making PCR diagnostics still largely an experimental tool. To assess variability in viral loads and diagnostic tests results, serology, DNA and RNA viral loads were measured in the blood of 12 naturally infected rams repeatedly blood sampled over 16 months. Six animals tested negative in one or more tests at one or more time points and would have been missed on screening programmes reliant on one test method or a single time point. In addition the one animal homozygous for the ‘K’ allele of the TMEM154 E35K SNP maintained very low viral loads in all assays and apparently cleared infection to below detectable limits at the final time point it was sampled. This adds crucial data to the strong epidemiological evidence that this locus represents a genuine resistance marker for MV infection and is a strong candidate for selective breeding of sheep for resistance to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Heather McKay
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.,Three Valleys Veterinary, 107 Kesh Road, Irvinestown, Enniskillen BT94FX, UK
| | - Laura Eden
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.,Bishopton Veterinary Group, Mill Farm, Studley Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2QR, UK
| | - Nicola Bollard
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Stephen Dunham
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Peers Davies
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.,Department of Livestock and One Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
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15
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Schaer J, Cvetnic Z, Sukalic T, Dörig S, Grisiger M, Iscaro C, Feliziani F, Pfeifer F, Origgi F, Zanoni RG, Abril CE. Evaluation of Serological Methods and a New Real-Time Nested PCR for Small Ruminant Lentiviruses. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020129. [PMID: 35215072 PMCID: PMC8875174 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), i.e., CAEV and MVV, cause insidious infections with life-long persistence and a slowly progressive disease, impairing both animal welfare and productivity in affected herds. The complex diagnosis of SRLVs currently combines serological methods including whole-virus and peptide-based ELISAs and Immunoblot. To improve the current diagnostic protocol, we analyzed 290 sera of animals originating from different European countries in parallel with three commercial screening ELISAs, Immunoblot as a confirmatory assay and five SU5 peptide ELISAs for genotype differentiation. A newly developed nested real-time PCR was carried out for the detection and genotype differentiation of the virus. Using a heat-map display of the combined results, the drawbacks of the current techniques were graphically visualized and quantified. The immunoblot and the SU5-ELISAs exhibited either unsatisfactory sensitivity or insufficient reliability in the differentiation of the causative viral genotype, respectively. The new truth standard was the concordance of the results of two out of three screening ELISAs and the PCR results for serologically false negative samples along with genotype differentiation. Whole-virus antigen-based ELISA showed the highest sensitivity (92.2%) and specificity (98.9%) among the screening tests, whereas PCR exhibited a sensitivity of 75%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Schaer
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, in Cooperation with the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.); (R.G.Z.)
| | - Zeljko Cvetnic
- Regional Veterinary Department Križevci, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zakmandijeva 10, 48260 Križevci, Croatia; (Z.C.); (T.S.)
| | - Tomislav Sukalic
- Regional Veterinary Department Križevci, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zakmandijeva 10, 48260 Križevci, Croatia; (Z.C.); (T.S.)
| | - Sven Dörig
- Beratungs-und Gesundheitsdienst für Kleinwiederkäuer (BGK/SSPR), 3362 Niederoenz, Switzerland;
| | | | - Carmen Iscaro
- National Reference Laboratory for Ruminant Retroviruses, Istituto Zooprofilattico, Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche Togo Rosati, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- National Reference Laboratory for Ruminant Retroviruses, Istituto Zooprofilattico, Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche Togo Rosati, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (C.I.); (F.F.)
| | - Folke Pfeifer
- Tierseuchenkasse/Tiergesundheitsdienst Sachsen-Anhalt, 39116 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Francesco Origgi
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Reto Giacomo Zanoni
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, in Cooperation with the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.); (R.G.Z.)
