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Paratuberculosis (PTB), a chronic granulomatous enteritis caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is responsible for important economic losses in the dairy industry. Our previous RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis showed that bovine intelectin 2 (ITLN2) precursor gene was overexpressed in ileocecal valve (ICV) samples of animals with focal (log2 fold-change = 10.6) and diffuse (log2 fold-change = 6.8) PTB-associated lesions compared to animals without lesions. This study analyzes the potential use of ITLN2, a protein that has been described as fundamental in the innate immune response to infections, as a biomarker of MAP infection. The presence of ITLN2 was investigated by quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of ICV samples of 20 Holstein Friesian cows showing focal (n = 5), multifocal (n = 5), diffuse (n = 5) and no histological lesions (n = 5). Significant differences were observed in the mean number of ITLN2 immunostained goblet and Paneth cells between the three histopathological types and the control. The number of immunolabelled cells was higher in the focal histopathological type (116.9 ± 113.9) followed by the multifocal (108.7 ± 140.5), diffuse (76.5 ± 97.8) and control types (41.0 ± 81.3). These results validate ITLN2 as a post-mortem biomarker of disease progression.
Cristina Blanco Vázquez; Ana Balseiro; Marta Alonso-Hearn; Ramón Juste; Natalia Iglesias; Maria Canive; Rosa Casais. Bovine Intelectin 2 Expression as a Biomarker of Paratuberculosis Disease Progression. Animals 2021, 11, 1370 .
AMA StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez, Ana Balseiro, Marta Alonso-Hearn, Ramón Juste, Natalia Iglesias, Maria Canive, Rosa Casais. Bovine Intelectin 2 Expression as a Biomarker of Paratuberculosis Disease Progression. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1370.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez; Ana Balseiro; Marta Alonso-Hearn; Ramón Juste; Natalia Iglesias; Maria Canive; Rosa Casais. 2021. "Bovine Intelectin 2 Expression as a Biomarker of Paratuberculosis Disease Progression." Animals 11, no. 5: 1370.
The present work investigated the prevalence, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution of tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and cattle in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) during a 13-year follow-up. The study objective was to assess the role of badgers as a TB reservoir for cattle and other sympatric wild species in the region. Between 2008 and 2020, 673 badgers (98 trapped and 575 killed in road traffic accidents) in Asturias were necropsied, and their tissue samples were cultured for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolation. Serum samples were tested in an in-house indirect P22 ELISA to detect antibodies against the MTC. In parallel, data on MTC isolation and single intradermal tuberculin test results were extracted for cattle that were tested and culled as part of the Spanish National Program for the Eradication of Bovine TB. A total of 27/639 badgers (4.23%) were positive for MTC based on bacterial isolation, while 160/673 badgers (23.77%) were found to be positive with the P22 ELISA. The rate of seropositivity was higher among adult badgers than subadults. Badger TB status was spatially and temporally associated with cattle TB status. Our results cannot determine the direction of possible interspecies transmission, but they are consistent with the idea that the two hosts may exert infection pressure on each other. This study highlights the importance of the wildlife monitoring of infection and disease during epidemiological interventions in order to optimize outcomes.
Cristina Blanco Vázquez; Thiago Barral; Beatriz Romero; Manuel Queipo; Isabel Merediz; Pablo Quirós; José Armenteros; Ramón Juste; Lucas Domínguez; Mercedes Domínguez; Rosa Casais; Ana Balseiro. Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain. Animals 2021, 11, 1294 .
AMA StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez, Thiago Barral, Beatriz Romero, Manuel Queipo, Isabel Merediz, Pablo Quirós, José Armenteros, Ramón Juste, Lucas Domínguez, Mercedes Domínguez, Rosa Casais, Ana Balseiro. Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1294.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez; Thiago Barral; Beatriz Romero; Manuel Queipo; Isabel Merediz; Pablo Quirós; José Armenteros; Ramón Juste; Lucas Domínguez; Mercedes Domínguez; Rosa Casais; Ana Balseiro. 2021. "Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Infection in Eurasian Badger (Meles meles) and Cattle in Asturias, Spain." Animals 11, no. 5: 1294.
Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), responsible for important economic losses in the dairy industry. Current diagnostic methods have low sensitivities for detection of latent forms of MAP infection, defined by focal granulomatous lesions and scarce humoral response or MAP presence. In contrast, patent infections correspond to multifocal and diffuse types of enteritis where there is increased antibody production, and substantial mycobacterial load. Our previous RNA-Seq analysis allowed the selection of five candidate biomarkers overexpressed in peripheral blood of MAP infected Holstein cows with focal (ABCA13 and MMP8) and diffuse (FAM84A, SPARC and DES) lesions vs. control animals with no detectable PTB-associated lesions in intestine and regional lymph nodes. The aim of the current study was to assess the PTB diagnostic potential of commercial ELISAs designed for the specific detection of these biomarkers. The ability of these ELISAs to identify animals with latent and/or patent forms of MAP infection was investigated using serum from naturally infected cattle (n = 88) and non-infected control animals (n = 67). ROC analysis revealed that the ABCA13-based ELISA showed the highest diagnostic accuracy for the detection of infected animals with focal lesions (AUC 0.837, sensitivity 79.25% and specificity 88.06%) and with any type of histological lesion (AUC 0.793, sensitivity 69.41% and specificity 86.57%) improving on the diagnostic performance of the popular IDEXX ELISA and other conventional diagnostic methods. SPARC and MMP8 showed the highest diagnostic accuracy for the detection of animals with multifocal (AUC 0.852) and diffuse lesions (AUC 0.831), respectively. In conclusion, our results suggest that quantification of ABCA13, SPARC and MMP8 by ELISA has the potential for implementation as a diagnostic tool to reliably identify MAP infection, greatly improving early detection of MAP latent infections when antibody responses and fecal shedding are undetectable using conventional diagnostic methods.
Cristina Blanco Vázquez; Marta Alonso-Hearn; Ramón A. Juste; María Canive; Tania Iglesias; Natalia Iglesias; Javier Amado; Fernando Vicente; Ana Balseiro; Rosa Casais. Detection of latent forms of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection using host biomarker-based ELISAs greatly improves paratuberculosis diagnostic sensitivity. PLOS ONE 2020, 15, e0236336 .
AMA StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez, Marta Alonso-Hearn, Ramón A. Juste, María Canive, Tania Iglesias, Natalia Iglesias, Javier Amado, Fernando Vicente, Ana Balseiro, Rosa Casais. Detection of latent forms of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection using host biomarker-based ELISAs greatly improves paratuberculosis diagnostic sensitivity. PLOS ONE. 2020; 15 (9):e0236336.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez; Marta Alonso-Hearn; Ramón A. Juste; María Canive; Tania Iglesias; Natalia Iglesias; Javier Amado; Fernando Vicente; Ana Balseiro; Rosa Casais. 2020. "Detection of latent forms of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection using host biomarker-based ELISAs greatly improves paratuberculosis diagnostic sensitivity." PLOS ONE 15, no. 9: e0236336.
Tuberculosis (TB) vaccination could be used as a key part of integrated strategies for the disease’s control if an effective and safe vaccine under field conditions is obtained. Recent studies in Spain have evaluated the protective efficacy of two oral vaccines against experimental challenge with live intra-bronchial Mycobacterium bovis in captive badgers: the live-attenuated M. bovis BCG vaccine (Danish strain) and a heat-inactivated M. bovis (HIMB) vaccine. With the objective of increasing the knowledge of the cellular development progress of infection and generating further tools to discriminate between mild and severe TB lesions between and within animals, the immunopathology of tuberculous lesions was studied to characterize the local immune response (cell type profile) within lung granulomas from control (non-vaccinated), BCG vaccinated and HIMB-vaccinated experimentally infected badgers with M. bovis. Four immunohistochemical protocols, for the specific detection of macrophages, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and plasma cells within TB granulomas in formalin fixed sections of the right middle lung lobe (lobe targeted for the M. bovis delivery), were performed. Immunolabelled sections were scanned and five randomly selected areas were analyzed with digital image analysis software. The results were expressed as the proportion of the positively immunolabelled area within the total area of the selected site. Data was analyzed using the statistical analysis software (SAS). In the three treatment groups, macrophages were the most abundant inflammatory cells within the granulomas, followed by B lymphocytes and plasma cells. T lymphocyes were absent in those granulomas. This would suggest a predominance of a non-specific innate response mediated by phagocytic cells over an adaptative humoral immune response. The proportion of macrophages and plasma cells was higher in BCG and HIMB-vaccinated badgers, respectively, suggesting the establishment of an adaptative humoral response in HIMB-vaccinated badgers. The lower bacterial load at the lung level, as well as the volume of lesions in lungs using magnetic resonance imaging in badgers with the HIMB vaccine in relation with local immune response presented, must be highlighted, since it would be an advantage in favor of its use under field conditions in terms of reducing TB transmission and environmental contamination.
