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In this study, internal organs (tongue, intestine, and spleen) of 23 free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) found dead between 2017 and 2019 were tested for Carnivore protoparvovirus 1, Canine adenovirus (CAdV), and Canine circovirus (CanineCV) using real-time PCR assays. Genetic characterisation of the identified viruses was carried out by amplification, sequencing, and analysis of the complete viral genome or informative viral genes. All the wolves tested positive for at least one of the DNA viruses screened, and 11/23 were coinfected. Carnivore protoparvoviruses were the most frequently detected viruses (21/23), followed by CanineCV (11/23) and CAdV (4/23). From the analysis of the partial VP2 gene of 13 carnivore protoparvoviruses, 12 were canine parvovirus type 2b, closely related to the strains detected in dogs and wild carnivores from Italy, and one was a feline panleukopenia-like virus. Of the four CAdV identified, two were CAdV-1 and two were CAdV-2. The complete genome of seven CanineCVs was sequenced and related to the CanineCV identified in dogs, wolves, and foxes worldwide. Close correlations emerged between the viruses identified in wolves and those circulating in domestic dogs. Further studies are needed to investigate if these pathogens may be potentially cross-transmitted between the two species.
Andrea Balboni; Lorenza Urbani; Mauro Delogu; Carmela Musto; Maria Fontana; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppe Lucifora; Alessia Terrusi; Francesco Dondi; Mara Battilani. Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus). Animals 2021, 11, 2198 .
AMA StyleAndrea Balboni, Lorenza Urbani, Mauro Delogu, Carmela Musto, Maria Fontana, Giuseppe Merialdi, Giuseppe Lucifora, Alessia Terrusi, Francesco Dondi, Mara Battilani. Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus). Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2198.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Balboni; Lorenza Urbani; Mauro Delogu; Carmela Musto; Maria Fontana; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppe Lucifora; Alessia Terrusi; Francesco Dondi; Mara Battilani. 2021. "Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus)." Animals 11, no. 8: 2198.
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are maintained in wild bird reservoirs, particularly in mallard ducks and other waterfowl. Novel evolutionary lineages of AIV that arise through genetic drift or reassortment can spread with wild bird migrations to new regions, infect a wide variety of resident bird species, and spillover to domestic poultry. The vast continental reservoir of AIVs in Eurasia harbors a wide diversity of influenza subtypes, including both highly pathogenic (HP) and low pathogenic (LP) H7 AIV. The Caspian Sea region is positioned at the intersection of major migratory flyways connecting Central Asia, Europe, the Black and Mediterranean Sea regions and Africa and holds a rich wetland and avian ecology. To understand genetic reservoirs present in the Caspian Sea region, we collected 559 cloacal swabs from Anseriformes and other species during the annual autumn migration periods in 2017 and 2018. We isolated two novel H7N3 LPAIV from mallard ducks whose H7 hemagglutinin (HA) gene was phylogenetically related to contemporaneous strains from distant Mongolia, and more closely Georgia and Ukraine, and predated the spread of this H7 LPAIV sublineage into East Asia in 2019. The N3 neuraminidase gene and internal genes were prototypical of AIV widely dispersed in wild bird reservoirs sampled along flyways connected to the Caspian region. The polymerase and nucleoprotein segments clustered with contemporaneous H5 HPAI (clade 2.3.4.4b) isolates, suggesting the wide dispersal of H7 LPAIV and the potential of this subtype for reassortment. These findings highlight the need for deeper surveillance of AIV in wild birds to better understand the extent of infection spread and evolution along spatial and temporal flyways in Eurasia.
Marina Gulyaeva; Maria De Marco; Ganna Kovalenko; Eric Bortz; Tatiana Murashkina; Kseniya Yurchenko; Marzia Facchini; Mauro Delogu; Ivan Sobolev; Alimurad Gadzhiev; Kirill Sharshov; Alexander Shestopalov. Biological Properties and Genetic Characterization of Novel Low Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Mallard Ducks in the Caspian Region, Dagestan, Russia. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 864 .
