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Nardini R, Pacchiarotti G, Svicher V, Salpini R, Bellocchi MC, Conti R, Sala MG, La Rocca D, Carioti L, Cersini A, Manna G, Scicluna MT. First National Prevalence in Italian Horse Population and Phylogenesis Highlight a Fourth Sub-Type Candidate of Equine Hepacivirus. Viruses 2024; 16:616. [PMID: 38675957 PMCID: PMC11054338 DOI: 10.3390/v16040616] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine hepacivirus (EqHV, Flaviviridae, hepacivirus) is a small, enveloped RNA virus generally causing sub-clinical hepatitis with occasional fatalities. EqHV is reported in equids worldwide, but for Italy data are limited. To address this, a survey study was set up to estimate prevalence at a national level and among different production categories (equestrian; competition; work and meat; reproduction) and national macro-regions (North, Central, South, and Islands). Data obtained testing 1801 horse serum samples by Real-Time RT PCR were compared within the categories and regions. The NS3 fragment of the PCR-positive samples was sequenced by Sanger protocol for phylogenetic and mutational analysis. The tertiary structure of the NS3 protein was also assessed. The estimated national prevalence was 4.27% [1.97-6.59, 95% CI] and no statistical differences were detected among production categories and macro-regions. The phylogenesis confirmed the distribution in Italy of the three known EqHV subtypes, also suggesting a possible fourth sub-type that, however, requires further confirmation. Mutational profiles that could also affect the NS3 binding affinity to the viral RNA were detected. The present paper demonstrates that EqHV should be included in diagnostic protocols when investigating causes of hepatitis, and in quality control protocols for blood derived products due to its parental transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Maria Concetta Bellocchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide La Rocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Luca Carioti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.S.); (M.C.B.); (L.C.)
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, 00178 Rome, Italy; (G.P.); (R.C.); (M.G.S.); (D.L.R.); (A.C.); (G.M.); (M.T.S.)
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Coluccia P, Gizzarelli M, Scicluna MT, Manna G, Foglia Manzillo V, Buono F, Auletta L, Palumbo V, Pasolini MP. A cross-sectional study on performance evaluation in Italian standardbred horses' real-time PCR-positive for Theileria equi. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:79. [PMID: 38443906 PMCID: PMC10913582 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03908-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory myopathy and perivasculitis have been recently described in horses with chronic equine piroplasmosis (EP). These alterations may be linked to poor performances. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence for EP in clinically healthy Italian Standardbred (IS) racehorses and to compare laboratory parameters and performance metrics between positive and negative horses. Real-time PCR was applied for the detection of T. equi and B. caballi positivity. Haematology parameters, blood chemistry results, subjective muscle mass scores, and performance metrics were compared between PCR-positive and -negative horses. RESULTS This cross-sectional study included 120 well-trained IS racehorses and was performed over a two-years period. The prevalence of T. equi was 36.3%, whereas all samples were negative for B. caballi. Red blood cells count, haemoglobin concentration, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities were significantly higher in PCR-positive horses, whereas blood urea nitrogen, globulin concentration and globulin-to-albumin ratio were significantly lower in PCR-positive horses compared to PCR-negative ones. Nonetheless, all values fell within the physiological range. The best racing time, which was selected as the most representative of the performance metrics at the principal component analysis, was not affected by PCR positivity, the muscle mass score or the training yard. The best racing time was significantly better in horses with a mild or no signs of muscular atrophy, within the PCR-positive group. The muscle mass score was associated with the training yard in PCR-negative horses. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of T. equi was high in IS racehorses in southern Italy. The absence of obvious changes in haematological and biochemical parameters, as well as performance metrics in positive horses, highlights the need for specific diagnostic tests to identify chronically infected horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Coluccia
- Interdepartmental Center of Veterinary Radiology, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Napoli, 80137, Italy
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome, 00178, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome, 00178, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Francesco Buono
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Luigi Auletta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy.
| | - Veronica Palumbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Pasolini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
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Ricci I, Tofani S, Lelli D, Vincifori G, Rosone F, Carvelli A, Diaconu EL, La Rocca D, Manna G, Sabatini S, Costantini D, Conti R, Pacchiarotti G, Scicluna MT. First Reported Circulation of Equine Influenza H3N8 Florida Clade 1 Virus in Horses in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:598. [PMID: 38396566 PMCID: PMC10886299 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious viral disease of equids characterized by pyrexia and respiratory signs. Like other influenza A viruses, antigenic drift or shift could lead to a vaccine-induced immunity breakdown if vaccine strains are not updated. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize EIV strains circulating in Italy, detected in PCR-positive samples collected from suspected cases, especially in the absence of formal active surveillance. METHODS Between February and April 2019, blood samples and nasal swabs collected from each of the 20 symptomatic horses from North and Central Italy were submitted to the National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases in Italy to confirm preliminary analysis performed by other laboratories. RESULTS None of the sera analysed using haemagglutination inhibition and single radial haemolysis presented a predominant serological reactivity pattern for any antigen employed. All nasal swabs were positive with IAV RRT-PCR. Only one strain, isolated in an embryonated chicken egg from a sample collected from a horse of a stable located in Brescia, Lombardy, was identified as H3N8 Florida lineage clade 1 (FC1). In the constructed phylogenetic trees, this strain is located within the FC1, together with the virus isolated in France in 2018 (MK501761). CONCLUSIONS This study reports the first detection of H3N8 FC1 in Italy, highlighting the importance of monitoring circulating EIV strains to verify the vaccine composition appropriateness for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Silvia Tofani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Bianchi, 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Vincifori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, Campo Boario, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Francesca Rosone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Elena Lavinia Diaconu
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Davide La Rocca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Samanta Sabatini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Donatella Costantini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Raffaella Conti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (I.R.); (F.R.); (A.C.); (E.L.D.); (D.L.R.); (G.M.); (S.S.); (D.C.); (R.C.); (G.P.); (M.T.S.)
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Canonici F, Marcoccia D, Bonini P, Monteleone V, Innocenzi E, Zepparoni A, Altigeri A, Caciolo D, Tofani S, Ghisellini P, Rando C, Pechkova E, Rau JV, Eggenhöffner R, Scicluna MT, Barbaro K. Arthroscopic Treatment of a Subchondral Bone Cyst via Stem Cells Application: A Case Study in Equine Model and Outcomes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3307. [PMID: 38137527 PMCID: PMC10741679 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Subchondral bone cysts in horses represent one of the main causes of lameness that can occur in different anatomical locations. The study describes the treatment in regenerative therapy of the intracystic implantation of adipose tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) included in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The ability of AMSCs to differentiate in osteogenic cells was tested in vitro and in vivo. Given the aim to investigate the application of AMSCs in bone defects and orthopedic pathologies in horses, a four-year-old male thoroughbred racing horse that had never raced before was treated for lameness of the left hind leg caused by a cyst of the medial femoral condyle. The horse underwent a new surgery performed with an arthroscopic approach in which the cystic cavity was filled with AMSCs contained in the PRP. Radiographs were taken 3, 5, and 10 months after the surgery to assess the development of newly regenerated bone tissue in the gap left by the cyst. Twelve months after the operation and after six months of regular daily training, the horse did not show any symptoms of lameness and started a racing career. According to the study, the use of AMSCs and PRP suggests promising benefits for treating subchondral bone cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Canonici
- Equine Practice srl, Campagnano, Strada Valle del Baccano 80, 00063 Roma, Italy;
| | - Daniele Marcoccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Pamela Bonini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Valentina Monteleone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Elisa Innocenzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Alessia Zepparoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Annalisa Altigeri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Daniela Caciolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Silvia Tofani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Paola Ghisellini
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), Genova University, Corso Europa 30, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.G.); (C.R.); (R.E.)
| | - Cristina Rando
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), Genova University, Corso Europa 30, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.G.); (C.R.); (R.E.)
| | - Eugenia Pechkova
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Roma, Italy;
- Laboratories of Biophysics and Nanotechnology, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Genova University, Via Pastore 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Julietta V. Rau
- Istituto di Struttura della Materia, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ISM-CNR), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Eggenhöffner
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), Genova University, Corso Europa 30, 16132 Genova, Italy; (P.G.); (C.R.); (R.E.)
