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Dabaja MF, Greco G, Blanda V, Tempesta M, Bayan A, Torina A, Vesco G, D'Agostino R, Lelli R, Ezzedine M, Mortada H, Raoult D, Fournier PE, Mortada M. Multispacer sequence typing of Coxiella burnetii from milk and hard tick samples from ruminant farms in Lebanon. Vet Ital 2020; 56:289-296. [PMID: 33635617 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.1799.13290.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
his study was carried out to detect and characterize Coxiella burnetii in ruminant milk samples and in different tick species from seropositive farms in four Lebanese regions. Milk and tick samples were screened for C. burnetii presence by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting IS1111 region followed by multispacer sequence typing (MST). The overall positive percentages of 9.6% (27/282) and 95.45% (84/88) for C. burnetii were recorded in ruminant milk and tick samples, respectively. In detail, the C. burnetii DNA was recorded in 52/54 (96.3%) of Rhipicephalus annulatus, 20/21 (95.24%) of Rhipicephalus turanicus, 6/6 (100%) of Hyalomma anatolicum, 5/6 (83.3%) of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 1/1 of Rhipicephalus bursa. After genotyping of some IS1111-positive samples (17/111), different MST genotypes were identified. Out of 15 positive ticks, 10 were infected with MST2 genotype, 4 were infected with MST7 genotype and 1 was infected with MST57. Moreover, genotypes MST20 and MST58 were found in one cow and one goat milk samples, respectively. The present study confirmed the high genetic diversity of C. burnetii in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grazia Greco
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - Maria Tempesta
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Ali Bayan
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Sciences, Section I, Hadath, Lebanon.
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - Gesualdo Vesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | | | - Rossella Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell' Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Mohamad Ezzedine
- 2Lebanese University, Doctoral School of sciences and Technology, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hussein Mortada
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Agriculture, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Didier Raoult
- URMITE, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Pierre Edouard Fournier
- URMITE, UM 63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, Inserm 1095, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Mohamad Mortada
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School of sciences and Technology, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Dabaja MF, Greco G, Villari S, Vesco G, Bayan A, Bazzal BE, Ibrahim E, Gargano V, Sciacca C, Lelli R, Ezzedine M, Mortada H, Tempesta M, Mortada M. Occurrence and risk factors of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in Lebanon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 64:109-116. [PMID: 31174685 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii causes diseases in humans (Q fever) and animals, domestic ruminants playing a major role in the epidemiology of the infection. Information on C. burnetii infection in Lebanon is scanty. In order to assess the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in ruminants, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2014. A total of 1633 sera from ruminants (865 cattle, 384 sheep and 384 goats) from 429 farms (173 cattle, 128 sheep and 128 goats), in seven provinces of Lebanon were randomly selected and assayed for the presence of antibodies. 39.86% of farms (95% CI: 35.23-44.56) resulted positive. The seroprevalence was 30.63% in Cattle-farms, 46.88% in sheep-farms and 45.31% in goat-farms. Milk samples collected from 282 seropositive animals (86 cows, 93 sheep and 103 goats) from 171 positive farms were tested by a high sensitive Real-Time PCR targeted to the IS1111 transposon of C. burnetii. The overall prevalence in farms was estimated to be 14.04%. Cattle-, sheep- and goat farm prevalence rates were 15.09%, 10% and 17.24%, respectively. The findings of the study show that C. burnetii prevalence in Lebanese domestic ruminants is related to animal species and farming practices. Indeed, the mixed herds with sheep (p < 0.01), the presence of common lambing/kidding areas (p < 0.001) in farms where the use of disinfectants was not a routine practice (p < 0.05) were identified as important risk factors. The results of the study provide baseline information for setting up herd management and public health measures for the prevention and control of Q fever in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Dabaja
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy; Lebanese University, Doctoral School of sciences and Technology, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, Lebanon.
| | - G Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - S Villari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - G Vesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - A Bayan
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - B El Bazzal
- Republic of Lebanon Ministry of Agriculture, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - E Ibrahim
- Republic of Lebanon Ministry of Agriculture, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - V Gargano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - C Sciacca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy.
| | - R Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy.
| | - M Ezzedine
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School of sciences and Technology, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Faculty of Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - H Mortada
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Agricultural, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - M Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - M Mortada
- Lebanese University, Doctoral School of sciences and Technology, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Faculty of Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Dabaja MF, Greco G, Villari S, Bayan A, Vesco G, Gargano V, Arnone M, Hneino M, Lelli R, Ezzedine M, Berry A, Mortada H, Tempesta M, Mortada M. The First Serological Study of Q Fever in Humans in Lebanon. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:138-143. [PMID: 29336692 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate, for the first time, the human seroprevalence of Q fever in Lebanon, by assessing the presence of antibodies against the causative agent, Coxiella burnetii. A total number of 421 serum samples (226 females and 196 males) were collected in February 2015 from hospitals and laboratories dispersed in five Lebanese provinces: Akkar, Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, Nabatieh, and South Lebanon. METHODS Serial testing approach was used. Samples were first screened for IgG phase II antibodies against C. burnetii by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kit. Then, both positive and inconclusive sera were reexamined by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) test with the aims to confirm and specify the infection status (past or probably acute infection) by detecting IgG (I/II) and IgM (I/II) in human sera. RESULTS Screening of 421 samples was estimated to be 38.70% (95% CI 34-43.3) positive samples, 5.90% (95% CI 3.7-8.2) suspect samples (as doubtful results), and 55.40% (95% CI 50.7-60.1) negative samples. Furthermore, all positive and suspect samples by ELISA test were retested by immunofluorescence assay test (IFAT), and the prevalence of positive sample was 37% and the infection case was recorded: 23.75% (95% CI 19.7-27.8) samples resulted from past infection, 1.9% (95% CI 0.6-3.2) probably acute infection characterized by several dominance clinical symptoms as: fever, cough, headache, difficulty breathing, and atypical pneumonia, and 0.23% (95% CI 0-0.7) inconclusive sample accompanied by different symptoms as bone metastasis and lung cancer. CONCLUSION The study records the exposition of 37% of 421 patients to C. burnetii distributed in five Lebanese provinces with the highest seroprevalence in Bekaa and Akkar provinces and the lowest reported in Mount Lebanon. This difference may be due to the presence of high density of livestock production and of major agricultural areas in these two provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayssaa Fawaz Dabaja