AMA StyleMarina Gulyaeva, Maria De Marco, Ganna Kovalenko, Eric Bortz, Tatiana Murashkina, Kseniya Yurchenko, Marzia Facchini, Mauro Delogu, Ivan Sobolev, Alimurad Gadzhiev, Kirill Sharshov, Alexander Shestopalov. Biological Properties and Genetic Characterization of Novel Low Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Mallard Ducks in the Caspian Region, Dagestan, Russia. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (4):864.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarina Gulyaeva; Maria De Marco; Ganna Kovalenko; Eric Bortz; Tatiana Murashkina; Kseniya Yurchenko; Marzia Facchini; Mauro Delogu; Ivan Sobolev; Alimurad Gadzhiev; Kirill Sharshov; Alexander Shestopalov. 2021. "Biological Properties and Genetic Characterization of Novel Low Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Mallard Ducks in the Caspian Region, Dagestan, Russia." Microorganisms 9, no. 4: 864.
Due to their need for living cells, viruses have developed adaptive evolutionary strategies to survive and perpetuate in reservoir hosts that play a crucial role in the ecology of emerging pathogens. Pathogenic and potentially pandemic betacoronaviruses arose in humans in 2002 (SARS-CoV, disappeared in July 2003), 2012 (MERS-CoV, still circulating in Middle East areas), and 2019 (SARS-CoV-2, causing the current global pandemic). As universally recognized, bats host ancestors of the above-mentioned zoonotic viruses. However, hedgehogs have been recently identified in Europe and Asia as possible reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains classified as Erinaceus coronavirus (EriCoV). To elucidate the evolution and genetics of EriCoVs, NGS (next generation sequencing) and Sanger sequencing were used to examine fecal samples collected in Northern Italy in 2018/2019 from 12 hedgehogs previously found EriCoV-positive by RT-PCR. By sequence analysis, eight complete EriCoV genomes, obtained by NGS, showed a high phylogenetic correlation with EriCoV strains previously reported in Eurasia. Interestingly, eight viral strains presented an additional ORF encoding for the CD200 ortholog located between the genes encoding for the Spike and the ORF3a proteins. The CD200 ortholog sequences were closely similar to the host CD200 protein but varying among EriCoVs. The result, confirmed by Sanger sequencing, demonstrates for the first time that CoVs can acquire host genes potentially involved in the immune-modulatory cascade and possibly enabling the virus to escape the host defence.
Luca De Sabato; Ilaria Di Bartolo; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Claudia Cotti; Mauro Delogu; Gabriele Vaccari. Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization? Viruses 2020, 12, 1471 .
AMA StyleLuca De Sabato, Ilaria Di Bartolo, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Ana Moreno, Davide Lelli, Claudia Cotti, Mauro Delogu, Gabriele Vaccari. Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization? Viruses. 2020; 12 (12):1471.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca De Sabato; Ilaria Di Bartolo; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Claudia Cotti; Mauro Delogu; Gabriele Vaccari. 2020. "Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization?" Viruses 12, no. 12: 1471.