| | - Carlos Eduardo Abril
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, in Cooperation with the Vetsuisse-Faculty of the University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (J.S.); (R.G.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-31-631-2423
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16
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Esteves A, Vieira-Pinto M, Quintas H, Orge L, Gama A, Alves A, Seixas F, Pires I, Pinto MDL, Mendonça AP, Lima C, Machado CN, Silva JC, Tavares P, Silva F, Bastos E, Pereira J, Gonçalves-Anjo N, Carvalho P, Sargo R, Matos A, Figueira L, Pires MDA. Scrapie at Abattoir: Monitoring, Control, and Differential Diagnosis of Wasting Conditions during Meat Inspection. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3028. [PMID: 34827761 PMCID: PMC8614523 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Wasting disease in small ruminants is frequently detected at slaughterhouses. The wasting disorder is manifested by the deterioration of the nutritional and physiological state of the animal indicated by thinness, emaciation, and cachexia. Evidence of emaciation and cachexia, alone, are pathological conditions leading to carcass condemnation during an inspection. Several diseases are associated with a wasting condition, including scrapie, pseudotuberculosis, tuberculosis, paratuberculosis, Maedi Visna, and tumor diseases. On the other hand, parasitic diseases, nutrition disorders, exposure or ingestion of toxins, metabolic conditions, inadequate nutrition due to poor teeth, or poor alimentary diet are conditions contributing to poor body condition. Classical and atypical scrapie is naturally occurring transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in small ruminants. The etiological agent for each one is prions. However, each of these scrapie types is epidemiologically, pathologically, and biochemically different. Though atypical scrapie occurs at low incidence, it is consistently prevalent in the small ruminant population. Hence, it is advisable to include differential diagnosis of this disease, from other possibilities, as a cause of wasting conditions detected during meat inspection at the abattoir. This manuscript is a review of the measures in force at the abattoir for scrapie control, focusing on the differential diagnosis of gross lesions related to wasting conditions detected in small ruminants during meat inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Esteves
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Madalena Vieira-Pinto
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Hélder Quintas
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Leonor Orge
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.P.M.); (C.N.M.); (J.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Adelina Gama
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Anabela Alves
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Isabel Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Maria de Lurdes Pinto
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Ana Paula Mendonça
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.P.M.); (C.N.M.); (J.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Carla Lima
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (C.L.); (P.T.)
| | - Carla Neves Machado
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.P.M.); (C.N.M.); (J.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - João Carlos Silva
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.P.M.); (C.N.M.); (J.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Paula Tavares
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal; (C.L.); (P.T.)
| | - Filipe Silva
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Estela Bastos
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Genetic Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Jorge Pereira
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Nuno Gonçalves-Anjo
- Genetic Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Paulo Carvalho
- Pathology Laboratory, UEISPSA, National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P., 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (A.P.M.); (C.N.M.); (J.C.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Roberto Sargo
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Ana Matos
- Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB), 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-Rural), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB), 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Luís Figueira
- Quality of Life in the Rural World (Q-Rural), Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB), 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal;
| | - Maria dos Anjos Pires
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (M.V.-P.); (L.O.); (A.G.); (A.A.); (F.S.); (I.P.); (M.d.L.P.); (F.S.); (J.P.); (R.S.)