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari , Bari, Italy .,2 Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University , Beirut, Lebanon .,3 Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute , Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Grazia Greco
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari , Bari, Italy
| | - Sara Villari
- 4 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri" , Palermo, Italy
| | - Ali Bayan
- 5 Faculty of Science, Section I, Lebanese University , Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Gesualdo Vesco
- 4 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri" , Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Gargano
- 4 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri" , Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Arnone
- 4 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri" , Palermo, Italy
| | - Mohamad Hneino
- 6 Faculty of Public Health, Section I, Lebanese University , Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Rossella Lelli
- 7 Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale," Teramo, Italy
| | - Mohamad Ezzedine
- 2 Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University , Beirut, Lebanon .,5 Faculty of Science, Section I, Lebanese University , Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Atika Berry
- 8 Republic of Lebanon , Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Mortada
- 9 Faculty of Agricultural, Lebanese University , Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Tempesta
- 1 Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari , Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Mortada
- 2 Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University , Beirut, Lebanon .,5 Faculty of Science, Section I, Lebanese University , Hadath, Lebanon
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Torina A, Cordaro A, Blanda V, D'Agostino R, Scimeca S, Scariano ME, Sireci G, Lelli R. A promising new ELISA diagnostic test for cattle babesiosis based on Babesia bigemina Apical Membrane Antigen-1. Vet Ital 2017; 52:63-9. [PMID: 27033532 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.74.237.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis due to Babesia bigemina is a relevant tick-borne disease, affecting cattle worldwide. Many surface proteins of the pathogen including the Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1) - have been analysed for vaccine and diagnostic purposes. This study focused on B. bigemina AMA-1 and on its use for the assessment of diagnostic tests. After bioinformatic analyses, AMA-1 codifying region was amplified and cloned into an expression vector used to induce protein synthesis in Escherichia coli cells. AMA-1 was purified by affinity chromatography and used to set up the best condition for an ELISA protocol. Bovine field sera positive to B. bigemina were used to evaluate the presence of anti-AMA-1 antibodies. In order to verify the assay specificity, sera positive to Babesia bovis or to the piroplasm Theileria annulata were also included. Significant differences were obtained between sera negative to both B. bigemina and B. bovis and samples positive to B. bigemina, to B. bovis or to both pathogens. No significant reaction was observed with T. annulata positive sera. The results showed that AMA-1 protein is suitable to be used as antigen in diagnostic assays for babesiosis diagnosis in cattle, as it does not show any cross reaction with anti-T. annulata antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zoopro lattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via G. Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Monaco F, Goffredo M, Briguglio P, Pinoni C, Polci A, Iannetti S, Marruchella G, Di Francesco G, Di Gennaro AP, Pais M, Teodori L, Bruno R, Catalani M, Ruiu A, Lelli R, Savini G. The 2011 West Nile disease outbreak in Sardinia region, Italy. Vet Ital 2016; 51:5-16. [PMID: 25842208 DOI: 10.12834/vetit.260.2386.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In 2011, strains of West Nile Virus (WNV) belonging to lineage 1 spread for the first time in Sardinia region (Italy). In contrast to previous WNV Italian incursion, the strains were found in Culex modestus and, more surprisingly, they were able to cause severe clinical signs in the affected birds. Based on the partial sequence of the NS3 encoding gene, the Sardinian WNV strains demonstrated a high similarity with the other WNV strains recently detected in the Mediterranean Basin. Nonetheless, the 2011 Sardinian sequences were grouped in a distinct sub-cluster. Both the NS3-249P and NS3-249T genotypes were detected in the Sardinian outbreaks confirming that the co-circulation of different genotypes in the affected population might be common for WNV as for many RNA viruses. No association, however, was observed between virulence and viral genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Monaco
- Istituto zooprofilattico sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale'
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Giudice E, Di Pietro S, Alaimo A, Blanda V, Lelli R, Francaviglia F, Caracappa S, Torina A. A molecular survey of Rickettsia felis in fleas from cats and dogs in Sicily (Southern Italy). PLoS One 2014; 9:e106820. [PMID: 25203839 PMCID: PMC4159232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia felis, the agent of flea-borne spotted fever, has a cosmopolitan distribution. Its pathogenic role in humans has been demonstrated through molecular and serologic tests in several cases. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is considered the main reservoir and the biological vector. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and occurrence of R. felis in fleas collected from dogs and cats in various sites of Palermo (Sicily). Between August and October 2012, 134 fleas were collected from 42 animals: 37 fleas from 13 dogs and 97 fleas from 29 cats. Two species of fleas were identified: 132 Ctenocephalides felis (98.51%) collected on all animals and only two C. canis (1.49%) on one dog. Out of 132 C. felis, 34 (25.76%), 12 from dogs (32.43%) and 22 (22.68%) from cats, were positive for R. felis DNA by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confirmed by sequencing. The only two C. canis fleas were negative. About half of examined animals (47.62%, 20/42) were infested with at least one infected flea; in particular 46.15% of dogs (6/13) and 48.28% of cats (14/29). It seems that in the Palermo district there is a peri-domestic cycle, with a relatively high prevalence of R. felis infection in the cat flea, an insect widely diffused in home environments and which can frequently bite humans. The results also suggest that R. felis should be considered in the human differential diagnosis of any spotted-like fever or febrile illness without a clear source of infection in Sicily, especially if the patient is known to have been exposed to flea bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- * e-mail:
| | - Antonio Alaimo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rossella Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Francaviglia
- Local Animal Health Veterinarian, ASP (Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale) Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Santo Caracappa
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Palermo, Italy
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Monaco F, Pinoni C, Cosseddu GM, Khaiseb S, Calistri P, Molini U, Bishi A, Conte A, Scacchia M, Lelli R. Rift Valley fever in Namibia, 2010. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 19:2025-7. [PMID: 24274469 PMCID: PMC3840870 DOI: 10.3201/eid1912.130593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During May-July 2010 in Namibia, outbreaks of Rift Valley fever were reported to the National Veterinary Service. Analysis of animal specimens confirmed virus circulation on 7 farms. Molecular characterization showed that all outbreaks were caused by a strain of Rift Valley fever virus closely related to virus strains responsible for outbreaks in South Africa during 2009-2010.