Most of the newly emerging infections arise from animal reservoirs, frequently represented by wildlife species. Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are mammalian hibernators, mainly nocturnal and insectivorous, living in natural open and green spaces as well as artificial, rural and urban, areas. They are generalist predators of macro-invertebrates, but they may also eat meat, bird eggs and on occasion pet food. These ecological and feeding habits, along with their high population densities, notable synanthropic attitudes, frequent contacts with sympatric wild and domestic species, including humans, implicate the possibility of intra- and interspecies interactions accounting for the possible involvement of E. europaeus in the ecology of several potentially emerging pathogens, including coronaviruses. Using PCR-based and virus isolation methods, we found that 58.3% of 24 hedgehogs’ fecal samples were PCR-positive for Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs). We did not observe any clinical disease related to the EriCoV infection in hedgehogs. However, the high mutation rates characterizing members of the Coronaviridae family and their potential successful interspecies host jumps—as that likely occurred in the Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emergence—should be considered in the management of hedgehogs admitted to multi-species wildlife rehabilitation centers, recommending their return back to the original recovery areas. The Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of the four hedgehog species belonging to the genus Erinaceus. Among them, E. amurensis is extant in East Asia’s areas only, whereas E. europaeus, E. roumanicus and E. concolor are mainly found in Europe. E. europaeus is endemically distributed from western to central and southern Europe, including Italy. Western European hedgehogs’ ecological and feeding habits, along with their high population densities, notable synanthropic attitudes, frequent contacts with sympatric wild and domestic species, including humans, implicate the possible involvement of E. europaeus in the ecology of potentially emerging viruses, such as coronaviruses, influenza A and influenza D viruses, canine distemper virus, pestiviruses and Aujeszky’s disease virus. We examined 24 E. europaeus individuals found injured in urban and rural areas of Northern Italy. Of the 24 fecal samples collected and tested for the above-mentioned pathogens by both PCR-based and virus isolation methods, 14 were found PCR-positive for betacoronaviruses belonging to lineage C and related to the known Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs), as determined by partial sequencing of the virus genome. Our findings suggest that hedgehogs could be considered natural reservoirs of CoVs, and also act as chronic shedding carriers of these potentially emerging RNA viruses.
Mauro Delogu; Claudia Cotti; Davide Lelli; Enrica Sozzi; Tiziana Trogu; Antonio Lavazza; Giacomo Garuti; Maria Rita Castrucci; Gabriele Vaccari; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno. Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy. Animals 2020, 10, 407 .
AMA StyleMauro Delogu, Claudia Cotti, Davide Lelli, Enrica Sozzi, Tiziana Trogu, Antonio Lavazza, Giacomo Garuti, Maria Rita Castrucci, Gabriele Vaccari, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Ana Moreno. Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy. Animals. 2020; 10 (3):407.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauro Delogu; Claudia Cotti; Davide Lelli; Enrica Sozzi; Tiziana Trogu; Antonio Lavazza; Giacomo Garuti; Maria Rita Castrucci; Gabriele Vaccari; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno. 2020. "Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy." Animals 10, no. 3: 407.
We investigated the Chlamydia spp. occurrence in Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) from urban and suburban areas in northern Italy. Among 76 doves screened, prevalence of Chlamydia spp. was 61%. Chlamydia psittaci genotype E was identified in 33 of the 46 positive samples. The multilocus sequence typing pattern of one highly positive sample showed a new allelic combination. The same molecular features were observed in a C. psittaci strain subsequently isolated from a live dove. Our results reveal a high C. psittaci prevalence in S. decaocto. The spread of this zoonotic pathogen from collared doves to other birds or humans seems to be a potential risk.
Manuela Donati; Karine Laroucau; Mauro Delogu; Fabien Vorimore; Rachid Aaziz; Eleonora Cremonini; Roberta Biondi; Claudia Cotti; Raffaella Baldelli; Antonietta Di Francesco. Chlamydia psittaci in Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in Italy. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2015, 51, 214 -217.
AMA StyleManuela Donati, Karine Laroucau, Mauro Delogu, Fabien Vorimore, Rachid Aaziz, Eleonora Cremonini, Roberta Biondi, Claudia Cotti, Raffaella Baldelli, Antonietta Di Francesco. Chlamydia psittaci in Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in Italy. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2015; 51 (1):214-217.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Donati; Karine Laroucau; Mauro Delogu; Fabien Vorimore; Rachid Aaziz; Eleonora Cremonini; Roberta Biondi; Claudia Cotti; Raffaella Baldelli; Antonietta Di Francesco. 2015. "Chlamydia psittaci in Eurasian Collared Doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in Italy." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 51, no. 1: 214-217.