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17
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Olech M, Ropka-Molik K, Szmatoła T, Piórkowska K, Kuźmak J. Transcriptome Analysis for Genes Associated with Small Ruminant Lentiviruses Infection in Goats of Carpathian Breed. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102054. [PMID: 34696484 DOI: 10.3390/v13102054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) are economically important viral pathogens of sheep and goats. SRLV infection may interfere in the innate and adaptive immunity of the host, and genes associated with resistance or susceptibility to infection with SRLV have not been fully recognized. The presence of animals with relatively high and low proviral load suggests that some host factors are involved in the control of virus replication. To better understand the role of the genes involved in the host response to SRLV infection, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) method was used to compare whole gene expression profiles in goats carrying both a high (HPL) and low (LPL) proviral load of SRLV and uninfected animals. Data enabled the identification of 1130 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and LPL groups: 411 between control and HPL groups and 1434 DEGs between HPL and LPL groups. DEGs detected between the control group and groups with a proviral load were found to be significantly enriched in several gene ontology (GO) terms, including an integral component of membrane, extracellular region, response to growth factor, inflammatory and innate immune response, transmembrane signaling receptor activity, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-dependent toll-like receptor signaling pathway as well as regulation of cytokine secretion. Our results also demonstrated significant deregulation of selected pathways in response to viral infection. The presence of SRLV proviral load in blood resulted in the modification of gene expression belonging to the toll-like receptor signaling pathway, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, the phagosome, the Ras signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway and rheumatoid arthritis. It is worth mentioning that the most predominant in all pathways were genes represented by toll-like receptors, tubulins, growth factors as well as interferon gamma receptors. DEGs detected between LPL and HPL groups were found to have significantly enriched regulation of signaling receptor activity, the response to toxic substances, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase complex assembly, cytokine production, vesicle, and vacuole organization. In turn, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway tool classified DEGs that enrich molecular processes such as B and T-cell receptor signaling pathways, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, toll-like receptor signaling pathways, TNF, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and forkhead box O (Foxo) signaling pathways, etc. Our data indicate that changes in SRLV proviral load induced altered expression of genes related to different biological processes such as immune response, inflammation, cell locomotion, and cytokine production. These findings provide significant insights into defense mechanisms against SRLV infection. Furthermore, these data can be useful to develop strategies against SRLV infection by selection of animals with reduced SRLV proviral concentration that may lead to a reduction in the spread of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ropka-Molik
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Kraków, Poland
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1c, 30-248 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piórkowska
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Kuźmak
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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18
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Kalogianni AI, Stavropoulos I, Chaintoutis SC, Bossis I, Gelasakis AI. Serological, Molecular and Culture-Based Diagnosis of Lentiviral Infections in Small Ruminants. Viruses 2021; 13:1711. [PMID: 34578292 PMCID: PMC8473411 DOI: 10.3390/v13091711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) infections lead to chronic diseases and remarkable economic losses undermining health and welfare of animals and the sustainability of farms. Early and definite diagnosis of SRLVs infections is the cornerstone for any control and eradication efforts; however, a "gold standard" test and/or diagnostic protocols with extensive applicability have yet to be developed. The main challenges preventing the development of a universally accepted diagnostic tool with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to be integrated in SRLVs control programs are the genetic variability of SRLVs associated with mutations, recombination, and cross-species transmission and the peculiarities of small ruminants' humoral immune response regarding late seroconversion, as well as intermittent and epitope-specific antibody production. The objectives of this review paper were to summarize the available serological and molecular assays for the diagnosis of SRLVs, to highlight their diagnostic performance emphasizing on advantages and drawbacks of their application, and to discuss current and future perspectives, challenges, limitations and impacts regarding the development of reliable and efficient tools for the diagnosis of SRLVs infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrodite I. Kalogianni
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Stavropoulos
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (Ι.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Serafeim C. Chaintoutis
- Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Bossis
- Laboratory of Animal Husbandry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (Ι.S.); (I.B.)