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Ben Hassine T, Calistri P, Ippoliti C, Conte A, Danzetta ML, Bruno R, Lelli R, Bejaoui M, Hammami S. ANALYSIS OF BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC FACTORS INFLUENCING THE OCCURRENCE OF WEST NILE VIRUS INFECTION IN TUNISIA. Arch Inst Pasteur Tunis 2014; 91:43-50. [PMID: 26402969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Eco-climatic conditions are often associated with the occurrence of West Nile Disease (WND) cases. Among the complex set of biotic and abiotic factors influencing the emergence and spread of this vector-borne disease, two main variables have been considered to have a great influence on the probability of West Nile Virus (WNV) introduction and circulation in Tunisia: the presence of susceptible bird populations and the existence of geographical areas where the environmental and climatic conditions are more favourable to mosquito multiplications. The aim of this study was to identify and classify the climatic and environmental variables possibly associated with the occurrence of WNVhuman cases in Tunisia. The following environmental and climatic variables have been considered: wetlands and humid areas, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), temperatures and elevation. A preliminary analysis for the characterization of main variables associated with areas with a history of WNV human cases in Tunisia between 1997 and 2011 has been made. This preliminary analysis clearly indicates the closeness to marshes ecosystem, where migratory bird populations are located, as an important risk factor for WNV infection. On the contrary the temperature absolute seems to be not a significant factor in Tunisian epidemiological situation. In relation to NDVI values, more complex considerations should be made.
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Polci A, Cosseddu GM, Ancora M, Pinoni C, El Harrak M, Sebhatu TT, Ghebremeskel E, Sghaier S, Lelli R, Monaco F. Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a New Real-Time RT-PCR Assay For Detection of Peste des petits Ruminants Virus Genome. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:332-8. [PMID: 23865439 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A duplex real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was developed for a simple and rapid diagnosis of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR). qRT-PCR primers and TaqMan probe were designed on a conserved region of nucleocapsid protein (Np) of PPR virus (PPRV) genome. An in vitro transcript of the target region was constructed and tested to determine analytical sensitivity. Commercial heterologous Armored RNA(®) was used as an internal positive control (IPC) for either RNA isolation or RT-PCR steps. The detection limit of the newly designed duplex real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR PPR_Np) was approximately 20 copies/μl with a 95% probability. No amplification signals were recorded when the qRT-PCR PPR_Np was applied to viruses closely related or clinically similar to PPRV- or to PPR-negative blood samples. A preliminary evaluation of the diagnostic performance was carried out by testing a group of 43 clinical specimens collected from distinct geographic areas of Africa and Middle East. qRT-PCR PPR_Np showed higher sensitivity than the conventional gel-based RT-PCR assays, which have been used as reference standards. Internal positive control made it possible to identify the occurrence of 5 false-negative results caused by the amplification failure, thus improving the accuracy of PPRV detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Polci
- Istituto G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
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Lelli R, Molini U, Ronchi GF, Rossi E, Franchi P, Ulisse S, Armillotta G, Capista S, Khaiseb S, Di Ventura M, Pini A. Inactivated and adjuvanted vaccine for the control of the African horse sickness virus serotype 9 infection: evaluation of efficacy in horses and guinea-pig model. Vet Ital 2013; 49:89-98. [PMID: 23564590] [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] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
African horse sickness (AHS) is a non-contagious viral disease of solipeds transmitted by Culicoides. The disease is endemic in most African countries. Past experience has shown that Italy is a country exposed to emerging infectious diseases endemic to Africa; an incursion of AHS virus together with the widespread presence of Culicoides vectors could be the cause of a serious epidemic emergency. A live attenuated vaccine containing seven of the nine viral serotypes, serotype 5 and 9 are excluded, is commercially available from Onderstepoort Biological Products. However, the use of live vaccines is a matter of endless disputes, and therefore inactivated or recombinant alternative products have been investigated over the years. Since research on AHS is hampered by the use of horses to evaluate vaccine potency, in a previous experiment serological response to serotypes 5 and 9 was assayed in guinea-pigs and horses. A durable and comparable serological response was observed in the two animal species. In the present study antibody response in horses and guinea-pigs, immunised with the inactivated-adjuvanted vaccine formulated with serotype 9, was tested over a period of 12 months. When immunity was challenged, horses were protected from infection and disease. Antibody response in horses and guinea-pigs compared favourably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Faggioni G, Pomponi A, De Santis R, Masuelli L, Ciammaruconi A, Monaco F, Di Gennaro A, Marzocchella L, Sambri V, Lelli R, Rezza G, Bei R, Lista F. West Nile alternative open reading frame (N-NS4B/WARF4) is produced in infected West Nile Virus (WNV) cells and induces humoral response in WNV infected individuals. Virol J 2012; 9:283. [PMID: 23173701 PMCID: PMC3574045 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-9-283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that requires an efficient humoral and cellular host response for the control of neuroinvasive infection. We previously reported the existence of six alternative open reading frame proteins in WNV genome, one of which entitled WARF4 is exclusively restricted to the lineage I of the virus. WARF4 is able to elicit antibodies in WNV infected horses; however, there was no direct experimental proof of the existence of this novel protein. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the in vitro production of WARF4 protein following WNV infection of cultured VERO cells and its immunity in WNV infected individuals. Results We produced a monoclonal antibody against WARF4 protein (MAb 3A12) which detected the novel protein in WNV lineage I-infected, cultured VERO cells while it did not react with WNV lineage II infected cells. MAb 3A12 specificity to WARF4 protein was confirmed by its reactivity to only one peptide among four analyzed that cover the full WARF4 amino acids sequence. In addition, WARF4 protein was expressed in the late phase of WNV lineage I infection. Western blotting and bioinformatics analyses strongly suggest that the protein could be translated by programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting process. Since WARF4 is embedded in the NS4B gene, we rename this novel protein N-NS4B/WARF4. Furthermore, serological analysis shows that N-NS4B/WARF4 is able to elicit antibodies in WNV infected individuals. Conclusions N-NS4B/WARF4 is the second Alternative Reading Frame (ARF) protein that has been demonstrated to be produced following WNV infection and might represent a novel tool for a better characterization of immune response in WNV infected individuals. Further serological as well as functional studies are required to characterize the function of the N-NS4B/WARF4 protein. Since the virus might actually make an extensive use of ARFs, it appears important to investigate the novel six ARF putative proteins of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Faggioni
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 4 00184 Rome, Italy.