We investigated the circulation dynamics of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) reservoir in Italy. In particular, we evaluated the temporal distribution of virologic findings by combining virus isolation data with a new population genetic-based study approach. Thus, during 11 consecutive sampling periods (wintering periods between 1993/94 and 2003/04), categorised into 40 sampling sub-periods, cloacal swab samples were collected from 996 wild and 16 captive-reared mallards, to be screened by RT-PCR before attempting influenza A virus isolation in embryonated eggs. Forty-eight LPAIVs were isolated from wild mallards and antigenically characterised by haemagglutination-inhibition and neuraminidase-inhibition assays. When considering LPAIV antigenic subtypes in which more than one mallard tested virus isolation positive (H1N1, n. 22; H2N3, n. 2; H5N3, n. 2; H6N5, n. 3; H6N8, n. 2; H7N3, n. 3; H11N6, n. 5), at least two birds infected with a specific HN subtype clustered within one same sampling sub-period. In the context of the novel population genetic approach, total DNA was extracted from a subset of 16 captive-reared and 65 wild ducks (2000/01 and 2001/02 sampling periods) to assess genetic diversity by amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) markers. Analyses of AFLP results showed that captive-reared mallards clustered together, whereas two main independent clusters characterised the distribution pattern of most wild mallards. Within this subset of samples, nearly identical H7N3 LPAIV strains were isolated from two wild mallards belonging to the same genetic cluster. Blood sera were also collected from the above subset of mallards and examined for antibodies to the homologous H7N3 virus strain. Four out of six wild mallards testing H7N3-seropositive by haemagglutination-inhibition assay (2001/02 period) belonged to the genetic cluster including H7N3 virus shedding ducks. Overall, our data raise the possibility of an enhanced transmission and circulation of LPAIVs in genetic or social groups of wild mallards, gathered in flocks possibly related by parentage and/or geographic origin.
Maria A. De Marco; Alessio Valentini; Emanuela Foni; Maria C. Savarese; Claudia Cotti; Chiara Chiapponi; Elisabetta Raffini; Isabella Donatelli; Mauro Delogu. Is there a relation between genetic or social groups of mallard ducks and the circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses? Veterinary Microbiology 2014, 170, 418 -424.
AMA StyleMaria A. De Marco, Alessio Valentini, Emanuela Foni, Maria C. Savarese, Claudia Cotti, Chiara Chiapponi, Elisabetta Raffini, Isabella Donatelli, Mauro Delogu. Is there a relation between genetic or social groups of mallard ducks and the circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses? Veterinary Microbiology. 2014; 170 (3-4):418-424.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria A. De Marco; Alessio Valentini; Emanuela Foni; Maria C. Savarese; Claudia Cotti; Chiara Chiapponi; Elisabetta Raffini; Isabella Donatelli; Mauro Delogu. 2014. "Is there a relation between genetic or social groups of mallard ducks and the circulation of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses?" Veterinary Microbiology 170, no. 3-4: 418-424.
Land-based birds, belonging to Galliformes order are considered to be potential intermediaries in the emergence of new strains of influenza A viruses (AIVs), but the viral circulation in these birds remains largely unknown. To gain insights into the circulation of AIV in the wild Galliformes populations in Italian Alps, we conducted a virological survey on rock partridge (Alectoris graeca saxatilis) belonging to Phasianidae family and on tetraonids including rock ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus helveticus) and black grouse (Tetrao tetrix tetrix). In 2003 and 2004, during the hunting seasons, 79 wild Galliformes, categorised into age and sex classes, were hunted in the Sondrio Province (Central Alps). Cloacal swabs were collected from 11 rock partridges and from 68 tetraonids including 23 alpine rock ptarmigans and 45 black grouses. We tested cloacal swabs by a high sensitive reverse transcription- (RT-) PCR detecting the matrix gene of AIV. No AIV was detected in the investigated samples, thus, suggesting the lack of AIV circulation in these relict populations in the study period. In terms of threatened species conservation, during wildlife management activities, it is very important to exclude the introduction of AIV-carrier birds in shared territories, a fact representing a health risk for these populations.