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Katia Barbaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (P.B.); (V.M.); (E.I.); (A.Z.); (A.A.); (D.C.); (S.T.); (M.T.S.)
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De Carli G, Carletti F, Spaziante M, Gruber CEM, Rueca M, Spezia PG, Vantaggio V, Barca A, De Liberato C, Romiti F, Scicluna MT, Vaglio S, Feccia M, Di Rosa E, Gianzi FP, Giambi C, Scognamiglio P, Nicastri E, Girardi E, Maggi F, Vairo F. Outbreaks of autochthonous Dengue in Lazio region, Italy, August to September 2023: preliminary investigation. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300552. [PMID: 37917030 PMCID: PMC10623645 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.44.2300552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Between August and September 2023, three distinct autochthonous dengue virus transmission events occurred in Lazio, Italy, with the main event in Rome. The events involved three different dengue serotypes. No link with previous imported cases was identified. Here we describe the epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis of the first autochthonous cases and the implemented control actions. The multiple transmission events call for a strengthening of the vector control strategies and future research to better characterise the risk in countries like Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella De Carli
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI)-Lazio Region, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Spaziante
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI)-Lazio Region, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martina Rueca
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Giorgio Spezia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vantaggio
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI)-Lazio Region, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barca
- Directorate for Health and Social Policy, Lazio Region, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- UOC Diagnostica generale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Romiti
- UOC Diagnostica generale, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- UOC Virologia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Vaglio
- Lazio Regional Blood Center, Italy; and Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Feccia
- Lazio Regional Transplant Center, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Di Rosa
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Giambi
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority Latina, Latina, Italy
| | - Paola Scognamiglio
- Directorate for Health and Social Policy, Lazio Region, Rome, Italy
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI)-Lazio Region, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
- Highly Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit, Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vairo
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI)-Lazio Region, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Domanico M, Cavadini P, Nardini R, Cecca D, Mastrandrea G, Eleni C, Galietta V, Attili L, Pizzarelli A, Onorati R, Amoruso C, Stilli D, Pacchiarotti G, Merzoni F, Caprioli A, Ricci I, Battisti A, Lavazza A, Scicluna MT. Pathological and virological insights from an outbreak of European brown hare syndrome in the Italian hare ( Lepus corsicanus). Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1250787. [PMID: 37928681 PMCID: PMC10622795 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1250787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease, mainly affecting European brown hares (Lepus europaeus). The etiological agent, EBHS virus (EBHSV), belongs to the Lagovirus genus within the Caliciviridae family. The Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus) is endemic to Central-Southern Italy and Sicily and is classified as a vulnerable species. L. corsicanus is known to be susceptible to EBHS, but virological data available is scarce due to the few cases detected so far. In this study, we describe the occurrence of EBHS in two free-ranging L. corsicanus, found dead in a protected area of Central Italy. The two hares were identified as L. corsicanus using phenotypic criteria and confirmed through mitochondrial DNA analysis. Distinctive EBHS gross lesions were observed at necropsy and confirmed by subsequent histological examination. EBHSV was detected in the livers of the two animals initially using an antigen detection ELISA, followed by an EBHSV-specific reverse transcription-PCR, thus confirming the viral infection as the probable cause of death. The EBHS viruses detected in the two hares were identical, as based on blast analysis performed for the VP60 sequences and showed 98.86% nucleotide identity and 100% amino acid identity with strain EBHSV/GER-BY/EI97.L03477/2019, isolated in Germany in 2019. Phylogenetic analysis places our virus in group B, which includes strains that emerged after the mid-1980s. This study supports previous reports of EBHS in L. corsicanus and further expands the knowledge of the pathological and virological characteristics of the etiological agent. The ability of EBHSV to cause a fatal disease in the Italian hare represents a serious threat to the conservation of this vulnerable species, especially in populations kept in enclosed protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariagiovanna Domanico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cavadini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Cecca
- Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica—Servizio Tenuta di Castelporziano, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mastrandrea
- Segretariato Generale della Presidenza della Repubblica—Servizio Tenuta di Castelporziano, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Galietta
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Attili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Pizzarelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Onorati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Amoruso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Stilli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pacchiarotti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Merzoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Caprioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Battisti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” (IZSLT), Rome, Italy
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7
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Tóth GE, Hume AJ, Suder EL, Zeghbib S, Ábrahám Á, Lanszki Z, Varga Z, Tauber Z, Földes F, Zana B, Scaravelli D, Scicluna MT, Pereswiet-Soltan A, Görföl T, Terregino C, De Benedictis P, Garcia-Dorival I, Alonso C, Jakab F, Mühlberger E, Leopardi S, Kemenesi G. Isolation and genome characterization of Lloviu virus from Italian Schreibers's bats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11310. [PMID: 37443182 PMCID: PMC10344946 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lloviu cuevavirus (LLOV) was the first identified member of Filoviridae family outside the Ebola and Marburgvirus genera. A massive die-off of Schreibers's bats (Miniopterus schreibersii) in the Iberian Peninsula in 2002 led to its initial discovery. Recent studies with recombinant and wild-type LLOV isolates confirmed the zoonotic nature of the virus in vitro. We examined bat samples from Italy for the presence of LLOV in an area outside of the currently known distribution range of the virus. We detected one positive sample from 2020, sequenced the complete coding region of the viral genome and established an infectious isolate of the virus. In addition, we performed the first comprehensive evolutionary analysis of the virus, using the Spanish, Hungarian and the Italian sequences. The most important achievement of this study is the establishment of an additional infectious LLOV isolate from a bat sample using the SuBK12-08 cells, demonstrating that this cell line is highly susceptible to LLOV infection and confirming the previous observation that these bats are effective hosts of the virus in nature. This result further strengthens the role of bats as the natural hosts for zoonotic filoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor E Tóth
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adam J Hume
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Policy and Research, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen L Suder
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Safia Zeghbib
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ábrahám
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Lanszki
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsaklin Varga
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Tauber
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Fanni Földes
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Zana
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dino Scaravelli
- ST.E.R.N.A., Forlì, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- UOC Virologia, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Pereswiet-Soltan
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tamás Görföl
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Calogero Terregino
- OIE Collaborating Centre and National Reference Centre for Infectious Diseases at the Animal-Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Paola De Benedictis
- OIE Collaborating Centre and National Reference Centre for Infectious Diseases at the Animal-Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Isabel Garcia-Dorival
- INIA-CSIC, Centro Nacional Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga Alonso
- INIA-CSIC, Centro Nacional Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Elke Mühlberger
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefania Leopardi
- OIE Collaborating Centre and National Reference Centre for Infectious Diseases at the Animal-Human Interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
- Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
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8