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Colangeli P, Ferrilli M, Quaranta F, Malizia E, Mbulu RS, Mukete E, Iipumbu L, Kamhulu A, Tjipura-Zaire G, Di Francesco C, Lelli R, Scacchia M. Laboratory information management system: an example of international cooperation in Namibia. Vet Ital 2012; 48:241-251. [PMID: 23038071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The authors describe the project undertaken by the Istituto G. Caporale to provide a laboratory information management system (LIMS) to the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) in Windhoek, Namibia. This robust laboratory management tool satisfies Namibia's information obligations under international quality standard ISO 17025:2005. The Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Africa was designed to collect and manage all necessary information on samples, tests and test results. The system involves the entry of sample data on arrival, as required by Namibian sampling plans, the tracking of samples through the various sections of the CVL, the collection of test results, generation of test reports and monitoring of outbreaks through data interrogation functions, eliminating multiple registrations of the same data on paper records. It is a fundamental component of the Namibian veterinary information system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Colangeli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Guercio A, Savini G, Monaco F, Calistri P, Bruno R, Di Bella S, Di Marco P, Di Marco V, Torina A, Purpari G, Lelli R. West Nile Disease (WND) in Sicily. Int J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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16
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Purpari G, Savini G, Monaco F, Calistri P, Di Gennaro A, Cannella V, Vitale F, Mira F, Di Bella C, Guercio A, Lelli R. Importance of dogs as sentinels of West Nile Virus activity in urban and suburban areas. Int J Infect Dis 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2012.05.923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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17
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Sacchini F, Luciani M, Salini R, Scacchia M, Pini A, Lelli R, Naessens J, Poole J, Jores J. Plasma levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 during a course of experimental contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:44. [PMID: 22533922 PMCID: PMC3378467 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The current live vaccine T1/44 has limited efficacy and occasionally leads to severe side effects in the animals. A better understanding of the immune responses triggered by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides and their role in disease progression will help to facilitate the design of a rational vaccine. Currently, knowledge of cytokines involved in immunity and immunopathology in CBPP is rather limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the in vivo plasma concentrations of the cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10 and the overall role of CD4+ T cells in the development of cytokine levels during a primary infection. Plasma cytokine concentrations in two groups of cattle (CD4+ T cell-depleted and non-depleted cattle) experimentally infected with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides were measured and their relationship to the clinical outcomes was investigated. Results Plasma cytokine concentrations varied between animals in each group. Depletion of CD4+ T cells did not induce significant changes in plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10, suggesting a minor role of CD4+ T cells in regulation or production of the three cytokines during the time window of depletion (1-2 weeks post depletion). Unexpectedly, the IFN-γ concentrations were slightly, but statistically significantly higher in the depleted group (p < 0.05) between week three and four post infection. Three CD4+ T cell-depleted animals that experienced severe disease, had high levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Only one severely diseased non-depleted animal showed a high serum concentration of IL-4 post infection. Conclusions Comparison of most severely diseased animals, which had to be euthanized prior to the expected date, versus less severe diseased animals, irrespective of the depletion status, suggested that high TNF-α levels are correlated with more severe pathology in concomitance with high IFN-γ levels.
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Di Febo T, Luciani M, Portanti O, Bonfini B, Lelli R, Tittarelli M. Development and evaluation of diagnostic tests for the serological diagnosis of brucellosis in swine. Vet Ital 2012; 48:133-156. [PMID: 22718331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), an indirect ELISA (i-ELISA) and a dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescence immunoassay (DELFIA) were developed to test for antibodies to Brucella suis in pig and wild boar sera. An anti-Brucella-LPS monoclonal antibody (MAb 4B5A) (c-ELISA and DELFIA) and an anti-swine IgG monoclonal antibody (MAb 10C2G5) (i-ELISA) were used for the three assays. The specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se) of the assays gave the following results: Se and Sp=100% at a cut-off value of 61.0% (B/B0%) for c-ELISA; Sp=99.1% and Se=100% at a cut-off value of 21.7% (percentage positivity: PP%) for i-ELISA; Sp=91.0% and Se=75% at a cut-off value of 37.0% (B/B0%) for DELFIA. In addition, the performance of a commercial fluorescence polarisation assay (FPA), standardised for bovine sera, was evaluated in swine sera. The specificity and sensitivity obtained were both 100% at a cut-off value of 99.5 (millipolarisation unit values). These results suggest that the combination of c-ELISA, i-ELISA and FPA can be used to improve the serological diagnosis of swine brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Di Febo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Alessandrini B, D'Albenzio S, Turrini M, Valerii L, Moretti M, Pediconi O, Callegari ML, Lelli R. Emergency management: e-learning as an immediate response to veterinary training needs. Vet Ital 2012; 48:219-225. [PMID: 22718337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Veterinary training plays a crucial role in increasing effectiveness of veterinary response to epidemic and non-epidemic emergencies. Being able to assess learning needs and to deliver training is acknowledged as a strategic priority in veterinary public health activities. The validation of an e-learning system that is able to respond to the urgent needs of veterinary professionals to ensure the despatch of rapid teaching methods on emerging and re-emerging animal diseases and zoonoses was the core of a research project developed in the Mediterranean Basin between 2005 and 2009. The project validated a new transferable, sustainable and repeatable learning model, the main components of which are described. The model is applied to an emergency situation that occurred in Italy in 2008, when West Nile disease outbreaks were reported in northern Italy. Approximately 450 official veterinarians were trained, using an e-learning system that showed adaptability and effectiveness in transferring knowledge, skills and competence to face the situation. The case was used to validate the effectiveness of the model and proved that it can be applied in any emergency situation, i.e. every time that rapid dissemination of knowledge and skills is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Alessandrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, OIE Collaborating Centre for Veterinary Training, Epidemiology, Food Safety and Animal Welfare, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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20
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Lelli R, Calistri P, Bruno R, Monaco F, Savini G, Di Sabatino D, Corsi I, Pascucci I. West Nile Transmission in Resident Birds in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2011; 59:421-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Decaro N, Sciarretta R, Lucente MS, Mari V, Amorisco F, Colaianni ML, Cordioli P, Parisi A, Lelli R, Buonavoglia C. A nested PCR approach for unambiguous typing of pestiviruses infecting cattle. Mol Cell Probes 2011; 26:42-6. [PMID: 22119481 PMCID: PMC7127541 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
An atypical pestivirus (‘Hobi’-like pestivirus, putative bovine viral diarrhoea 3, BVDV-3) was identified firstly in contaminated foetal calf serum batches and isolated subsequently from an outbreak of respiratory disease in a cattle herd in Italy. The isolation of the novel pestivirus from animals affected clinically posed concerns about the validity of BVDV eradication programs, considering that ‘Hobi’-like pestivirus (BVDV-3) is undetected or mistyped by the molecular diagnostic tools currently employed. In this paper, the development of a nested PCR (nPCR) assay for unambiguous typing of all bovine pestiviruses is reported. The assay consisted of a first-round amplification using an oligonucleotide pair which binds to conserved sequences located in the 5′ untranslated region and capsid gene, followed by a heminested PCR using virus-specific forward primers. The assay performances were evaluated analytically, showing good sensitivity and specificity. By analysis of 100 BVDV-positive samples typed using a nPCR assay discriminating ruminant pestiviruses, five samples recognised previously as BVDV-2 were not typed when submitted to the new assay (n = 2) or reacted as ‘Hobi’-like pestivirus BVDV-3 (n = 3). Sequence analysis of the first-round amplification products showed that the untyped strains were border disease viruses, whereas the other three strains were true ‘Hobi’-like viruses. The development of a molecular assay able to identify simultaneously all bovine pestiviruses known currently will help warrant biosafety of live vaccines and other biological products and assess the molecular epidemiology of ‘Hobi’-like pestivirus, thus leading to the improvement of the eradication programs through unambiguous typing of pestiviruses infecting cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Bari, Strada per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
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22
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Monaco F, Savini G, Calistri P, Polci A, Pinoni C, Bruno R, Lelli R. 2009 West Nile disease epidemic in Italy: First evidence of overwintering in Western Europe? Res Vet Sci 2011; 91:321-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Scacchia M, Tjipura-Zaire G, Lelli R, Sacchini F, Pini A. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia: humoral and pathological events in cattle infected by endotracheal intubation or by exposure to infected animals. Vet Ital 2011; 47:407-413. [PMID: 22194224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Results of trials in which cattle were infected by endotracheal intubation of Mycoplasma mycoides var. mycoides small colony (MmmSC) cultures or by contact exposure to animals affected by contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) are numerous. However, an analysis of the effects of the two different routes of infection on disease outcome is lacking. This study analyses the disease outcome in cattle infected by the two methodologies. Data originate from two controlled trials conducted in Namibia under field conditions. Intubation appears to be responsible for chronic evolution of the disease while in-contact infected animals develop more severe infection inducing mortality. Our results seem to suggest that the mode of infection may condition the disease outcome and should be taken into consideration in studies on the pathogenesis of CBPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy.