Mauro Delogu; Giulia Ghetti; Alessandro Gugiatti; Claudia Cotti; Isabella Piredda; Matteo Frasnelli; Maria A. De Marco. Virological Investigation of Avian Influenza Virus on Postglacial Species of Phasianidae and Tetraonidae in the Italian Alps. ISRN Veterinary Science 2013, 2013, 1 -5.
AMA StyleMauro Delogu, Giulia Ghetti, Alessandro Gugiatti, Claudia Cotti, Isabella Piredda, Matteo Frasnelli, Maria A. De Marco. Virological Investigation of Avian Influenza Virus on Postglacial Species of Phasianidae and Tetraonidae in the Italian Alps. ISRN Veterinary Science. 2013; 2013 ():1-5.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauro Delogu; Giulia Ghetti; Alessandro Gugiatti; Claudia Cotti; Isabella Piredda; Matteo Frasnelli; Maria A. De Marco. 2013. "Virological Investigation of Avian Influenza Virus on Postglacial Species of Phasianidae and Tetraonidae in the Italian Alps." ISRN Veterinary Science 2013, no. : 1-5.
Antonietta Di Francesco; Raffaella Baldelli; Manuela Donati; Claudia Cotti; Patrizia Bassi; Mauro Delogu. Evidence for Chlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) population in Italy. Veterinaria italiana 2013, 49, 1 .
AMA StyleAntonietta Di Francesco, Raffaella Baldelli, Manuela Donati, Claudia Cotti, Patrizia Bassi, Mauro Delogu. Evidence for Chlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) population in Italy. Veterinaria italiana. 2013; 49 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonietta Di Francesco; Raffaella Baldelli; Manuela Donati; Claudia Cotti; Patrizia Bassi; Mauro Delogu. 2013. "Evidence for Chlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae in a wild boar (Sus scrofa) population in Italy." Veterinaria italiana 49, no. 1: 1.
Sardinia is a Mediterranean island with a long geological history, leading to a separation process from continental Europe during the Miocene. As a consequence, in this insular habitat some wild bird species developed endemic forms, some of which are currently threatened. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible animal health risk associated with a potential avian influenza virus (AIV) circulation in Sardinian wild bird populations. Overall, 147 cloacal swabs were sampled in the Sardinia region from June 2009 to September 2011. Samples were obtained from 12 taxonomic orders, including 16 families and 40 species of birds. Based on the endangered host status or on the ecology of the host-virus interaction, samples were categorized into three groups of species: 1) endemic, endangered, or both (17 species); 2) potential reservoir (21 species); and 3) potential spillover (two species). Cloacal swabs were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for influenza A virus matrix gene amplification. Forty-one serum samples were tested by nucleoprotein-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NP-ELISA) for antibodies against influenza A virus nucleoprotein and by hemagglutination inhibition assay for detection of seropositivity against H5 and H7 AIV subtypes. No cloacal swabs tested RT-PCR positive for AIV, whereas two weak seropositive results were detected by NP-ELISA in a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and in a yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). The low or absent AIV circulation detected in Sardinia's wild birds during the study suggests a naïve status in these avian populations. These data provide new information on AIV circulation in Sardinia's wild birds that could be applied to implement conservation strategies for threatened species.
Mauro Delogu; Isabella Piredda; Antonio Pintore; Pierangela Cabras; Claudia Cotti; Giulia Ghetti; Elisabetta Raffini; Maria A. De Marco. Avian Influenza and Animal Health Risk: Conservation of Endemic Threatened Wild Birds in Sardinia Island. Avian Diseases 2012, 56, 1034 -1039.