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Canonici F, Cocumelli C, Cersini A, Marcoccia D, Zepparoni A, Altigeri A, Caciolo D, Roncoroni C, Monteleone V, Innocenzi E, Alimonti C, Ghisellini P, Rando C, Pechkova E, Eggenhöffner R, Scicluna MT, Barbaro K. Articular Cartilage Regeneration by Hyaline Chondrocytes: A Case Study in Equine Model and Outcomes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1602. [PMID: 37371697 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cartilage injury defects in animals and humans result in the development of osteoarthritis and the progression of joint deterioration. Cell isolation from equine hyaline cartilage and evaluation of their ability to repair equine joint cartilage injuries establish a new experimental protocol for an alternative approach to osteochondral lesions treatment. Chondrocytes (CCs), isolated from the autologous cartilage of the trachea, grown in the laboratory, and subsequently arthroscopically implanted into the lesion site, were used to regenerate a chondral lesion of the carpal joint of a horse. Biopsies of the treated cartilage taken after 8 and 13 months of implantation for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the tissue demonstrate that the tissue was still immature 8 months after implantation, while at 13 months it was organized almost similarly to the original hyaline cartilage. Finally, a tissue perfectly comparable to native articular cartilage was detected 24 months after implantation. Histological investigations demonstrate the progressive maturation of the hyaline cartilage at the site of the lesion. The hyaline type of tracheal cartilage, used as a source of CCs, allows for the repair of joint cartilage injuries through the neosynthesis of hyaline cartilage that presents characteristics identical to the articular cartilage of the original tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Canonici
- Equine Practice s.r.l., Campagnano, Strada Valle del Baccano 80, 00063 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiano Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcoccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Zepparoni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Altigeri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Caciolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Roncoroni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Monteleone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Innocenzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Alimonti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Ghisellini
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Rando
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenia Pechkova
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Eggenhöffner
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Barbaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
- Consorzio Interuniversitario INBB, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
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9
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Giammarioli M, Marcacci M, Scicluna MT, Cersini A, Torresi C, Curini V, Ancora M, Rinaldi A, Sala MG, Rossi E, Casciari C, Pela M, Pellegrini C, Iscaro C, Cammà C, Feliziani F. Complete Genome of African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II in Central Italy. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023:e0136422. [PMID: 37166310 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01364-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We report here the whole-genome sequence of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II, strain 20355/RM/2022_Italy, identified in a wild boar in the city of Rome (Lazio region, Italy) in April 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Giammarioli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maurilia Marcacci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Torresi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Curini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Ancora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonio Rinaldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Casciari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Pela
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Pellegrini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmen Iscaro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cesare Cammà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Feliziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Umbria e Marche Togo Rosati, Perugia, Italy
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10
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Ostuni A, Iovane V, Monné M, Crudele MA, Scicluna MT, Nardini R, Raimondi P, Frontoso R, Boni R, Bavoso A. A double-strain TM (gp45) polypeptide antigen and its application in the serodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia. J Virol Methods 2023; 315:114704. [PMID: 36842487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Lentiviruses, including equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), are considered viral quasispecies because of their intrinsic genetic, structural and phenotypic variability. Immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) for EIAV reported in the literature were obtained mainly by using the capsid protein p26, which is derived almost exclusively from a single strain (Wyoming), and do not reflect the great potential epitopic variability of the EIAV quasispecies. In this investigation, the GenBank database was exploited in a systematic approach to design a set of representative protein antigens useful for EIAV serodiagnosis. The main bioinformatic tools used were clustering, molecular modelling, epitope predictions and aggregative/ solubility predictions. This approach led to the design of two antigenic proteins, i.e. a full sequence p26 capsid protein and a doublestrain polypeptide derived from the gp45 transmembrane protein fused to Maltose Binding Protein (MBP) that were expressed by recombinant DNA technology starting from synthetic genes, and analyzed by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Both proteins were used in an indirect ELISA test that can address some of the high variability of EIAV. The novel addition of the gp45 double-strain antigen contributed to enhance the diagnostic sensitivity and could be also useful for immunoblotting application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ostuni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, viale Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Valentina Iovane
- Dipartimento di Agraria - Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II -Via Università, 100 - 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Magnus Monné
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, viale Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Frontoso
- OneHEco APS, 84047 Capaccio Paestum, SA, Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno Via Salute, 2 - 80055 Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, viale Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alfonso Bavoso
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, viale Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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11
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Rosone F, Bonfante F, Sala MG, Maniero S, Cersini A, Ricci I, Garofalo L, Caciolo D, Denisi A, Napolitan A, Parente M, Zecchin B, Terregino C, Scicluna MT. Seroconversion of a Swine Herd in a Free-Range Rural Multi-Species Farm against HPAI H5N1 2.3.4.4b Clade Virus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1162. [PMCID: PMC10224318 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Starting from October 2021, several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 were reported in wild and domestic birds in Italy. Following the detection of an HPAIV in a free-ranging poultry farm in Ostia, province of Rome, despite the lack of clinical signs, additional virological and serological analyses were conducted on samples collected from free-ranging pigs, reared in the same holding, due to their direct contact with the infected poultry. While the swine nasal swabs were all RT-PCR negative for the influenza type A matrix (M) gene, the majority (%) of the tested pigs resulted serologically positive for the hemagglutination inhibition test and microneutralization assay, using an H5N1 strain considered to be homologous to the virus detected in the farm. These results provide further evidence of the worrisome replicative fitness that HPAI H5Nx viruses of the 2.3.4.4b clade have in mammalian species. Moreover, our report calls for additional active surveillance, to promptly intercept occasional spillover transmissions to domestic mammals in close contact with HPAI affected birds. Strengthened biosecurity measures and efficient separation should be prioritized in mixed-species farms in areas at risk of HPAI introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rosone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Francesco Bonfante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (F.B.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (B.Z.)
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Silvia Maniero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (F.B.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (B.Z.)
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Luisa Garofalo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Daniela Caciolo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Antonella Denisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
| | - Alessandra Napolitan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (F.B.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (B.Z.)
| | - Monja Parente
- State Veterinarians of the Local Health Unit (LHU), 00054 Rome, Italy;
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (F.B.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (B.Z.)
| | - Calogero Terregino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie (IZSVe), 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (F.B.); (S.M.); (A.N.); (B.Z.)
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Via Appia Nuova, 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy; (M.G.S.); (A.C.); (I.R.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (A.D.); (M.T.S.)