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24
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Portanti O, Di Febo T, Luciani M, Pompilii C, Lelli R, Semprini P. Development and validation of an antigen capture ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies specific for Listeria monocytogenes in food. Vet Ital 2011; 47:281-280. [PMID: 21947967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the identification of Listeria monocytogenes in food was standardised and validated. The assay was refined by analysing samples of meat, seafood, dairy products, pasta and flour. The method was found to be 100% specific for Listeria spp. tested, with a limit of sensitivity of 6.6 × 10(3) colony-forming units (cfu)/ml. Comparison of L. monocytogenes capture ELISA against the official International Organization for Standardization (ISO) method 11290-1:1996 for the isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes in food matrices produced a significant concordance index. The assay was validated on food matrices including meat, seafood and dairy products in line with ISO 16140:2003 concerning qualitative analytical methods. The assay was found to be accurate, specific, sensitive, selective, reproducible and fast, resulting in lower costs and faster turnaround in microbiological screening of foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ottavio Portanti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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25
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Colangeli P, Iannetti S, Cerella A, Ippoliti C, Di Lorenzo A, Santucci U, Simonetti P, Calistri P, Lelli R. The national information system for the notification of animal diseases in Italy. Vet Ital 2011; 47:303-301. [PMID: 21947968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the national system for the notification and management of outbreaks of animal diseases in Italy (Sistema Informativo Nazionale Malattie Animali: SIMAN). The main objective of the system is to provide a tool for the management of epidemic emergencies and to fulfil the information obligations towards international organisations, such as the European Commission and World Organisation for Animal Health (Office International des Épizooties: OIE). SIMAN was thus designed to collect all relevant information on outbreaks of animal diseases and to provide a useful tool for the management of activities to be implemented in emergencies. SIMAN is able to collect and report information concerning suspected or confirmed animal outbreaks in a consistent way and allows veterinary services to enter data electronically, instead of using paperwork, within the framework of the process of e-government and dematerialisation of the administrative acts. Data are immediately accessible for local and national authorities. The system provides the relevant national authorities with information relative to the planning of control measures in case epidemic emergencies. SIMAN is part of the e-government process that involves all public administrations of the European Union (EU) and refers to the use of information and communication technologies for the digital processing of documents so as to simplify the system and to make administrative procedures on the Internet much easier to follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Colangeli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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26
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Savini G, Monaco F, Terregino C, Di Gennaro A, Bano L, Pinoni C, De Nardi R, Bonilauri P, Pecorari M, Di Gialleonardo L, Bonfanti L, Polci A, Calistri P, Lelli R. Usutu virus in Italy: an emergence or a silent infection? Vet Microbiol 2011; 151:264-74. [PMID: 21550731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A two year study (2008-2009) was carried out to monitor the Usutu virus (USUV) circulation in Italy. Sentinel horses and chickens, wild birds and mosquitoes were sampled and tested for the presence of USUV and USUV antibodies within the WND National Surveillance plan. Seroconversion evidenced in sentinel animals proved that in these two years the virus has circulated in Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. In Veneto USUV caused a severe blackbird die-off disease involving at least a thousand birds. Eleven viral strains were detected in organs of 9 blackbirds (52.9%) and two magpies (0.5%) originating from Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions. USUV was also detected in a pool of Culex pipiens caught in Tuscany. According to the alignment of the NS5 partial sequences, no differences between the Italian USUV strains isolated from Veneto, Friuli and Emilia Romagna regions were observed. The Italian North Eastern strain sequences were identical to those of the strain detected in the brain of a human patient and shared a high similarity with the isolates from Vienna and Budapest. Conversely, there were few differences between the Italian strains which circulated in the North Eastern regions and the USUV strain detected in a pool of C. pipiens caught in Tuscany. A high degree of similarity at both nucleotide and amino acid level was also found when the full genome sequence of the Italian North Eastern isolate was compared with that of the strains circulating in Europe. The North Eastern Italian strain sequence exhibited 97% identity to the South African reference strain SAAR-1776. The deduced amino acid sequences of the Italian strain differed by 10 and 11 amino-acids from the Budapest and Vienna strains, respectively, and by 28 from the SAAR-1776 strain. According to this study two strains of USUVs are likely to have circulated in Italy between 2008 and 2009. They have developed strategies of adaptation and evolution to spread into new areas and to become established.
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Abstract
In August 2008, West Nile disease re-emerged in Italy. The infection is affecting the North Eastern regions and, as of November 2008, has caused 33 clinical cases and five fatalities in horses. Until now, no deaths have been reported in birds. Mosquitoes, blood, serum and tissue samples, from horses and birds, within and around the outbreak area, have been collected and tested by various methods both serologically and virologically. West Nile virus strains have been isolated from blood samples of one horse and one donkey and from pools of brain, kidneys, heart and spleen of a pigeon and three magpies. When compared to the strain isolated during the 1998 Tuscany outbreak, the 255 bp sequence of the genome region coding for the envelope (E) protein of the isolated WNV strains, exhibited a 98.8% and 100% similarity at nucleotide and amino-acid level respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
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Calistri P, Monaco F, Savini G, Guercio A, Purpari G, Vicari D, Cascio S, Lelli R. Further spread of West Nile virus in Italy. Vet Ital 2010; 46:467-474. [PMID: 21120802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Following two consecutive years of West Nile virus (WNV) circulation in Italy, new foci of infection were observed in August 2010 in Sicily and Molise in southern and central Italy, respectively. These incidents were far from the previous infected area in northern Italy, thereby confirming the ability of WNV to spread to new areas and affect new host populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise G. Caporale, Via Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy.
