scholarly journals First Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Pseudorabies Virus in a Hunting Dog in Sicily (Southern Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 296
Author(s):  
Jessica Maria Abbate ◽  
Alessia Giannetto ◽  
Carmelo Iaria ◽  
Kristian Riolo ◽  
Giuseppe Marruchella ◽  
...  

Pseudorabies virus (PrV) is the etiological agent of Aujeszky’s disease, a viral infection that causes neurological lethal illness in mammals other than swine. Herein, we describe the occurrence of PrV infection in a hunting dog that had been bitten by an infected wild boar in Sicily, reporting for the first time genetic and phylogenetic data on the virus strain isolated in a dog in this Italian region. The dog was referred for severe neurological signs, respiratory distress, and intense itch around the muzzle. Death occurred within 48 h to the onset of clinical signs. On gross examination, self-induced skin lesions to the head due to intense itching and diffuse cerebral congestion were observed, whereas mild, aspecific, nonsuppurative meningitis was histologically diagnosed. Diffuse PrV positivity in neurons of the brainstem was observed by immunohistochemistry. PrV DNA was isolated and amplified from olfactory bulbs by nested PCR, targeting the viral glycoprotein G gene, and the sequence obtained matched with sequences of PrV isolates from dogs and wild boar. Isolation of PrV in the dog herein analysed denotes the spread of the virus in wild boar populations in Sicily and provides a proof of direct interspecies transmission. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase our understanding of the epidemiology of the PrV infection in wildlife to provide tools to trace possible spill over into domestic pigs or other livestock.

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1166
Author(s):  
Klaudia Chrzastek ◽  
Karen Segovia ◽  
Mia Torchetti ◽  
Mary Lee Killian ◽  
Mary Pantin-Jackwood ◽  
...  

In March 2017, highly pathogenic (HP) and low pathogenic (LP) avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H7N9 were detected from poultry farms and backyard birds in several states in the southeast United States. Because interspecies transmission is a known mechanism for evolution of AIVs, we sought to characterize infection and transmission of a domestic duck-origin H7N9 LPAIV in chickens and genetically compare the viruses replicating in the chickens to the original H7N9 clinical field samples used as inoculum. The results of the experimental infection demonstrated virus replication and transmission in chickens, with overt clinical signs of disease and shedding through both oral and cloacal routes. Unexpectedly, higher levels of virus shedding were observed in some cloacal swabs. Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis identified numerous non-synonymous mutations at the consensus level in the polymerase genes (i.e., PA, PB1, and PB2) and the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor binding site in viruses recovered from chickens, indicating possible virus adaptation in the new host. For comparison, NGS analysis of clinical samples obtained from duck specimen collected during the outbreak indicated three polymorphic sides in the M1 segment and a minor population of viruses carrying the D139N (21.4%) substitution in the NS1 segment. Interestingly, at consensus level, A/duck/Alabama (H7N9) had isoleucine at position 105 in NP protein, similar to HPAIV (H7N9) but not to LPAIV (H7N9) isolated from the same 2017 influenza outbreak in the US. Taken together, this work demonstrates that the H7N9 viruses could readily jump between avian species, which may have contributed to the evolution of the virus and its spread in the region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1256
Author(s):  
Teresa Letra Mateus ◽  
Maria João Gargaté ◽  
Anabela Vilares ◽  
Idalina Ferreira ◽  
Manuela Rodrigues ◽  
...  

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis that is prevalent worldwide. It is considered endemic in Portugal but few studies have been performed on Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and their hosts. In this study, CE cysts are reported for the first time in a free-living wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Portugal. The presence of the metacestodes in the liver of the wild boar was identified by morphological features, microscopic examination and molecular analysis. The sequencing of part of the DNA nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) region revealed a G5 genotype that presently corresponds to Echinococcus ortleppi. This is the first report of E. ortleppi in Portugal and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, in Europe. These results suggest that wild boar may be a host of CE, namely, crossing the livestock–wildlife interface, which has important public health implications. Wildlife reservoirs must be taken into account as CE hosts and surveillance of game as well as health education for hunters should be implemented using a One Health approach, with implementation of feasible and tailor-made control strategies, namely, proper elimination of byproducts in the field.


Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 300-308
Author(s):  
John Carr ◽  
Mark Howells ◽  
William Hersey

Skin conditions in pigs are common problems presented to the veterinary surgeon. A careful clinical examination, especially considering the age of the pig and the distribution of the lesions, all aids making an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Pain management is essential in clinical management. Sarcoptic mange is a condition that can be eliminated from pigs and should be considered a welfare problem. Ear necrosis and trauma injuries can be particularly problematic and must be treated aggressively. African swine fever (ASF) presents with a range of clinical signs including skin lesions, and all veterinary surgeons must be able to put ASF as a differential where appropriate.


1980 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Wilson ◽  
Maria José Roncada ◽  
Rosa Nilda Mazzilli ◽  
Maria Lucia F. Cavalcanti ◽  
Dino B. G. Pattoli

Nutritional surveys (food consumption, clinical and biochemichal) were conducted in a small institution for homeless children. Results showed that only 30% of the children presented adequate calorie intake. Most of the children presented adequate protein intake, but almost half consumed less than 2/3 of the calcium RDA considered necessary. Food handling, processing, and distribution also proved inadequate and wastage, high. Skinfold measurement showed up one case of obesity. Furthermore, most of the children presented clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency, mostly skin lesions; while about half presented clinical signs of riboflavin deficiency. Biochemical data showed that 63.6% had deficient plasma levels of vitamin A, none showed abnormal results for riboflavin excretion, four showed packed blood cell volume below normal, and all had normal hemoglobin levels. Stool examinations revealed a high rate of pathogenic protozoa (Hymenolepis nana), in fact, one of the highest in Brazilian literature.