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Cardeti G, Cersini A, Manna G, De Santis P, Scicluna MT, Albani A, Simula M, Sittinieri S, De Santis L, De Liberato C, Ngakan PO, Wahid I, Carosi M. Detection of viruses from feces of wild endangered Macaca maura: a potential threat to moor macaque survival and for zoonotic infection. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:418. [PMID: 36447236 PMCID: PMC9706849 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, there is a scarcity of information and literature on Macaca maura health status relative to viral diseases. The objectives of the present study were to investigate on the potential spread of enteric and non-enteric viruses shed in the environment through a wild macaque feces and to understand the possible interrelation in the spread of zoonotic viruses in a poorly studied geographical area, the Sulawesi Island. This study will also contribute providing useful information on potential threats to the health of this endangered species. METHODS The sampling was conducted between 2014 and 2016 in the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, in the south of the Sulawesi Island and non-invasive sampling methods were used to collect fresh stools of the M. maura, one of the seven macaque species endemic to the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. The population under study consisted in two wild, neighboring social macaque groups with partially overlapping home ranges; twenty-four samples were collected and examined using negative staining electron microscopy and a panel of PCR protocols for the detection of ten RNA and two DNA viruses. RESULTS Viral particles resembling parvovirus (5 samples), picornavirus (13 samples) and calicivirus (13 samples) were detected by electron microscopy whereas the PCR panel was negative for the 12 viruses investigated, except for one sample positive for a mosquito flavivirus. The results did not correlate with animal sex; furthermore, because all of the animals were clinically healthy, it was not possible to correlate feces consistency with viral presence. CONCLUSIONS As information on viral infections in wild moor macaques remains limited, further studies are yet required to identify the fecal-oral and blood transmitted potentially zoonotic viruses, which may infect the moor macaque and other macaque species endemic to the South Sulawesi Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Cardeti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Santis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Albani
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy ,Royal Society for the Protection of Birds/Gola Rainforest National Park, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Massimiliano Simula
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Sittinieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura De Santis
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Putu Oka Ngakan
- grid.412001.60000 0000 8544 230XFaculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Sulawesi Indonesia
| | - Isra Wahid
- grid.412001.60000 0000 8544 230XFaculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Sulawesi Indonesia
| | - Monica Carosi
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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13
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Nardini R, Cersini A, Bartolomé Del Pino LE, Manna G, Scarpulla M, Di Egidio A, Giordani R, Antognetti V, Veneziano V, Scicluna MT. Comparison of direct and indirect methods to maximise the detection of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infections in Central Southern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:101939. [PMID: 35474261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is a disease of equids, caused by tick-borne apicomplexan protozoan pathogens Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), can be diagnosed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the assays available for the diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis. Data employed were obtained from 1300 blood samples collected between 2012-2014 from asymptomatic and symptomatic equines (horses and donkeys) of central-southern regions of Italy and analyzed by ELISA, IFAT, PCR (one commercial and one from literature) and blood smear microscopic examination. Statistical differences of the proportions of positivity for each parasite and group (asymptomatic and symptomatic) among the methods were verified by the z test to identify the most sensitive. The concordance between each pair of methods - for each parasite and within the groups - and trends in detection of suspect samples of four hypothetical diagnostic algorithms using serological and biomolecular assays were evaluated to identify the most suitable laboratory diagnostic workflow. The results of this study highlighted a lower capacity to detect suspect samples of commercial ELISA for B. caballi in all groups when compared to biomolecular methods and IFAT; and of the commercial PCRs in asymptomatic animals, identifying a PCR from literature and IFAT as the best choice for a combined diagnosis. For T. equi, IFAT detected more suspect samples than ELISA, even if the latter showed good performance and some samples were positive only by the ELISA and PCR, indicating that their simultaneous employment is still advantageous. Host-parasite interaction, amino-acid/genetic diversity and differences in detection limits among the assays could be among the reasons in explaining the present results. In view of further studies, ELISA should be used in combination with PCR, that should regularly be included in the laboratory diagnosis to maximise the detection of early infections and support the evaluation of pharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Manna
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Manuela Scarpulla
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Egidio
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordani
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Valeria Antognetti
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome 00178, Italy.
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14
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Pacchiarotti G, Nardini R, Scicluna MT. Equine Hepacivirus: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis of Serological and Biomolecular Prevalence and a Phylogenetic Update. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192486. [PMID: 36230228 PMCID: PMC9558973 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192486] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This is a comprehensive review containing the most up-to-date information on Equine Hepacivirus, one of the recently discovered hepatic equine viruses, together with an analysis of serological and biomolecular presence presented in apreviously published papers, and an update on its genetic relationship within the species and with similar species. Extensive description of the EqHV features is included, and results are presented with several tables and figures, providing a valuable reference guide for further studies. Abstract Viral hepatitis has recently assumed relevance for equine veterinary medicine since a variety of new viruses have been discovered. Equine Hepacivirus (EqHV) is an RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that can cause subclinical hepatitis in horses, occasionally evolving into a chronic disease. EqHV, to date, is considered the closest known relative of human HCV. EqHV has been reported worldwide therefore assessing its features is relevant, considering both the wide use of blood products and transfusions in veterinary therapies and its similitude to HCV. The present review resumes the actual knowledge on EqHV epidemiology, risk factors and immunology, together with potential diagnostics and good practices for prevention. Moreover, adhering to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews a meta-analysis of serological and biomolecular prevalence and an updated phylogenetic description is presented as a benchmark for further studies.
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15
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Scaramozzino P, Carvelli A, Bruni G, Cappiello G, Censi F, Magliano A, Manna G, Ricci I, Rombolà P, Romiti F, Rosone F, Sala MG, Scicluna MT, Vaglio S, De Liberato C. West Nile and Usutu viruses co-circulation in central Italy: outcomes of the 2018 integrated surveillance. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:243. [PMID: 33962673 PMCID: PMC8103664 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04736-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND West Nile (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) are emerging vector-borne zoonotic flaviviruses. They are antigenically very similar, sharing the same life cycle with birds as amplification host, Culicidae as vector, and man/horse as dead-end host. They can co-circulate in an overlapping geographic range. In Europe, surveillance plans annually detect several outbreaks. METHODS In Italy, a WNV/USUV surveillance plan is in place through passive and active surveillance. After a 2018 WNV outbreak, a reinforced integrated risk-based surveillance was performed in four municipalities through clinical and serological surveillance in horses, Culicidae catches, and testing on human blood-based products for transfusion. RESULTS Eight WNV cases in eight equine holdings were detected. Twenty-three mosquitoe catches were performed and 2367 specimens of Culex pipiens caught; 17 pools were USUV positive. A total of 8889 human blood donations were tested, and two asymptomatic donors were USUV positive. CONCLUSIONS Different surveillance components simultaneously detected WNV only in horses and USUV only in humans and mosquitoes. While in endemic areas (i.e. northern Italy) entomological surveillance is successfully used as an early detection warning, this method in central Italy seems ineffective. To achieve a high level of sensitivity, the entomological trapping effort should probably exceed a reasonable balance between cost and performance. Besides, WNV/USUV early detection can be addressed by horses and birds. Further research is needed to adapt the surveillance components in different epidemiological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Carvelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy.