| | - Athanasios I. Gelasakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Department of Animal Science, School of Animal Biosciences, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA), Iera Odos 75 Str., 11855 Athens, Greece
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19
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Zhao L, Zhang L, Shi X, Duan X, Li H, Liu S. Next-generation sequencing for the genetic characterization of Maedi/Visna virus isolated from the northwest of China. J Vet Sci 2021; 22:e66. [PMID: 34697919 PMCID: PMC8636652 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maedi/Visna virus (MVV) is a contagious viral pathogen that causes considerable economic losses to the sheep industry worldwide. OBJECTIVES In China, MVV has been detected in several regions, but its molecular characteristics and genetic variations were not thoroughly investigated. METHODS Therefore, in this study, we conducted next-generation sequencing on an MVV strain obtained from northwest China to reveal its genetic evolution via phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS A MVV strain obtained from Inner Mongolia (NM) of China was identified. Sequence analysis indicated that its whole-genome length is 9193 bp. Homology comparison of nucleotides between the NM strain and reference strains showed that the sequence homology of gag and env were 77.1%-86.8% and 67.7%-75.5%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the NM strain was closely related to the reference strains isolated from America, which belong to the A2 type. Notably, there were 5 amino acid insertions in variable region 4 and a highly variable motif at the C-terminal of the surface glycoprotein (SU5). CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to show the whole-genome sequence of an MVV obtained from China. The detailed analyses provide essential information for understanding the genetic characteristics of MVV, and the results enrich the MVV library.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaona Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xujie Duan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Huiping Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Shuying Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.,Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques for Animal Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
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20
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First Survey of SNPs in TMEM154, TLR9, MYD88 and CCR5 Genes in Sheep Reared in Italy and Their Association with Resistance to SRLVs Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071290. [PMID: 34372496 PMCID: PMC8310241 DOI: 10.3390/v13071290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maedi-visna virus (MVV) and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV), referred to as small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), belong to the genus Lentivirus of the Retroviridae family. SRLVs infect both sheep and goats, causing significant economic losses and animal welfare damage. Recent findings suggest an association between serological status and allelic variants of different genes such as TMEM154, TLR9, MYD88 and CCR5. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of specific polymorphisms of these genes in SRLVs infection in some sheep flocks in Italy. In addition to those already known, novel variants in the TMEM154 (P7H, I74V, I105V) gene were detected in this study. The risk of infection was determined finding an association between the serological status and polymorphisms P7H, E35K, N70I, I74V, I105V of TMEM154, R447Q, A462S and G520R in TLR9 gene, H176H* and K190K* in MYD88 genes, while no statistical association was observed for the 4-bp deletion of the CCR5 gene. Since no vaccines or treatments have been developed, a genetically based approach could be an innovative strategy to prevent and to control SRLVs infection. Our findings are an important starting point in order to define the genetic resistance profile towards SRLVs infection.
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21
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A DNA Regulatory Element Haplotype at Zinc Finger Genes Is Associated with Host Resilience to Small Ruminant Lentivirus in Two Sheep Populations. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071907. [PMID: 34206933 PMCID: PMC8300134 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) causes Maedi-Visna or Ovine Progressive Pneumonia in sheep and creates insidious livestock production losses. This retrovirus is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus and currently has no vaccines or cure. Genetic marker assisted selection for sheep disease resiliency presents an attractive management solution. Previously, we identified a region containing a cluster of zinc finger genes that had association with ovine SRLV proviral concentration. Trait-association analysis validated a small insertion/deletion variant near ZNF389 (rs397514112) in multiple sheep breeds. In the current study, 543 sheep from two distinct populations were genotyped at 34 additional variants for fine mapping of the regulatory elements within this locus. Variants were selected based on ChIP-seq annotation data from sheep alveolar macrophages that defined active cis-regulatory elements predicted to influence zinc finger gene expression. We present a haplotype block of variants within regulatory elements that have improved associations and larger effect sizes (up to 4.7-fold genotypic difference in proviral concentration) than the previously validated ZNF389 deletion marker. Hypotheses for the underlying causal mutation or mutations are presented based on changes to in silico transcription factor binding sites. These variants offer alternative markers for selective breeding and are targets for future functional mutation assays.