AMA StyleMauro Delogu, Isabella Piredda, Antonio Pintore, Pierangela Cabras, Claudia Cotti, Giulia Ghetti, Elisabetta Raffini, Maria A. De Marco. Avian Influenza and Animal Health Risk: Conservation of Endemic Threatened Wild Birds in Sardinia Island. Avian Diseases. 2012; 56 (4s1):1034-1039.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauro Delogu; Isabella Piredda; Antonio Pintore; Pierangela Cabras; Claudia Cotti; Giulia Ghetti; Elisabetta Raffini; Maria A. De Marco. 2012. "Avian Influenza and Animal Health Risk: Conservation of Endemic Threatened Wild Birds in Sardinia Island." Avian Diseases 56, no. 4s1: 1034-1039.
To investigate the molecular adaptation of influenza viruses during natural interspecies transmission, we performed a phenotypic and genotypic analysis of a low-pathogenic duck H7N3 influenza virus after experimental passages in turkey and quail. Results obtained showed differences in the HA receptor-binding and in NA enzyme activities in viruses recovered after passages in quail, compared to those obtained from passages in turkey. Sequencing of the HA, NA and genes of internal proteins of the viruses obtained from quail and turkey, identified several amino acid substitutions in comparison with the progenitor virus. Of note, in the quail-adapted viruses the emergence of a 23-amino acid deletion in the stalk of the NA and the introduction of a glycosylation site in the HA were a reminiscence of changes typically observed in nature confirming a potential role of the quail in the adaptation of wild birds viruses to domestic poultry.
Simone Giannecchini; Valeria Clausi; Livia Di Trani; Emiliana Falcone; Calogero Terregino; Anna Toffan; Filippo Cilloni; Mikhail Matrosovich; Alexandra S. Gambaryan; Nicolai V. Bovin; Mauro Delogu; Ilaria Capua; Isabella Donatelli; Alberta Azzi. Molecular adaptation of an H7N3 wild duck influenza virus following experimental multiple passages in quail and turkey. Virology 2010, 408, 167 -173.
AMA StyleSimone Giannecchini, Valeria Clausi, Livia Di Trani, Emiliana Falcone, Calogero Terregino, Anna Toffan, Filippo Cilloni, Mikhail Matrosovich, Alexandra S. Gambaryan, Nicolai V. Bovin, Mauro Delogu, Ilaria Capua, Isabella Donatelli, Alberta Azzi. Molecular adaptation of an H7N3 wild duck influenza virus following experimental multiple passages in quail and turkey. Virology. 2010; 408 (2):167-173.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSimone Giannecchini; Valeria Clausi; Livia Di Trani; Emiliana Falcone; Calogero Terregino; Anna Toffan; Filippo Cilloni; Mikhail Matrosovich; Alexandra S. Gambaryan; Nicolai V. Bovin; Mauro Delogu; Ilaria Capua; Isabella Donatelli; Alberta Azzi. 2010. "Molecular adaptation of an H7N3 wild duck influenza virus following experimental multiple passages in quail and turkey." Virology 408, no. 2: 167-173.
Wild aquatic birds in the Orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes are the main reservoir hosts perpetuating the genetic pool of all influenza A viruses, including pandemic viruses. High viral loads in feces of infected birds permit a fecal-oral route of transmission. Numerous studies have reported the isolation of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) from surface water at aquatic bird habitats. These isolations indicate aquatic environments have an important role in the transmission of AIV among wild aquatic birds. However, the progressive dilution of infectious feces in water could decrease the likelihood of virus/host interactions. To evaluate whether alternate mechanisms facilitate AIV transmission in aquatic bird populations, we investigated whether the preen oil gland secretions by which all aquatic birds make their feathers waterproof could support a natural mechanism that concentrates AIVs from water onto birds' bodies, thus, representing a possible source of infection by preening activity. We consistently detected both viral RNA and infectious AIVs on swabs of preened feathers of 345 wild mallards by using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus-isolation (VI) assays. Additionally, in two laboratory experiments using a quantitative real-time (qR) RT-PCR assay, we demonstrated that feather samples (n = 5) and cotton swabs (n = 24) experimentally impregnated with preen oil, when soaked in AIV-contaminated waters, attracted and concentrated AIVs on their surfaces. The data presented herein provide information that expands our understanding of AIV ecology in the wild bird reservoir system.