| | - Gianpaolo Bruni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Censi
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Latina, Via Pier Luigi Nervi, Latina Fiori, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Adele Magliano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Pasquale Rombolà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Romiti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Marcello Giovanni Sala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Vaglio
- Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Roma, Italy
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16
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Nardini R, Bartolomé Del Pino LE, Cersini A, Manna G, Viola MR, Antognetti V, Autorino GL, Scicluna MT. Comparison of PCR-based methods for the detection of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in field samples collected in Central Italy. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2157-2164. [PMID: 33855619 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07153-4] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a disease of equids caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, members of the order Piroplasmida, transmitted by several species of ticks. As the disease is endemic in many countries, a clinical examination or a serological test are required prior to movement of horses to prove freedom from infection and to avoid the introduction of EP with its sanitary and economic impact, especially in areas where it is absent. Currently, numerous diagnostic PCR protocols are available, some of which are recommended by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). In order to adopt this diagnostic method, the Italian National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases (NRC-ED) conducted a preliminary comparison between an end-point PCR, nested PCR, real-time PCR, and commercial real-time PCR, for the detection of T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. One hundred and three field samples, collected during spring-summer 2013 in Latium and Tuscany regions, were employed for the study, and results discordant between detection assays were confirmed by sequencing. The reference assay was defined as that showing the highest sensitivity, and the relative sensitivity (rSe) and specificity (rSp) of the other methods were estimated referring to this assay. Agreement between methods was estimated by calculating the concordance between each pair of methods. Although no statistical differences were detected among PCR-based methods, the non-commercial real-time PCR assays seemed to be the most suitable for detection of T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. An important advantage of direct PCR detection of the pathogen, in comparison to indirect detection using serological methods, is that it allows specific treatment against the causative pathogen species responsible of the infection as well as for the definition of the infectious status of an animal for international movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Viola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Antognetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Autorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
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Romiti F, Magliano A, Antognetti V, Manna G, Cersini A, Scicluna MT, De Liberato C. Investigation of Ixodid ticks as vectors of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in central Italy. J Vector Ecol 2020; 45:25-31. [PMID: 32492265 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Babesia caballi and Theileria equi are widely recognized as causative agents of equine pirolasmosis (EP), an acute, sub-acute, and chronic disease of equines, with relevant economic impact on horse trade worldwide. Although several studies on EP prevalence from central Italy have been published, data on ticks responsible for its transmission are still lacking. In this study, we identified a potential competent vector, investigating main features of its ecology together with EP infection rates. A two-year sampling of questing ticks was carried out for the first time in Italy in an area known for high EP prevalence in horse sera, detecting the association between Rhipicephalus bursa and causative agents of EP. Most of the positive pools harbored a single infection (91.1%); mixed infections were also detected (8.9%). The infection rate for T. equi slightly decreased among years; B. caballi showed a lower, but increasing, infection rate. Tick phenology, climate variables, and peaks of EP prevalence indicated late May and second half of June as periods with the highest risk of new infections, especially during warm and dry days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Romiti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Adele Magliano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Antognetti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Cersini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
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18
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Carvelli A, Sala M, Autorino GL, Scicluna MT, Iacoponi F, Rombolà P, Scaramozzino P. A cross-sectional serosurvey in a sheep population in central Italy following a bluetongue epidemic. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0208074. [PMID: 30625135 PMCID: PMC6326410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue (BT) is a viral disease that affects ruminants and is transmitted by midges of the genus Culicoides spp. The seroprevalence, the clinical form and the occurrence rates significantly differ in relation to several factors such as bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype, host species, breed susceptibility, specific previous exposure, vector ecology, husbandry and health status. Following the 2001-2006 BTV2 and BTV16 epidemics in central Italy, a new epidemic caused by BTV1 occurred in 2013-2015 causing 398 outbreaks in a susceptible population of about 1 million ruminants. The present study assessed the BTV1 seroprevalence in the sheep population of central Italy by conducting two cross-sectional surveys, in the proximity of and within BT outbreak farms. A total of 2,984 sheep from 437 farms were sampled. The animal-level prevalence was 19% (95% CI: 17-21%), the between-herd prevalence was 46% (95% CI: 41-51%) and the within-herd prevalence was 21% (95% CI: 16-26%). Risk factors were investigated by logistic regression models. Living on a farm where an outbreak occurred and the number of outbreaks in proximity of the farm were identified as risk factors, while herd size was identified as a protective factor. This study represents the first BT survey in southern Europe and reports valuable findings on BTV epidemiology. Despite intensive virus circulation, the estimated seroprevalences were low. The assessment of the population immunity level is crucial for defining an efficient vaccination strategy and for predicting the impact of future virus circulation. In view of the low seroprevalence detected albeit an extensive BTV1 circulation, the population immunity was likely to be inadequate in preventing new BTV1 epidemics. Moreover, considering the recurrent introduction of new serotypes from North Africa and the Balkans, the control of multi-serotype BTV infections will continue to present a challenge in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carvelli
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Marcello Sala
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Autorino
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Virology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Iacoponi
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Pasquale Rombolà
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Scaramozzino
- Epidemiology Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Roma, Italy
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Scicluna MT, Autorino GL, Nogarol C, Ricci I, Frontoso R, Rosone F, Nardini R. Validation of an indirect ELISA employing a chimeric recombinant gag and env peptide for the serological diagnosis of equine infectious anemia. J Virol Methods 2018; 251:111-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Cardeti G, Gruber CEM, Eleni C, Carletti F, Castilletti C, Manna G, Rosone F, Giombini E, Selleri M, Lapa D, Puro V, Di Caro A, Lorenzetti R, Scicluna MT, Grifoni G, Rizzoli A, Tagliapietra V, De Marco L, Capobianchi MR, Autorino GL. Fatal Outbreak in Tonkean Macaques Caused by Possibly Novel Orthopoxvirus, Italy, January 2015 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2017; 23:1941-1949. [PMID: 28975882 PMCID: PMC5708245 DOI: 10.3201/eid2312.162098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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
In January 2015, during a 3-week period, 12 captive Tonkean macacques at a sanctuary in Italy died. An orthopoxvirus infection was suspected because of negative-staining electron microscopy results. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology, virus isolation, and molecular analysis performed on different organs from all animals. An epidemiologic investigation was unable to define the infection source in the surrounding area. Trapped rodents were negative by virologic testing, but specific IgG was detected in 27.27% of small rodents and 14.28% of rats. An attenuated live vaccine was administered to the susceptible monkey population, and no adverse reactions were observed; a detectable humoral immune response was induced in most of the vaccinated animals. We performed molecular characterization of the orthopoxvirus isolate by next-generation sequencing. According to the phylogenetic analysis of the 9 conserved genes, the virus could be part of a novel clade, lying between cowpox and ectromelia viruses.
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Nardini R, Autorino GL, Issel CJ, Cook RF, Ricci I, Frontoso R, Rosone F, Scicluna MT. Evaluation of six serological ELISA kits available in Italy as screening tests for equine infectious anaemia surveillance. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:105. [PMID: 28410613 PMCID: PMC5391595 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ELISAs are known to have a higher diagnostic sensitivity than the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) when employed for serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia (EIA). For this purpose, an “in-house” and five commercial ELISAs available in Italy were assessed by the National Reference Centre for EIA for their analytic specificity (Sp); precocity, defined as capability of detecting first antibodies produced during a new infection; precision based on repeatability and reproducibility, estimated from the coefficient of variation (CV); accuracy, estimated from multiple K and relative Sp and sensitivity (Se). Two serum panels, positive for non-equine retroviruses and the most frequent equine viruses, were employed to measure analytic Sp. ELISA precocity was also compared to that of one “in-house” and three commercial AGID kits, employing a panel of sera, collected weekly from horses infected with modified EIA viruses. Precision and accuracy were defined using results of a panel containing positive and negative sera examined in an inter-laboratory trial with the participation of the ten Official Laboratories. Furthermore, a questionnaire was used to assess the appropriateness of each kit for routine use. Results Analytic Sp was 100%, while the 75th percentile of CVs for positive sera varied from 0.4% to 12.73% for repeatability and from 1.6% to 44.87% for reproducibility. Although CV of the negative serum was constantly high, its outcome was unaltered. Relative Se ranged from 98.2% to 100%, relative Sp was constantly 100% and multiple K ranged from 0.95 to 1. Precocity differed among the assays: three kits detected 4.8% and 42.9% positive samples on 21 days post infection (dpi), all assays detected positive samples on 28 dpi, between 47.6% and 95.2%. Precocity of ELISAs was superior to that of the AGIDs except for two assays. In view of the feedback obtained from the questionnaires, all kits were considered appropriate for routine use. Conclusion All ELISAs having high Se and precocity are preferable as a screening test in EIA surveillance programmes to the AGID tests examined. These two tests can be incorporated in a serial diagnostic pathway to improve the efficacy of a surveillance plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Autorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Charles J Issel
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - R Frank Cook
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Frontoso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana "M. Aleandri", Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178, Rome, Italy.