Cristina Blanco Vázquez; Miguel Prieto; Marta Barral; Ramón Antonio Juste; Sandrine Lesellier; Francisco Javier Salguero; Dipesh Davé; Ileana Zorhaya Martínez; María Gracia De Garnica García; Rosa Casais; Ana Balseiro. Local Lung Immune Response to Mycobacterium bovis Challenge after BCG and M. bovis Heat-Inactivated Vaccination in European Badger (Meles meles). Pathogens 2020, 9, 456 .
AMA StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez, Miguel Prieto, Marta Barral, Ramón Antonio Juste, Sandrine Lesellier, Francisco Javier Salguero, Dipesh Davé, Ileana Zorhaya Martínez, María Gracia De Garnica García, Rosa Casais, Ana Balseiro. Local Lung Immune Response to Mycobacterium bovis Challenge after BCG and M. bovis Heat-Inactivated Vaccination in European Badger (Meles meles). Pathogens. 2020; 9 (6):456.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Blanco Vázquez; Miguel Prieto; Marta Barral; Ramón Antonio Juste; Sandrine Lesellier; Francisco Javier Salguero; Dipesh Davé; Ileana Zorhaya Martínez; María Gracia De Garnica García; Rosa Casais; Ana Balseiro. 2020. "Local Lung Immune Response to Mycobacterium bovis Challenge after BCG and M. bovis Heat-Inactivated Vaccination in European Badger (Meles meles)." Pathogens 9, no. 6: 456.
The study of myxoma virus (MYXV) infections in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has produced one of the most accepted host–pathogen evolutionary models. To date, myxomatosis has been limited to the European rabbit with sporadic reports in hares. However, reports of widespread mortalities in the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) with myxomatosis‐like clinical signs indicate a potential species jump has occurred. The presence of MYXV DNA was confirmed by PCR in 244 samples received from regional veterinary services, animal health laboratories, hunters or rangers over a 5‐month period. PCR analysis of 4 MYXV positive hare samples revealed a 2.8 kb insertion located within the M009 gene with respect to MYXV. The presence of this insertion was subsequently confirmed in 20 samples from 18 Spanish provinces. Sanger sequencing and subsequent analysis show that the insert contained 4 ORFs which are phylogenetically related to MYXV genes M060, M061, M064 and M065. The complete MYXV genome from hare tissue was sequenced using Ion torrent next‐generation technology and a summary of the data presented here. With the exception of the inserted region, the virus genome had no large scale modifications and 110 mutations with respect to the MYXV reference strain Lausanne were observed. The next phase in the evolution of MYXV has taken place as a host species jump from the European rabbit to the Iberian hare an occurrence which could have important effects on this naïve population.
Kevin P. Dalton; José M. Martín; Inés Nicieza; Ana Podadera; Daniel De Llano; Rosa Casais; Salvador Gimenez; Ignacio Badiola; Montserrat Agüero; Manuel Duran; Dolores Buitrago; Luis J. Romero; Elena García; Francisco Parra. Myxoma virusjumps species to the Iberian hare. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2019, 66, 2218 -2226.
AMA StyleKevin P. Dalton, José M. Martín, Inés Nicieza, Ana Podadera, Daniel De Llano, Rosa Casais, Salvador Gimenez, Ignacio Badiola, Montserrat Agüero, Manuel Duran, Dolores Buitrago, Luis J. Romero, Elena García, Francisco Parra. Myxoma virusjumps species to the Iberian hare. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2019; 66 (6):2218-2226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKevin P. Dalton; José M. Martín; Inés Nicieza; Ana Podadera; Daniel De Llano; Rosa Casais; Salvador Gimenez; Ignacio Badiola; Montserrat Agüero; Manuel Duran; Dolores Buitrago; Luis J. Romero; Elena García; Francisco Parra. 2019. "Myxoma virusjumps species to the Iberian hare." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 66, no. 6: 2218-2226.