Mauro Delogu; Maria A. De Marco; Livia Di Trani; Elisabetta Raffini; Claudia Cotti; Simona Puzelli; Fabio Ostanello; Robert G. Webster; Antonio Cassone; Isabella Donatelli. Can Preening Contribute to Influenza A Virus Infection in Wild Waterbirds? PLOS ONE 2010, 5, e11315 -e11315.
AMA StyleMauro Delogu, Maria A. De Marco, Livia Di Trani, Elisabetta Raffini, Claudia Cotti, Simona Puzelli, Fabio Ostanello, Robert G. Webster, Antonio Cassone, Isabella Donatelli. Can Preening Contribute to Influenza A Virus Infection in Wild Waterbirds? PLOS ONE. 2010; 5 (6):e11315-e11315.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauro Delogu; Maria A. De Marco; Livia Di Trani; Elisabetta Raffini; Claudia Cotti; Simona Puzelli; Fabio Ostanello; Robert G. Webster; Antonio Cassone; Isabella Donatelli. 2010. "Can Preening Contribute to Influenza A Virus Infection in Wild Waterbirds?" PLOS ONE 5, no. 6: e11315-e11315.
Since the “bird flu” incident in Hong Kong SAR in 1997, several studies have highlighted the substantial role of domestic birds, such as turkeys and chickens, in the ecology of influenza A viruses. Even if recent evidence suggests that chickens can maintain several influenza serotypes, avian influenza viruses (AIVs) circulating in domestic species are believed to be introduced each time from the wild bird reservoir. However, so far the direct precursor of influenza viruses from domestic birds has never been identified. In this report, we describe the antigenic and genetic characterization of the surface proteins of H7N3 viruses isolated from wild ducks in Italy in 2001 in comparison to H7N3 strains that circulated in Italian turkeys in 2002–2003. The wild and domestic avian strains appeared strictly related at both phenotypic and genetic level: homology percentages in seven of their genes were comprised between 99.8% (for PB2) and 99.1% (for M), and their NA genes differed mainly because of a 23-aminoacid deletion in the NA stalk. Outside this region of the molecule, the NAs of the two virus groups showed 99% similarity. These findings indicate that turkey H7N3 viruses were derived “in toto” from avian influenza strains circulating in wild waterfowl 1 year earlier, and represent an important step towards the comprehension of the mechanisms leading to interspecies transmission and emergence of potentially pandemic influenza viruses.
L Campitelli; Elvira Mogavero; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Mauro Delogu; Simona Puzelli; Fabiola Frezza; Marzia Facchini; Chiara Chiapponi; Emanuela Foni; Paolo Cordioli; Richard Webby; Giuseppe Barigazzi; Robert G Webster; Isabella Donatelli. Interspecies transmission of an H7N3 influenza virus from wild birds to intensively reared domestic poultry in Italy. Virology 2004, 323, 24 -36.
AMA StyleL Campitelli, Elvira Mogavero, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Mauro Delogu, Simona Puzelli, Fabiola Frezza, Marzia Facchini, Chiara Chiapponi, Emanuela Foni, Paolo Cordioli, Richard Webby, Giuseppe Barigazzi, Robert G Webster, Isabella Donatelli. Interspecies transmission of an H7N3 influenza virus from wild birds to intensively reared domestic poultry in Italy. Virology. 2004; 323 (1):24-36.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL Campitelli; Elvira Mogavero; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Mauro Delogu; Simona Puzelli; Fabiola Frezza; Marzia Facchini; Chiara Chiapponi; Emanuela Foni; Paolo Cordioli; Richard Webby; Giuseppe Barigazzi; Robert G Webster; Isabella Donatelli. 2004. "Interspecies transmission of an H7N3 influenza virus from wild birds to intensively reared domestic poultry in Italy." Virology 323, no. 1: 24-36.