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Nardini R, Autorino GL, Ricci I, Frontoso R, Rosone F, Simula M, Scicluna MT. Validation according to OIE criteria of a monoclonal, recombinant p26–based, serologic competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as screening method in surveillance programs for the detection of Equine infectious anemia virus antibodies. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:88-97. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638715625092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Italian National Reference Center for equine infectious anemia (CRAIE; Rome, Italy) developed and validated a monoclonal, recombinant p26–based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the detection of EIA virus antibodies employing the 2010 criteria of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The following parameters were evaluated: cutoff values, repeatability, reproducibility, concordance, analytical sensitivity (Se), absolute analytical specificity (Sp), and diagnostic Se and Sp. Positive and negative predictive values were also defined in relation to the estimated prevalence. When the cELISA was used as a screening test for 96,468 samples in the Italian EIA surveillance program, 17% more EIA cases were detected than by the agar gel immunodiffusion test, and the apparent diagnostic Sp estimated from these samples was 99.8%, which was more than the diagnostic Sp (80.2%) estimated from validation. The high Se and Sp of the cELISA confirm its fit for purpose as a screening test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Nardini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Autorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Frontoso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rosone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Simula
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
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Frontoso R, Autorino GL, Friedrich KG, Li H, Eleni C, Cocumelli C, Di Cerbo P, Manna G, Scicluna MT. An Acute Multispecies Episode of Sheep-Associated Malignant Catarrhal Fever in Captive Wild Animals in an Italian Zoo. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 63:621-627. [PMID: 25598396 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In July 2011, in a zoological garden in Rome, Italy, malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a fatal, systemic disease of Artiodactyla, was suspected on the basis of neurological signs and gross lesions observed in a banteng, the first animal to die of this infection. An MCF type-specific PCR with subsequent sequencing of the PCR amplicon confirmed the aetiological agent as ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2). Biological samples were collected from the dead animals for gross, histological, bacteriological, virological and serological examinations. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to identify the source of the outbreak, as further deaths due to OvHV-2 still occurred after the removal of the acknowledged reservoirs, domestic sheep and goats. For this purpose, samples from other susceptible species and reservoir hosts were collected for virological and serological analysis. In conjunction, a retrospective sero-investigation was conducted on sera collected between 1999 and 2010 from some of the species involved in the present episode. In total, 11 animals belonging to four different species (banteng, Himalayan tahr, Nile lechwe and sika deer) died between July 2011 and October 2012. The severe gross and histological lesions were consistent with the disease, namely haemorrhages and congestion of several organs as well as lymphoid cell infiltrates and vasculitis of varying severity. The virological tests confirmed that all animals had died of sheep-associated MCF. The investigation indicated that the OvHV-2 infection could have been due to the arrival of sheep in the petting zoo, with cases commencing after first lambing and subsequent shedding of virus. This was also supported by the serological retrospective study that indicated limited previous MCF virus circulation. Further MCF cases that occurred even after the removal of the domestic sheep and goats were attributed to the mouflon. This episode confirms the importance of biosecurity measures in zoos, which house MCF susceptible species, especially those endangered.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Frontoso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy.
| | - G L Autorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - K G Friedrich
- Fondazione Bioparco, Viale del Giardino Zoologico, Rome, Italy
| | - H Li
- USDA-ARS-ADRU, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - C Eleni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - C Cocumelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - P Di Cerbo
- Fondazione Bioparco, Viale del Giardino Zoologico, Rome, Italy
| | - G Manna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - M T Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e della Toscana, Rome, Italy
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Scicluna MT, Issel CJ, Cook FR, Manna G, Cersini A, Rosone F, Frontoso R, Caprioli A, Antognetti V, Autorino GL. Corrigendum to ‘Is a diagnostic system based exclusively on agar gel immunodiffusion adequate for controlling the spread of equine infectious anaemia?’ [Vet. Microbiol. 165 (1–2) (2013) 123–134]. Vet Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.09.012] [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: 10/26/2022]
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Issel CJ, Scicluna MT, Cook SJ, Cook RF, Caprioli A, Ricci I, Rosone F, Craigo JK, Montelaro RC, Autorino GL. Challenges and proposed solutions for more accurate serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia. Vet Rec 2013; 172:210. [PMID: 23161812 PMCID: PMC3593188 DOI: 10.1136/vr-2012-100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serological diagnosis of equine infectious anaemia virus (EIAV) infections has depended mainly on the agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIDT). This study documents the presence of EIAV genetic sequences in a number of persistently infected horses and mules whose serums were interpreted as negative/equivocal on AGIDT, but positive on more than one ELISA test and in immunoblot tests. Strategies designed to take advantage of the combined strengths of the ELISA and AGIDT are shown effective in a national surveillance program for EIA in Italy where 17 per cent (25/149) of the equids considered to be infected with EIAV on combined/comparative serological data had reactions in the AGIDT that were interpreted as negative or equivocal. These data document the benefits of using a three-tiered laboratory system for the diagnosis of EIA. Although the ELISA-first strategy introduces some confusing results, the discovery of up to 20 per cent more cases of EIA makes it compelling. In our opinion, it is better and more defensible to find two samples in 1000 with resolvable but falsely positive ELISA tests for EIA than to release two to three horses in 10,000 with falsely negative test results for EIA (the rates seen in the Italian surveillance presented here).
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Issel
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA.
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Cardeti G, Brozzi A, Eleni C, Polici N, D'Alterio G, Carletti F, Scicluna MT, Castilletti C, Capobianchi MR, Di Caro A, Autorino GL, Amaddeo D. Cowpox virus in llama, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2011; 17:1513-5. [PMID: 21801638 PMCID: PMC3381539 DOI: 10.3201/eid1708.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cowpox virus (CPXV) was isolated from skin lesions of a llama on a farm in Italy. Transmission electron microscopy showed brick-shaped particles consistent with orthopoxviruses. CPXV-antibodies were detected in llama and human serum samples; a CPXV isolate had a hemagglutinin sequence identical to CPXV-MonKre08/1–2-3 strains isolated from banded mongooses in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Cardeti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy.
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Catalani E, Nardone A, Barone A, Scicluna MT, Autorino GL, Caprioli A, Lacetera N. Preliminary association analysis of TLR9 gene polymorphisms and immune parameters in an Italian Holstein calves population. BMC Proc 2011; 5 Suppl 4:S20. [PMID: 21645300 PMCID: PMC3108215 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-5-s4-s20] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This preliminary study was aimed at evaluating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) gene and some immunological parameters in a population of Italian Holstein calves. METHODS The study was carried out in a commercial farm on 68 Holstein calves aging about 6 months. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and genotyped for nine SNPs on TLR9. Immunological parameters considered were the immunoglobulin (Ig) G titers against bovine herpesvirus 1, and the proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to mitogens. For the association study, only results relative to the SNP located in the promoter region have been discussed. RESULTS Among the nine SNPs expected, only eight were detected. Considering the SNP located in the promoter region, all three possible genotypes were observed, and their distribution was as follows: genotype a (n=34), b (n=19), and c (n=8). On the basis of their response to vaccine, calves were categorized as low (L, n=8), medium (M, n=45) and high responders (H, n=8). Although no significant association was found between genotypes and L, M or H categories, the genotype estimated as the less represented within the population (c) had no calves categorized as H, the highest frequency of L (25%), and mean values of IgG lower (P < 0.005) compared to genotype b. Furthermore, IgG titers were positively correlated with responses of PBMC to mitogens. CONCLUSIONS Genotype c appeared to be "non advantageous" in terms of immune response. It was characterized by the presence of the mutation in homozygosity and, not surprisingly, it was the most rare genotype in the population. Larger studies are necessary in order to confirm these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Catalani
- Dipartimento di Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, 01100, Italy.