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22
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Olech M, Ropka-Molik K, Szmatoła T, Piórkowska K, Kuźmak J. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Genes Encoding Toll-Like Receptors 7 and 8 and Their Association with Proviral Load of SRLVs in Goats of Polish Carpathian Breed. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071908. [PMID: 34206971 PMCID: PMC8300119 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7 and 8 are important in single-stranded viral RNA recognition, so genetic variation of these genes may play a role in SRLVs infection and disease progression. Present study aimed to identify SNPs in genes encoding TLR7 and TLR8 in goats of Carpathian breed and analyze their association with the SRLVs provirus concentration as index of disease progression. A total of 14 SNPs were detected, 6 SNPs in the TLR7 gene locus and 8 SNPs in the TLR8 gene. Nine of the 14 identified polymorphisms, 4 in the TLR7 gene and 5 in TLR8 gene, were significantly associated with the SRLVs proviral concentration. These SNPs were located in 3'UTR, 5'UTR and intron sequences as well as in the coding sequences, but they led to silent changes. Homozygous genotypes of three TLR7 SNPs (synonymous variant 1:50703293, 3'UTR variant 1:50701297 and 5'UTR variant 1:50718645) were observed in goats with lower provirus copy number as well as in seronegative animals. The results obtained in this study suggest that SNPs of TLR7/TLR8 genes may induce differential innate immune response towards SRLVs affecting proviral concentration and thereby disease pathogenesis and progression. These findings support a role for genetic variations of TLR7 and TLR8 in SRLVs infection and warrants further studies on the effect of TLR7/TLR8 polymorphisms on SRLVs infection in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Olech
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-8188-9300; Fax: +48-818-862-595
| | - Katarzyna Ropka-Molik
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (T.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (T.S.); (K.P.)
- Center for Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Rędzina 1c, 30-248 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piórkowska
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska 1, 32-083 Balice, Poland; (K.R.-M.); (T.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Jacek Kuźmak
- Department of Biochemistry, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland;
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Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SLRVs) have been recognized throughout the world for decades. SLRVs are a heterogenous group of viruses that can infect sheep, goats, and wild ruminants. Evidence supports cross-species infection. These viruses cause lifelong infections where they target specific organs, which can result in production losses due to diminished milk production, consequential increases in neonatal death and diminished growth, and premature culling of prime age animals. No vaccine or treatments have proved effective. Control programs rely on an understanding of viral transmission and application of highly sensitive, specific, and frequent testing regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Wolf
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA.
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24
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Ramírez H, Echeverría I, Benito AA, Glaria I, Benavides J, Pérez V, de Andrés D, Reina R. Accurate Diagnosis of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection Is Needed for Selection of Resistant Sheep through TMEM154 E35K Genotyping. Pathogens 2021. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) cause an incurable multiorganic disease widely spread in sheep and goats that disturbs animal welfare and production. In the absence of a vaccine, control measures have been traditionally based on early diagnosis and breeding with virus-inactivated colostrum with segregation of seropositive animals. However, antigenic heterogeneity, poor antibody production due to low viral load, and single strain design of most available ELISA, pose a threat to SRLV diagnosis. Genome-wide association studies have described TMEM154 E35K polymorphism as a good genetic marker for selection of resistant animals in some American and European breeds. In this study, a multitargeted serological and virological screening of more than 500 animals from four different breeds (latxa, raza Navarra, assaf, and churra) attending to SRLV infection status was performed. Then, animals were genotyped to characterize TMEM154 E35K polymorphism. ELISA procedures, individually considered, only identified a proportion of the seropositive animals, and PCR detected a fraction of seronegative animals, globally offering different animal classifications according to SRLV infection status. TMEM154 allele frequency differed substantially among breeds and a positive association between seroprevalence and TMEM154 genotype was found only in one breed. Selection based on TMEM154 may be suitable for specific ovine breeds or SRLV strains, however generalization to the whole SRLV genetic spectrum, ovine breeds, or epidemiological situation may need further validation.