RHDVb has become the dominant RHDV on the Iberian Peninsula. A better understanding of its pathogenicity is required to aid control measures. Thus, the clinical course, humoral immune response, viraemia and kinetics of RHDV-N11 (a Spanish RHDVb isolate) infection in different tissues at both viral RNA and protein levels were studied in experimentally infected young and adult rabbits. The case fatality rate differed between the two age groups, with 21% of kits succumbing while no deaths were observed in adults. Fever and viremia were strongly associated with death, which occurred 48 h post infection (PI) too fast for an effective humoral immune response to be mounted. A significant effect on the number of viral RNA copies with regard to the variables age, tissue and time PI (p < 0.0001 in all cases) was detected. Histological lesions in infected rabbits were consistently more frequent and severe in liver and spleen and additionally intestine in kits, these tissues containing the highest levels of viral RNA and protein. Although no adults showed lesions or virus antigen in intestine, both kits and adults maintained steady viral RNA levels from days 1 to 7 PI in this organ. Analysis revealed the fecal route as the main dissemination route of RHDV-N11. Subclinically infected rabbits had detectable viral RNA in their faeces for up to seven days and thus may play an important role spreading the virus. This study allows a better understanding of the transmission of this virus and improvement of the control strategies for this disease.
K.P. Dalton; A. Balseiro; R.A. Juste; A. Podadera; I. Nicieza; D. del Llano; R. González; J.M. Martin Alonso; J.M. Prieto; F. Parra; R. Casais. Clinical course and pathogenicity of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in experimentally infected adult and kit rabbits: Significance towards control and spread. Veterinary Microbiology 2018, 220, 24 -32.
AMA StyleK.P. Dalton, A. Balseiro, R.A. Juste, A. Podadera, I. Nicieza, D. del Llano, R. González, J.M. Martin Alonso, J.M. Prieto, F. Parra, R. Casais. Clinical course and pathogenicity of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in experimentally infected adult and kit rabbits: Significance towards control and spread. Veterinary Microbiology. 2018; 220 ():24-32.
Chicago/Turabian StyleK.P. Dalton; A. Balseiro; R.A. Juste; A. Podadera; I. Nicieza; D. del Llano; R. González; J.M. Martin Alonso; J.M. Prieto; F. Parra; R. Casais. 2018. "Clinical course and pathogenicity of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in experimentally infected adult and kit rabbits: Significance towards control and spread." Veterinary Microbiology 220, no. : 24-32.
The emergence and rapid spread of variant of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) require new diagnostic tools to ensure that efficient control measures are adopted. In the present study, a specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of RHDV2 antigens in rabbit liver homogenates, based on the use of an RHDV2-specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) 2D9 for antigen capture and an anti-RHDV2 goat polyclonal antibody (Pab), was developed. This ELISA was able to successfully detect RHDV2 and RHDV2 recombinant virions with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (97.22%). No cross-reactions were detected with RHDV G1 viruses while low cross-reactivity was detected with one of the RHDVa samples analyzed. The ELISA afforded good repeatability and had high analytical sensitivity as it was able to detect a dilution 1:163,640 (6.10 ng/mL) of purified RHDV-N11 VLPs, which contained approximately 3.4 × 108molecules/mL particles. The reliable discrimination between closely related viruses is crucial to understand the epidemiology and the interaction of co-existing pathogens. In the work described here we design and validate an ELISA for laboratory based, specific, sensitive and reliable detection of RHDVb/RHDV2. This ELISA is a valuable, specific virological tool for monitoring virus circulation, which will permit a better control of this disease.
K.P. Dalton; A. Podadera; V. Granda; I. Nicieza; D. Del Llano; R. González; J.R. De Los Toyos; M. García Ocaña; F. Vázquez; J.M. Martín Alonso; J.M. Prieto; F. Parra; R. Casais. ELISA for detection of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus RHDV2 antigen in liver extracts. Journal of Virological Methods 2017, 251, 38 -42.
AMA StyleK.P. Dalton, A. Podadera, V. Granda, I. Nicieza, D. Del Llano, R. González, J.R. De Los Toyos, M. García Ocaña, F. Vázquez, J.M. Martín Alonso, J.M. Prieto, F. Parra, R. Casais. ELISA for detection of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus RHDV2 antigen in liver extracts. Journal of Virological Methods. 2017; 251 ():38-42.
Chicago/Turabian StyleK.P. Dalton; A. Podadera; V. Granda; I. Nicieza; D. Del Llano; R. González; J.R. De Los Toyos; M. García Ocaña; F. Vázquez; J.M. Martín Alonso; J.M. Prieto; F. Parra; R. Casais. 2017. "ELISA for detection of variant rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus RHDV2 antigen in liver extracts." Journal of Virological Methods 251, no. : 38-42.