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Faggioni G, Ciammaruconi A, De Santis R, Pomponi A, Scicluna MT, Barbaro K, Masuelli L, Autorino G, Bei R, Lista F. Evidence of a humoral response to a novel protein WARF4 embedded in the West Nile virus NS4B gene encoded by an alternative open reading frame. Int J Mol Med 2009; 23:509-12. [PMID: 19288027 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm_00000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that is maintained in a bird-mosquito transmission cycle. Humans, horses and other non-avian vertebrates are usually incidental hosts. However, WNV is a neurotropic virus, which requires an efficient humoral response for the control of a neuroinvasive infection. The WNV genome encodes three structural (capsid, premembrane/membrane and envelope) and seven non-structural proteins. Bioinformatic analysis performed on the WNV genomes detected a conserved alternative open reading frame restricted to the lineage I virus. To quickly verify the existence of this putative protein, entitled West Nile Alternative Reading Frame 4 (WARF4), we produced a prokaryotic recombinant source of WARF4 and verified its immunogenicity in vivo by analyzing 43 horse serum samples, of which 15 were positive for antibodies to WNV premembrane and envelope (prM-E) proteins. Specific antibodies to WARF4 were significantly detected in 5 out of the 15 serum samples testing positive for antibodies to prM-E WNV proteins. Our findings provide evidence of a significant antibody response to the WARF4 protein in the serum of the horse testing positive for antibodies to prM-E proteins, thus indicating that this antigen might be a potential tool for further characterization of the immune response of WNV infections in humans as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Faggioni
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Army Medical Research Centre, I-00184 Rome, Italy
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29
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Damiani AM, Scicluna MT, Ciabatti I, Cardeti G, Sala M, Vulcano G, Cordioli P, Martella V, Amaddeo D, Autorino GL. Genetic characterization of equine influenza viruses isolated in Italy between 1999 and 2005. Virus Res 2008; 131:100-5. [PMID: 17889395 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2007] [Revised: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 08/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During local respiratory disease outbreaks, occurring in 2003 and 2004 in horse training stables within race-tracks in Rome, and on a stud horse farm in Bari in 2005, four strains of equine influenza (EI) virus were isolated. All outbreaks occurred in flu-vaccinated horses. Here, we are reporting the results of the genetic characterization of these isolates, together with that of another EI virus strain isolated in 1999 from a dead foal presenting pulmonary lesions. Alignment and phylogenetic analyses were carried out using the haemagglutinin amino acid sequences. The Rome and Bari isolates were identified as members of the American lineage, closely related to other recent strains isolated in America as well as in Europe, including the latest recommended American lineage vaccine prototype A/eq/SouthAfrica/4/2003. In contrast, the Italian 1999 isolate was clustered within the European lineage. In Italy, the most recent outbreaks of EI have been caused by the currently circulating American-like strains, even in vaccinated populations, confirming that vaccines should contain an updated representative strain of this lineage. Presently, companies are still in the process of registering updated vaccines but no product is yet available on the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Damiani
- National Reference Centre for Equine Diseases-Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Ferrari G, De Liberato C, Scavia G, Lorenzetti R, Zini M, Farina F, Magliano A, Cardeti G, Scholl F, Guidoni M, Scicluna MT, Amaddeo D, Scaramozzino P, Autorino GL. Active circulation of bluetongue vaccine virus serotype-2 among unvaccinated cattle in central Italy. Prev Vet Med 2005; 68:103-13. [PMID: 15820110 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2004.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2004] [Revised: 11/15/2004] [Accepted: 11/15/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Several seroconversions occurring in 2002 among sentinel cattle during the bluetongue-vaccination campaign in Lazio and Tuscany (central Italy) led to the suspicion of vaccine-virus circulation. Therefore in 2003, 17 seroconverting sentinel herds were investigated for the characteristics of the virus involved. From these farms, 91 unvaccinated animals and 57 Culicoides pools were tested for the presence of the bluetongue vaccine virus (serotype-2) or other strains. The presence of vaccine virus serotype-2 was confirmed by PCR followed by restriction analysis in the whole blood of 17 unvaccinated sentinel cattle and 12 pools of Culicoides imicola or C. obsoletus. Of the 17 herds, five were positive only for vaccine virus serotype-2, four were positive for other strains and two for both the vaccine and other strains; the remaining premises were virologicaly negative. The vaccine virus serotype-2 also was detected in areas not included in the vaccination campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Scavia G, Autorino GL, De Liberato C, Farina F, Ferrari G, Guidoni M, Magliano A, Miceli M, Scholl F, Scicluna MT, Scaramozzino P. Association between the 2001-2003 bluetongue epidemic in Lazio and Tuscany (central Italy) and distribution and abundance of Culicoides imicola and C. obsoletus vectors. Vet Ital 2004; 40:274-277. [PMID: 20419677] [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
During the epidemic of bluetongue (BT) in Lazio and Tuscany between 2001 and 2003, the distribution pattern of Culicoides imicola did not always correspond either geographically or seasonally, with virus circulation. Culicoides obsoletus was observed to be abundant, ubiquitous and active throughout the year. The geographical and seasonal distribution of BT virus (BTV), C. imicola and C. obsoletus was compared. The territory of the two regions was divided into 30 cells each measuring 1 600 km(2). The presence of C. obsoletus was recorded in every cell, while C. imicola was detected in 18 of the 30 cells, but was absent in 6 of the 21 cells that indicated the presence of BTV. The occurrence of seroconversions appeared to be positively correlated with maximum C. obsoletus catches. Seroconversions were recorded throughout the year, even when C. imicola was not active, whereas C. obsoletus was detected during the entire period. The occurrence of BTV circulation in areas and periods where C. imicola was absent, and the abundant and constant presence of adult C. obsoletus in all the cells, suggest the active role of the latter species in BTV circulation in central Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Scavia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, Rome, Italy
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Autorino GL, Battisti A, Deubel V, Ferrari G, Forletta R, Giovannini A, Lelli R, Murri S, Scicluna MT. West Nile virus epidemic in horses, Tuscany region, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2002; 8:1372-8. [PMID: 12498650 PMCID: PMC2738505 DOI: 10.3201/eid0812.020234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During the late summer of 1998, veterinary authorities in Tuscany, Italy, received reports of cases of neurologic disease among horses residing in a large wetland area located in the provinces of Florence and Pistoia. West Nile virus was isolated from two of the six horses that died or were euthanized. A retrospective epidemiologic study identified 14 clinical neurologic cases that occurred from August 20 to October 6 (attack rate of 2.8%). A serologic survey conducted over a 700-km2 area in stables with and without apparent clinical cases confirmed a wider spread of the infection, with an overall seroprevalence rate of 38% in the affected area. No significant differences in age-specific prevalence were observed, suggesting that the horses residing in the area had not been exposed previously to West Nile virus and supporting the hypothesis of its introduction in the wetland area during the first half of 1998.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Autorino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
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Vilcek S, Paton DJ, Durkovic B, Strojny L, Ibata G, Moussa A, Loitsch A, Rossmanith W, Vega S, Scicluna MT, Paifi V. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus genotype 1 can be separated into at least eleven genetic groups. Arch Virol 2001; 146:99-115. [PMID: 11266221 DOI: 10.1007/s007050170194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Seventy-eight bovine viral diarrhoea viruses (BVDV) recently collected in Austria, France, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Spain and UK were genetically typed in the 5'-untranslated (5'UTR) and autoprotease (Npro) regions of the pestivirus genome. Seventy-six of the isolates were BVDV-1 and two French isolates were of the BVDV-2 genotype. Phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR (245 nt), including additional BVDV-1 sequences from USA, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Mozambique and Sweden, taken from GenBank and from our previous works, indicated that these viruses were clustered not only into the two generally accepted groups (BVDV-1a-"NADL like" and BVDV-1b-"Osloss like"), but altogether into 11 phylogenetic groups. Similar clustering was observed with Npro region sequences (385 nt) and the highest bootstrap values (over 95%) were obtained by phylogeny combining 5'UTR and Npro sequences. Some associations between the genetic grouping and the origin of the isolates were apparent, probably reflecting historical trade contacts. Considering the variability of isolates it is recommended that diagnostic PCR primers should be re-examined to ensure coverage of all BVDV-1 groups. The genogroups were less clearly differentiated by monoclonal antibody typing, suggesting significant antigenic similarities within the BVDV-1 genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vilcek