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29
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D'Angelo AR, Sacchini F, Di Febo T, Langella V, Di Provvido A, Di Francesco G, Lelli R, Pini A. Effects of immune serum on macrophage cell cultures infected with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony: morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Vet Ital 2010; 46:389-404. [PMID: 21120796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are pivotal cells of the immune system and play a key role in the host defence mechanism against pathogens. To date, the importance of macrophages and the role of humoral response in eliciting macrophage activity against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony (Mmm-SC), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), have only been marginally elucidated or are almost unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in surface morphology of macrophages after in vitro infection with Mmm-SC in the presence of bovine immune serum. Morphological analysis was performed on macrophage cultures at 6 h post infection using the three-dimensional vision of scanning electron microscopy. Non-infected macrophages in the presence of negative or immune serum and macro phages infected with Mmm-SC in the absence of serum showed only minor cell surface changes. In contrast, clear surface modifications, broad veils, fine philopodia highlighting cell activation and small aggregates of mycoplasma closely attached to the macrophage membrane, were observed in infected macrophage cultures in the presence of immune serum. Our results suggest that specific humoral response to Mmm-SC may contribute and support phagocytic activity of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rita D'Angelo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Via Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy.
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Capobianco Dondona A, Jago M, Lelli R, Marais A, Scacchia M. Preliminary report of transfrontier disease surveillance in free-ranging buffalo in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia. Vet Ital 2010; 46:267-266. [PMID: 20857377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A capture operation to ascertain the health status of free-ranging buffalo (Syncerus caffer) from six areas in the Caprivi Strip in the north-east corner of Namibia is described. In-depth reports on buffalo capture operations and their cost, with detailed descriptions of diseases for research purposes, sampling techniques, field processing of samples and laboratory-related costs are still lacking in the literature. This paper describes materials, methods and the related costs of a disease surveillance operation conducted among buffalo in Namibia. The survey attempted to provide information designed to improve the control of infectious diseases in the Caprivi Strip, a key area bordering Angola, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Capobianco Dondona
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Via Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Dalla Pozza M, Valerii L, Graziani M, Ianniello M, Bagni M, Damiani S, Ravarotto L, Busani L, Ceolin C, Terregino C, Cecchinato M, Marangon S, Lelli R, Alessandrini B. An electronic learning course on avian influenza in Italy (2008). Avian Dis 2010; 54:784-6. [PMID: 20521733 DOI: 10.1637/8758-033109-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The success of emergency intervention to control contagious animal diseases is dependent on the preparedness of veterinary services. In the framework of avian influenza preparedness, the Italian Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the National Reference Centers for Epidemiology and Avian Influenza, implemented an electronic learning course using new web-based information and communication technologies. The course was designed to train veterinary officers involved in disease outbreak management, laboratory diagnosis, and policy making. The "blended learning model" was applied, involving participants in tutor-supported self-learning, collaborative learning activities, and virtual classes. The course duration was 16 hr spread over a 4-wk period. Six editions were implemented for 705 participants. All participants completed the evaluation assignments, and the drop out rate was very low (only 4%). This project increased the number of professionals receiving high-quality training on AI in Italy, while reducing expenditure and maximizing return on effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Dalla Pozza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
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Calistri P, Giovannini A, Hubalek Z, Ionescu A, Monaco F, Savini G, Lelli R. Epidemiology of west nile in europe and in the mediterranean basin. Open Virol J 2010; 4:29-37. [PMID: 20517490 DOI: 10.2174/1874357901004020029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [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: 11/17/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last 30 years several cases of West Nile (WN) virus infection were reported in horses and humans in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin. Most of them were determined by strains of the Lineage 1 included in the European Mediterranean/Kenyan cluster. Strains of this cluster are characterised by a moderate pathogenicity for horses and humans and limited or no pathogenicity for birds. In recent years, however, WN cases determined by strains grouped in the Israeli/American cluster of Lineage 1 or in the lineage 2 have been reported in Hungary and Austria. The role of migrating birds in introducing new viruses to Europe has been often demonstrated. The migratory birds, which may be infected in their African wintering places, carry the virus northward to European sites during spring migrations. In the past, the virus introduction determined occasional cases of WN. In the recent years, new epidemiological scenarios are developing. In few occasions it has been evidenced the capability of WNV strains of overwintering by using local birds and mosquitoes. Species of Culex amongst mosquitoes and magpies (Pica pica), carrion crows (Corvus corone) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) amongst resident birds are the most probable species involved in this hypothetical WND endemic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
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Abstract
In the last 30 years several cases of West Nile (WN) virus infection were reported in horses and humans in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin. Most of them were determined by strains of the Lineage 1 included in the European Mediterranean/Kenyan cluster. Strains of this cluster are characterised by a moderate pathogenicity for horses and humans and limited or no pathogenicity for birds. In recent years, however, WN cases determined by strains grouped in the Israeli/American cluster of Lineage 1 or in the lineage 2 have been reported in Hungary and Austria. The role of migrating birds in introducing new viruses to Europe has been often demonstrated. The migratory birds, which may be infected in their African wintering places, carry the virus northward to European sites during spring migrations. In the past, the virus introduction determined occasional cases of WN. In the recent years, new epidemiological scenarios are developing. In few occasions it has been evidenced the capability of WNV strains of overwintering by using local birds and mosquitoes. Species of Culex amongst mosquitoes and magpies (Pica pica), carrion crows (Corvus corone) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) amongst resident birds are the most probable species involved in this hypothetical WND endemic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise "G. Caporale", Teramo, Italy
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Balança G, Gaidet N, Savini G, Vollot B, Foucart A, Reiter P, Boutonnier A, Lelli R, Monicat F. Low West Nile virus circulation in wild birds in an area of recurring outbreaks in Southern France. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 9:737-41. [PMID: 19402766 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2008.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) has a history of irregular but recurrent epizootics in countries of Mediterranean and of Central and Eastern Europe. We have investigated the temporal enzootic activity of WNV in free-ranging birds over a 3-year period in an area with sporadic occurrences of WNV outbreaks in Southern France. We conducted an intensive serologic survey on several wild bird populations (>4000 serum samples collected from 3300 birds) selected as potential indicators of the WNV circulation. WNV antibodies were detected by seroneutralization and/or plaque reduction neutralization in house sparrows, black-billed magpies, and scops owls, but these species appeared to be insufficient indicators of WNV circulation. Overall seroprevalence was low (<1%), including in birds that had been potentially exposed to the virus during recent outbreaks. However, the detection of a seroconversion in one bird, as well as the detection of seropositive birds in all years of our monitoring, including juveniles, indicate a constant annual circulation of WNV at a low level, including in years without any detectable emergence of WN fever in horses or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Italian Reference Centre for the Study of Foreign animal diseases, Teramo, Italy
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36
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Lelli R. West Nile virus in Europe: understanding the present to gauge the future. Euro Surveill 2010; 15:19538. [PMID: 20429993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
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37
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Cammà C, Ferri N, Zezza D, Marcacci M, Paolini A, Ricchiuti L, Lelli R. Confirmation of crayfish plague in Italy: detection of Aphanomyces astaci in white clawed crayfish. Dis Aquat Organ 2010; 89:265-268. [PMID: 20481093 DOI: 10.3354/dao02207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In the summer of 2009, high levels of mortality among white clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes were observed in 3 watercourses of central Italy. PCR and culture methods were used to detect the causative agent of the disease. Two strains of Aphanomyces spp. were isolated and identified by PCR and DNA sequencing as Aphanomyces astaci and A. repetans. This is the first crayfish plague outbreak in Italy to be confirmed by the isolation in culture of a pathogen from Austropotamobius pallipes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Via Campo Boario Teramo, Italy.