2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreia Garcês ◽  
Vanessa Soeira ◽  
Sara Lóio ◽  
Isabel Pires

Pyometra is a pus accumulation in the uterine lumen. This paper reports an unusual case of pyometra in a female Sus scrofa of Parque Biologico de Gaia (Avintes, Portugal). The animal was of advanced age, and the clinical signs (e.g., anorexia, lethargy) were originally associated with geriatric conditions. The animal presented a large uterus, which likely further contributed to the locomotion difficulties and poor body condition. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first report of a close pyometra in wild boar (Sus scrofa, Linnaeus, 1758). However, this diagnosis must be taken into account during uterine evaluation and special attention must be given to its inspection in meat animals.


2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sevim Kasap ◽  
Hasan Batmaz ◽  
Meric Kocaturk ◽  
Frank Gessler ◽  
Serkan Catık ◽  
...  

This paper presents the case of a six year-old, male, thoroughbred horse with clinical signs of inappetence, weakness, and incoordination when walking. Clinical examination showed that the horse staggered and leaned to the left side. Feedstuff was present inside and around its mouth. Salivation was increased and there was no reflex at the palpebrae and tongue. The horse had difficulty swallowing and the tone of its tail was reduced. Botulism was diagnosed based on the clinical signs. Antibiotic (ceftiofur) and fluid-electrolyte treatment was commenced. Next day, neostigmin was added to the horse’s treatment, and it became recumbent. The horse’s palpebral, tongue and tail reflexes returned partially after neostigmine methylsulphate treatment on the same day and it stood up on day four. However, it could not swallow anything during the whole week, so after getting permission from the owner, the horse was euthanized on day 10. Samples of the colonic content and blood serum were sent by courier to the laboratory for toxin neutralization, however, botulinum neurotoxins could not be detected. After that, serum samples from days 6 and 10 were sent to another laboratory for testing for botulinum neurotoxin antibodies by ELISA. Specific antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin type A were measured, indicating a previous, immuno-relevant contact with the toxin. This seroconversion for type A supports the clinical botulism diagnosis. Type A botulism is rarely seen in Europe and has been detected in a horse in Turkey for the first time.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Woźniakowski ◽  
E. Samorek-Salamonowicz ◽  
A. Gaweł

AbstractDuring the summer 2012 an incidence of high mortality, above 44 percent, in two flocks of Muscovy ducklings in Poland was noted. The clinical signs included considerable weight loss and inability to walk.During the post-mortem evaluations dehydration and enteritis, gouty kidneys as well as hemorrhagic liver and spleen lesions were found. The laboratory diagnosis included agar gel precipitation assay (AGP) as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription PCR for the presence of goose parvovirus (GPV), duck circovirus (DuCV), duck reovirus (DRV) and avian reovirus (ARV). Interestingly, the examinations performed by AGP showed partial reactivity of liver homogenates from Muscovy ducklings with chicken S1133 antiserum. The presence of duck reovirus RNA was also detected by real-time RT-PCR targeting the chicken reovirus sigma NS fragment, while the sequencing showed major similarity to chicken S1133, 1733, GX/2010/1 and TARV-MN2 reovirus strains. The virus sequence was also related to a previously isolated TH11 strain from Muscovy ducks in China.Further study is needed in order to explain the particular epidemiology of the reovirus infection of Muscovy ducklings


2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (10) ◽  
pp. 5279-5287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herman W. Favoreel ◽  
Thomas C. Mettenleiter ◽  
Hans J. Nauwynck

ABSTRACT Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a swine alphaherpesvirus that is closely related to human herpes simplex virus (HSV). Both PRV and HSV express a variety of viral envelope glycoproteins in the plasma membranes of infected cells. Here we show that at least four major PRV glycoproteins (gB, gC, gD, and gE) in the plasma membrane of infected swine kidney cells and monocytes seem to be linked, since monospecific antibody-induced patching of any one of these proteins results in copatching of the others. Further, for all four PRV glycoproteins, monospecific antibody-induced patches were enriched in GM1, a typical marker of lipid raft microdomains, but were excluded for transferrin receptor, a nonraft marker, suggesting that these viral proteins may associate with lipid rafts. However, only gB and, to a lesser extent, gE were found in lipid raft fractions by using detergent floatation assays, indicating that gC and gD do not show strong lipid raft association. Addition of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD), a cholesterol-depleting agent that is commonly used to disrupt lipid rafts, only slightly reduced copatching efficiency between the different viral proteins, indicating that other factors, perhaps tegument-glycoprotein interactions, may be important for the observed copatching events. On the other hand, MCD strongly reduced polarization of the antibody-induced viral glycoprotein patches to a cap structure, a gE-dependent process that has been described for specific PRV- and HSV-infected cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that efficient gE-mediated capping of antibody-antigen patches may require the lipid raft-associated signal transduction machinery.


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