- University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, Slovakia
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Stadejek T, Bj Rklund H, Bascu Ana CR, Ciabatti IM, Scicluna MT, Amaddeo D, McCollum WH, Autorino GL, Timoney PJ, Paton DJ, Klingeborn B, Bel K S. Genetic diversity of equine arteritis virus. J Gen Virol 1999; 80 ( Pt 3):691-699. [PMID: 10092009 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-80-3-691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine arteritis viruses (EAV) from Europe and America were compared by phylogenetic analysis of 43 isolates obtained over four decades. An additional 22 virus sequences were retrieved from GenBank. Fragments of the glycoprotein G(L) and the replicase genes were amplified by RT-PCR, prior to sequencing and construction of phylogenetic trees. The trees revealed many distinctive lineages, consistent with prolonged diversification within geographically separated host populations. Two large groups and five subgroups were distinguished. Group I consisted mainly of viruses from North America, whilst group II consisted mainly of European isolates. In most instances, where the geographic origin of the viruses appeared to be at variance with the phylogenetically predicted relationships, the horses from which the viruses were recovered had been transported between Europe and America or vice versa. Analysis of the replicase gene revealed similar phylogenetic relationships although not all of the groups were as clearly defined. Virus strains CH1 (Switzerland, 1964) and S1 (Sweden, 1989) represented separate 'outgroups' based on analysis of both genomic regions. The results of this study confirm the value of the G(L) gene of EAV for estimating virus genetic diversity and as a useful tool for tracing routes by which EAV is spread. In addition, computer-assisted predictions of antigenic sites on the G(L) protein revealed considerable variability among the isolates, especially with respect to regions associated with neutralization domains.
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Ferrari G, Scicluna MT, Bonvicini D, Gobbi C, Della Verità F, Valentini A, Autorino GL. Bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) control programme in an area in the Rome province (Italy). Vet Microbiol 1999; 64:237-45. [PMID: 10028176 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1135(98)00273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A BVD control programme based on the identification and removal of persistently infected (PI) animals is being undertaken in an area in the Rome province, where BVD outbreaks had been previously detected. It involves 174 mainly dairy herds, from which blood samples of all bovines older than 1 year are obtained through the national brucellosis and leukosis eradication programme. Samples sufficient to detect the presence of seropositive animals at a prevalence of 5% or more are initially screened for antibodies against BVD virus (BVDV) using an immunoenzymatic assay. Upon identification of seroreagents additional blood samples are tested from the 6-12-month age category not included in the initial samples. Animals are considered immunotolerant if BVDV is demonstrated twice at a minimum 30-day interval. When no seropositive animals are detected during the first serological screening the herd is declared BVD-free if a second testing, preferably carried on the same animals previously tested, confirms the seronegative status of the herd. At present 147 farms have been tested, of which 63 (42.9%) are negative with respect to antibodies against BVDV. Of the 84 remaining herds in which one or more seropositives are detected, 13 are classified as recently infected. In eight of these recently infected herds, 22 PI animals have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ferrari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
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Lavazza A, Scicluna MT, Capucci L. Susceptibility of hares and rabbits to the European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) under experimental conditions. Zentralbl Veterinarmed B 1996; 43:401-10. [PMID: 8885705 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0450.1996.tb00332.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV) virus were inoculated in hares and rabbits to discover whether the homologous and heterologous host could be infected. The aims were to confirm the results of previous studies that showed the existence of antigenic differences between these two viruses, and also to define the role attributed to the hare in transmission to rabbits of a disease, EBHS, initially mistaken for RHD. During the trials, clinical symptoms and pathological lesions were noted, and virological and serological analysis were conducted, using specific tests set up for both diseases. The hares infected with EBHSV died of an acute form of EBHS, whereas the rabbits remained healthy. The low serological response in these rabbits towards the EBHSV did not protect them against RHDV. Similarly, hares inoculated with RHDV remained healthy and showed a low anti-RHDV antibody titre but died when challenged with EBHSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lavazza
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia 'Bruno Ubertini' Brescia, Italy
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Abstract
Between August 1988 and August 1991, 456 carcasses of captive or sylvatic hares from several areas of northern Italy, and 931 sera taken from adult hares in farms, in hunting and natural reserves and on importation were examined using virological (sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and immuno-electron microscopy) and serological (competition ELISA) tests. The epidemiological data presented relate to the incidence of European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) in various provinces of northern Italy, the mortality caused by EBHS and the seasonal frequency of this disease. The endemic character of EBHS in Italy is proved by the large number of samples testing positive for EBHS virus (EBHSV) (47.6%) and by the results of the seroepidemiological survey, in which approximately 95% of samples tested positive for specific anti-EBHSV antibodies, showing varying titres according to the different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Scicluna
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia, Brescia, Italy
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Zanni ML, Benassi MC, Scicluna MT, Lavazza A, Capucci L. Clinical evolution and diagnosis of an outbreak of European brown hare syndrome in hares reared in captivity. REV SCI TECH OIE 1993; 12:931-40. [PMID: 8219343 DOI: 10.20506/rst.12.3.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The authors studied an outbreak of an acute form of European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) in captive hares. The farm involved had shown negative results in a previous serological test for EBHS conducted on approximately 8% of the animals. Hares which succumbed during the outbreak were submitted to an anatomo-pathological examination and the livers of these animals were collected for laboratory analysis. Examination by immunoelectron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the diagnosis of EBHS virus (EBHSV). An initial serological survey conducted on the survivors twenty-two days after the outbreak demonstrated an immunological response against EBHSV. During the outbreak, data were collected on morbidity, mortality, incidence of the disease in various age groups, and also on the antigenic characteristics of the virus responsible for the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Zanni
- Azieda per il riequilibrio faunistico ed ittico del territorio dell'Emilia Romagna (ARIS), Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Development of methods for the diagnosis of viral haemorrhagic disease and the European brown hare syndrome has proceeded at a steady pace over the last few years. The studies conducted by the authors demonstrate that, like VHDV, EBHSV is a calicivirus. The degree of correlation between the two viruses is a key question both for understanding their biology and interpreting the diagnostic results. A discussion of the similarities and differences between VHD and EBHS is followed by the presentation of the latest antigenic correlation results of the two viruses. Considering the absence of culture procedures to isolate either virus, the diagnostic methods discussed in this review are the haemagglutination (HA) test, immune electron microscopy (IEM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for virus detection, and the haemagglutination inhibition test (HI) and ELISA for antibody detection. The major obstacles, especially for the diagnosis of EBHS, are described; these are represented by morphological, structural and antigenic modifications due to proteolytic degradation. A differential diagnostic method for the two diseases, based on MAb ELISA, is presented. A final conclusion, drawn from the epidemiological analysis of the virological and serological data, is that EBHS and VHD should be considered as two distinct diseases, each caused by its own aetiological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Capucci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia, Brescia, Italy
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