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38
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Monaco F, Benedetto L, Di Marcello V, Lelli R, Goffredo M. Development and preliminary evaluation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction for the identification of Culicoides obsoletus sensu strictu, C. scoticus and C. montanus in the Obsoletus Complex in Italy. Vet Ital 2010; 46:209-220. [PMID: 20560129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a green fluorescence dye, followed by a comparison of derivative melting curves in the post-amplification phase, was developed to distinguish species of Culicoides within the Obsoletus Complex. The selected target sequence was internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA). Using the newly developed method, 140 midges were morphologically classified in the Obsoletus Complex and were processed. The results were compared to those obtained by combining the morphological identification with the gel based reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR. By analysing the species-specific pattern of the dissociation curves, it was possible to identify 52 midges as Culicoides scoticus, 82 midges as C. obsoletus sensu strictu and 6 as C. montanus. These results matched those obtained by the combination of gel-based PCR and morphological identification used on a routine basis. Given its diagnostic flexibility, rapid results, automation capability, high quality result performance and expression, the real-time ITS 2 rDNA PCR appears to be more functional and efficient than the gel-based PCR, especially when dealing with large-scale monitoring of midges belonging to the Obsoletus Complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Monaco
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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39
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Calistri P, Giovannini A, Savini G, Bonfanti L, Cordioli P, Lelli R, Caporale V. Antibody Response in Cattle Vaccinated Against Bluetongue Serotype 8 in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2010; 57:180-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2010.01136.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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40
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Calistri P, Giovannini A, Savini G, Monaco F, Bonfanti L, Ceolin C, Terregino C, Tamba M, Cordioli P, Lelli R. West Nile virus transmission in 2008 in north-eastern Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2009; 57:211-9. [PMID: 20042066 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2009.01303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
After 10 years, West Nile virus (WNV) re-emerged in Italy in August 2008. As on 31 December 2008, the infection affected eight Provinces in three Regions (Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Lombardy), where a total of 794 cases of WNV infection in 251 equine stables were detected on the basis of the clinical signs and as a result of a serological screening in horses living in the area. Only 4.0% (32/794) of the serologically positive animals showed clinical signs, and the 32 clinical cases were reported in 18 different farms. The observed case-fatality rate was 15.6% (5/32). The confirmed clinical cases were detected from end August to mid October. Significant levels of positivity by RT-PCR were also observed in magpies (Pica pica) (9.1%, 95% confidence levels: 6.1-13.4%), carrion crows (Corvus corone) (7.4%, 95% confidence levels: 3.6-14.4%) and rock pigeons (Columba livia) (12.9%, 95% confidence levels: 7.6-21.2%).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy.
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41
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Pecorari M, Longo G, Gennari W, Grottola A, Sabbatini A, Tagliazucchi S, Savini G, Monaco F, Simone M, Lelli R, Rumpianesi F. First human case of Usutu virus neuroinvasive infection, Italy, August-September 2009. Euro Surveill 2009; 14:19446. [PMID: 20070936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the first worldwide case of Usutu virus (USUV) neuroinvasive infection in a patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma who presented with fever and neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with meningoencephalitits. The cerebrospinal fluid was positive for USUV, and USUV was also demonstrated in serum and plasma samples by RT-PCR and sequencing. Partial sequences of the premembrane and NS5 regions of the viral genome were similar to the USUV Vienna and Budapest isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pecorari
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy.