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Ramírez H, Echeverría I, Benito AA, Glaria I, Benavides J, Pérez V, de Andrés D, Reina R. Accurate Diagnosis of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection Is Needed for Selection of Resistant Sheep through TMEM154 E35K Genotyping. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010083. [PMID: 33478070 PMCID: PMC7835874 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) cause an incurable multiorganic disease widely spread in sheep and goats that disturbs animal welfare and production. In the absence of a vaccine, control measures have been traditionally based on early diagnosis and breeding with virus-inactivated colostrum with segregation of seropositive animals. However, antigenic heterogeneity, poor antibody production due to low viral load, and single strain design of most available ELISA, pose a threat to SRLV diagnosis. Genome-wide association studies have described TMEM154 E35K polymorphism as a good genetic marker for selection of resistant animals in some American and European breeds. In this study, a multitargeted serological and virological screening of more than 500 animals from four different breeds (latxa, raza Navarra, assaf, and churra) attending to SRLV infection status was performed. Then, animals were genotyped to characterize TMEM154 E35K polymorphism. ELISA procedures, individually considered, only identified a proportion of the seropositive animals, and PCR detected a fraction of seronegative animals, globally offering different animal classifications according to SRLV infection status. TMEM154 allele frequency differed substantially among breeds and a positive association between seroprevalence and TMEM154 genotype was found only in one breed. Selection based on TMEM154 may be suitable for specific ovine breeds or SRLV strains, however generalization to the whole SRLV genetic spectrum, ovine breeds, or epidemiological situation may need further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ramírez
- Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Higher Education, Cuautitlan, Veterinary Medicine, Campus 4, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Km. 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México C.P. 54714, Mexico;
| | - Irache Echeverría
- Animal Health Department, Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB), CSIC-Government of Navarra, 31192 Navarra, Spain; (I.E.); (I.G.); (D.d.A.)
| | - Alfredo A. Benito
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, EXOPOL SL, 50840 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Idoia Glaria
- Animal Health Department, Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB), CSIC-Government of Navarra, 31192 Navarra, Spain; (I.E.); (I.G.); (D.d.A.)
| | - Julio Benavides
- Mountain Livestock Institute (IGM), CSIC-University of León, 24346 León, Spain;
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, University of León, 24071 León, Spain;
| | - Damián de Andrés
- Animal Health Department, Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB), CSIC-Government of Navarra, 31192 Navarra, Spain; (I.E.); (I.G.); (D.d.A.)
| | - Ramsés Reina
- Animal Health Department, Institute of Agrobiotechnology (IdAB), CSIC-Government of Navarra, 31192 Navarra, Spain; (I.E.); (I.G.); (D.d.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-168022
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Toxic Wasting Disorders in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010229. [PMID: 33477688 PMCID: PMC7831912 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There are several substances, either inorganic or organic that may be toxic for sheep. Intoxications by some of these substances have an acute clinical course with specific signs and lesions that may guide the diagnostic procedures. However, there are other insidious, subacute to chronic presentations, usually related to continuous intake of the toxic substance over long periods of time, that may present with emaciation, ill-thrift, and/or poor external aspect. In such scenarios, diagnosis may be challenging and should be achieved through a combination of history of exposure, subtle gross and histological findings (if present), and available ancillary tests. Abstract Infectious and parasitic agents have been frequently associated with debilitating and wasting conditions in sheep. The prevalence of these agents has probably undermined the role of toxic causes as contributors to such disorders. In addition, many of these intoxications frequently produce acute clinical disease with specific and characteristic lesions, thus a causal relationship with the toxic substance may be relatively easy to establish. However, persistent exposure to some of these organic or inorganic toxic substances may lead to emaciation, ill-thrift, and poor external aspect. The anti-nutritional factors and alkaloids of several plants, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, among others, have also been associated with emaciation and/or poor general performance in sheep flocks. In this review, some of these disorders are discussed with an emphasis on clinical signs and lesions, relevant diagnostic aspects, and available therapeutic approaches. In most cases, demonstrating a history of exposure should be one of the most relevant aspects of the diagnostic approach, and removing the animals from the toxic source is the cornerstone of the majority of the treatment strategies.
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