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Pecorari M, Longo G, Gennari W, Grottola A, Sabbatini AMT, Tagliazucchi S, Savini G, Monaco F, Simone ML, Lelli R, Rumpianesi F. First human case of Usutu virus neuroinvasive infection, Italy, August-September 2009. Euro Surveill 2009. [DOI: 10.2807/ese.14.50.19446-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the first worldwide case of Usutu virus (USUV) neuroinvasive infection in a patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma who presented with fever and neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with meningoencephalitits. The cerebrospinal fluid was positive for USUV, and USUV was also demonstrated in serum and plasma samples by RT-PCR and sequencing. Partial sequences of the premembrane and NS5 regions of the viral genome were similar to the USUV Vienna and Budapest isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pecorari
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - G Longo
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - W Gennari
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - A Grottola
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - A MT Sabbatini
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - S Tagliazucchi
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - G Savini
- Department. of Virology, National Reference Centre for West Nile and Usutu disease, OIE Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise ‘G. Caporale’, Teramo, Italy
| | - F Monaco
- Department. of Virology, National Reference Centre for West Nile and Usutu disease, OIE Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise ‘G. Caporale’, Teramo, Italy
| | - M L Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - R Lelli
- Department. of Virology, National Reference Centre for West Nile and Usutu disease, OIE Reference Laboratory for Bluetongue, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e Molise ‘G. Caporale’, Teramo, Italy
| | - F Rumpianesi
- Department of Diagnostic and Laboratory Services and Legal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy
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43
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Scacchia M, Lelli R, Peccio A, Di Mattia T, Mbulu RS, Hager AL, Monaco F, Savini G, Pini A. African horse sickness: a description of outbreaks in Namibia. Vet Ital 2009; 45:255-274. [PMID: 20391377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
African horse sickness is a vector-transmitted viral disease that affects equidae. The authors report cases of disease that occurred in Namibia between 2006 and 2008. These were recorded by staff of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale' and the Central Veterinary Laboratory in Windhoek. All cases described were confirmed by laboratory testing. This study received the support of Namibian state and private veterinarians and horse breeders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Scacchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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44
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Caporale V, Lelli R, Scacchia M, Pini A. Namibia: an example of international cooperation in the study of emerging diseases. Vet Ital 2009; 45:243-253. [PMID: 20391376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale' (IZS A&M) has been engaged for many years in research and studies designed to increase knowledge and expertise when dealing with 'exotic diseases' namely, those diseases which are not present in a country. To achieve these objectives, it is important to create cooperation networks with laboratories and research organisations at national and international levels. The relationship between the IZS A&M with Namibia in particular and, more recently with Botswana, are proving to be very valuable to mutual technical/scientific growth. In 2005, the National Reference Centre for the Study of Exotic Diseases set up its own Virology Laboratory at the Windhoek Central Veterinary Laboratory where the Namibian and IZS A&M personnel, working towards common goals, share diagnostic responsibilities and scientific research. The authors describe the activities involved in this joint project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Caporale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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45
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Abstract
In Italy the first occurrence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection was reported in Tuscany region during the late summer of 1998. In August 2008, the WNV infection re-emerged in Italy, in areas surrounding the Po river delta, and involving three regions Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto. WNV was isolated from blood and organs samples of one horse, one donkey, one pigeon (Columba livia) and three magpies (Pica pica). The phylogenetic analysis of the isolates, conducted on 255 bp in the region coding for the E protein, indicates that these isolates belong to the lineage I among the European strains. According to the analysis, both the 1998 and 2008 Italian strains as well as isolates from Romania, Russia, Senegal and Kenya fell in the same sub-cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" (Institute of Experimental Zooprophylaxis of Abruzzo and Molise), Teramo, Italy
| | - F Monaco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" (Institute of Experimental Zooprophylaxis of Abruzzo and Molise), Teramo, Italy
| | - P Calistri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" (Institute of Experimental Zooprophylaxis of Abruzzo and Molise), Teramo, Italy
| | - R Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale" (Institute of Experimental Zooprophylaxis of Abruzzo and Molise), Teramo, Italy
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46
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Savini G, Monaco F, Calistri P, Lelli R. Phylogenetic analysis of West Nile virus isolated in Italy in 2008. Euro Surveill 2008; 13:19048. [PMID: 19040827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In Italy the first occurrence of West Nile virus (WNV) infection was reported in Tuscany region during the late summer of 1998. In August 2008, the WNV infection re-emerged in Italy, in areas surrounding the Po river delta, and involving three regions Lombardy, Emilia Romagna and Veneto. WNV was isolated from blood and organs samples of one horse, one donkey, one pigeon (Columba livia) and three magpies (Pica pica). The phylogenetic analysis of the isolates, conducted on 255 bp in the region coding for the E protein, indicates that these isolates belong to the lineage I among the European strains. According to the analysis, both the 1998 and 2008 Italian strains as well as isolates from Romania, Russia, Senegal and Kenya fell in the same sub-cluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise G Caporale, Teramo, Italy
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47
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Lelli R, Savini G, Teodori L, Filipponi G, Di Gennaro A, Leone A, Di Gialleonardo L, Venturi L, Caporale V. Serological evidence of USUTU virus occurrence in north-eastern Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2008; 55:361-7. [PMID: 18667029 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01146.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the recent years, USUTU virus (USUV), a flavivirus of the Japanese encephalitis virus complex, has been reported in Central Europe. As part of a systematic surveillance programme to monitor possible entrance and/or circulation of vector-borne viruses, since 2001, sentinel-chicken flocks were placed throughout the Italian territory nearby areas considered at risk of virus introduction. They have been periodically checked for the presence of antibodies against flaviviruses by indirect ELISA, plaque reduction neutralization test for USUTU, West Nile and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. In July 2007, a sentinel chicken in a flock of 20 animals located within the Ravenna province seroconverted to USUV reaching neutralizing titres up to 1:5120. A second chicken seroconverted to the same virus 2 months later. Although no virus was rescued from these animals and from wild or farm birds sampled in the area, these results still provided evidence of the circulation of USUV in north-eastern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e Molise G. Caporale, Via Campo Boario, Teramo, Italy
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48
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Franchi P, Mercante M, Ronchi G, Armillotta G, Ulisse S, Molini U, Di Ventura M, Lelli R, Savini G, Pini A. Laboratory tests for evaluating the level of attenuation of bluetongue virus. J Virol Methods 2008; 153:263-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2008.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2008] [Revised: 07/03/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bacigalupo M, Meroni G, Secundo F, Lelli R. Time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for quantitative determination of ampicillin in cow milk samples with different fat contents. Talanta 2008; 77:126-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2008.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Revised: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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50
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Mercante MT, Lelli R, Ronchi GF, Pini A. Production and efficacy of an attenuated live vaccine against contagious ovine ecthyma. Vet Ital 2008; 44:537-547. [PMID: 20405450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Contagious ecthyma is caused by the orf virus, a member of the family Poxviridae, genus Parapoxvirus. Morbidity in affected sheep flocks is approximately 100%, while mortality varies between 1% and 10%. A live attenuated vaccine was produced by the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale'. Quality control was performed in accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia. A wild virus strain was attenuated through serial passages on primary chicken embryo fibroblast tissue cultures. The virus suspension was treated according to standard procedures and freeze dried. The immunising dose was 1 ml containing 10(4.5)TCID(50), administered intramuscularly. The safety of the vaccine was successfully tested by intramuscular inoculation of 20 susceptible sheep and 20 lambs with the routine dose, 10 times the immunising dose and two normal doses administered at seven-day intervals. The efficacy of the vaccine was tested using three groups of susceptible animals. The first group included 10 lambs and the second 10 adult sheep; the animals were immunised intramuscularly with 1 ml of the reconstituted vaccine. The third group, used as controls, included five sheep and five lambs. Serological reactivity was monitored by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The animals were challenged 30 days later with a pathogenic strain administered intradermally along the labial area. Vaccinated animals did not show any clinical signs of disease, whereas all the controls developed typical signs of contagious ecthyma. To confirm the efficacy of the vaccine, a field trial was conducted in four flocks affected by the disease. The trial showed that the vaccine was able to block the normal course of the disease and induce rapid recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Mercante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale (IZS A&M), 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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