Spanish goat encephalitis virus (SGEV) is a recently described member of the genus Flavivirus belonging to the tick-borne encephalitis group of viruses, and is closely related to louping ill virus (LIV). Naturally acquired disease in goats results in severe, acute encephalitis and 100% mortality. Eighteen goats were challenged subcutaneously with SGEV; nine were vaccinated previously against LIV and nine were not. None of the vaccinated goats showed any clinical signs of disease or histological lesions, but all of the non-vaccinated goats developed pyrexia and 5/9 developed neurological clinical signs, primarily tremors in the neck and ataxia. All non-vaccinated animals developed histological lesions restricted to the central nervous system and consistent with a lymphocytic meningomyeloencephalitis. Vaccinated goats had significantly (P <0.003) greater concentrations of serum IgG and lower levels of IgM (P <0.0001) compared with unvaccinated animals. SGEV RNA levels were below detectable limits in the vaccinated goats throughout the experiment, but increased rapidly and were significantly (P <0.0001) greater 2-10 days post challenge in the non-vaccinated group. In conclusion, vaccination of goats against LIV confers highly effective protection against SGEV; this is probably mediated by IgG and prevents an increase in viral RNA load in serum such that vaccinated animals would not be an effective reservoir of the virus.
L.M. Salinas; Rosa Casais; J.F. García Marín; Kevin P. Dalton; L.J. Royo; A. del Cerro; E. Gayo; M.P. Dagleish; Pilar Alberdi; R.A. Juste; J. de la Fuente; A. Balseiro. Vaccination against Louping Ill Virus Protects Goats from Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2017, 156, 409 -418.
AMA StyleL.M. Salinas, Rosa Casais, J.F. García Marín, Kevin P. Dalton, L.J. Royo, A. del Cerro, E. Gayo, M.P. Dagleish, Pilar Alberdi, R.A. Juste, J. de la Fuente, A. Balseiro. Vaccination against Louping Ill Virus Protects Goats from Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 2017; 156 (4):409-418.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL.M. Salinas; Rosa Casais; J.F. García Marín; Kevin P. Dalton; L.J. Royo; A. del Cerro; E. Gayo; M.P. Dagleish; Pilar Alberdi; R.A. Juste; J. de la Fuente; A. Balseiro. 2017. "Vaccination against Louping Ill Virus Protects Goats from Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus." Journal of Comparative Pathology 156, no. 4: 409-418.
Spanish goat encephalitis virus (SGEV) is a member of the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae, and causes encephalomyelitis in goats. The aim of this study was to determine whether sheep are susceptible to experimental challenge with SGEV by two different routes. The results show that SGEV can infect sheep by both the subcutaneous and intravenous routes, resulting in neurological clinical disease with extensive and severe histological lesions in the central nervous system. Lambs challenged subcutaneously developed more severe lesions on the ipsilateral side of the brain, but the lesion morphology was similar irrespective of the route of challenge. The clinical presentation, pathogenesis, lesion morphology and distribution shows that SGEV is very similar to louping ill virus (LIV) and therefore any disease control plan must take into account any host species and SGEV vectors as potential reservoirs. Furthermore, discriminatory diagnostics need to be applied to any sheep or goat suspected of disease due to any flavivirus in areas where SGEV and LIV co-exist.
L.M. Salinas; Rosa Casais; J.F. García Marín; Kevin P. Dalton; L.J. Royo; A. Del Cerro; E. Gayo; M.P. Dagleish; R.A. Juste; A. Balseiro. Lambs are Susceptible to Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Comparative Pathology 2017, 156, 400 -408.
AMA StyleL.M. Salinas, Rosa Casais, J.F. García Marín, Kevin P. Dalton, L.J. Royo, A. Del Cerro, E. Gayo, M.P. Dagleish, R.A. Juste, A. Balseiro. Lambs are Susceptible to Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus. Journal of Comparative Pathology. 2017; 156 (4):400-408.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL.M. Salinas; Rosa Casais; J.F. García Marín; Kevin P. Dalton; L.J. Royo; A. Del Cerro; E. Gayo; M.P. Dagleish; R.A. Juste; A. Balseiro. 2017. "Lambs are Susceptible to Experimental Challenge with Spanish Goat Encephalitis Virus." Journal of Comparative Pathology 156, no. 4: 400-408.
Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, affecting different mammalian species worldwide including the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), in which mortalities over 90 % of the population have been reported. No efficient diagnostic methods are available for this disease, particularly when there are low mite numbers and mild or no clinical signs. In this study, three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) developed for dog (ELISA A), Cantabrian chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica parva) (ELISA B) and Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) (ELISA C), were evaluated to detect specific antibodies (IgG) to sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex sera. Serum samples from 131 Iberian ibexes (86 healthy and 45 scabietic) were collected from 2005 to 2012 in the Sierra Nevada Natural and National Parks (southern Spain). Based on visual inspection, ibexes were classified into one of three categories, namely healthy (without scabietic compatible lesions), mildly affected (skin lesions over less than 50 % of the body surface) and severely affected (skin lesions over more than 50 % of the body surface). The optimal cut-off point, specificity, sensitivity and the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated, and the agreement between tests was determined. Moreover, differences in the optical density (OD) related to scabies severity have been evaluated for the best test. ELISA C showed better performance than the two other tests, reaching higher values of sensitivity (93.0 %) and specificity (93.5 %) against the visual estimation of the percentage of affected skin, chosen as the gold standard. Significantly higher concentrations of specific antibodies were observed with this test in the mildly and severely infested ibexes than in healthy ones. Our results revealed that ELISA C was an optimal test to diagnose sarcoptic mange in the Iberian ibex. Further studies characterizing immune response during the course of the disease, including spontaneous or drug induced recovery, should follow in order to better understand sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex populations.
Arián Ráez-Bravo; José Enrique Granados; Emmanuel Serrano; Debora Dellamaria; Rosa Casais; Luca Rossi; Anna Puigdemont; Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel; Paulino Fandos; Jesús María Pérez; José Espinosa; Ramón Casimiro Soriguer; Carlo Citterio; Jorge Ramón López-Olvera. Evaluation of three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for sarcoptic mange diagnosis and assessment in the Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica. Parasites & Vectors 2016, 9, 1 -8.
AMA StyleArián Ráez-Bravo, José Enrique Granados, Emmanuel Serrano, Debora Dellamaria, Rosa Casais, Luca Rossi, Anna Puigdemont, Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel, Paulino Fandos, Jesús María Pérez, José Espinosa, Ramón Casimiro Soriguer, Carlo Citterio, Jorge Ramón López-Olvera. Evaluation of three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for sarcoptic mange diagnosis and assessment in the Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica. Parasites & Vectors. 2016; 9 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArián Ráez-Bravo; José Enrique Granados; Emmanuel Serrano; Debora Dellamaria; Rosa Casais; Luca Rossi; Anna Puigdemont; Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel; Paulino Fandos; Jesús María Pérez; José Espinosa; Ramón Casimiro Soriguer; Carlo Citterio; Jorge Ramón López-Olvera. 2016. "Evaluation of three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for sarcoptic mange diagnosis and assessment in the Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica." Parasites & Vectors 9, no. 1: 1-8.
Vaccination is an attractive ecological alternative to the use of acaricides for parasite control. However, effective anti-parasite vaccines against sarcoptic mange have not yet been developed. The purpose of this study was first to identify Sarcoptes scabiei immunodominant antigens and second to evaluate them as vaccine candidates in a rabbit/S. scabiei var. cuniculi model. The S. scabiei Ssλ15 immunodominant antigen was selected by immunoscreening of a S. scabiei var. hominis cDNA. The full-length cDNA was sequenced and cloned into the pGEX vector and the recombinant protein expressed in BL21 (DE3) cells and purified. A vaccination trial was performed consisting of a test group (n = 8) immunised with recAgs (a mix of two recombinant antigens, Ssλ15 and the previously described Ssλ20∆B3) and a control group (n = 8) immunised with PBS. All analyses were performed with R Statistical Environment with α set at 0.050. The full-length open reading frame of the 1,821 nt cloned cDNA encodes a 64 kDa polypeptide, the sequence of which had 96 % identity with a hypothetical protein of S. scabiei. Ssλ15 was localised by immunostaining of skin sections in the tegument surrounding the mouthparts and the coxa in the legs of mites. Rabbit immunisation with recAgs induced high levels of specific IgG (P < 0.010) and increased levels of total IgEs. However, no significant clinical protection against S. scabiei challenge was detected. Unexpectedly, the group immunised with the recAgs mix had significantly higher lesion scores (P = 0.050) although lower mean mite densities than those observed in the control group. These results might indicate that the lesions in the recAgs group were due not only to the mites density but also to an exacerbated immunological response after challenge, which is in agreement with the specific high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and TNFα) detected after challenge in this group. The selected antigens delivered as recombinant proteins had no clinical protective efficacy against S. scabiei infestation although immunisation reduced mite density. However, these results pave the way for future studies on alternative production systems, adjuvants, delivery methods and combinations of antigens in order to manage stimulation of clinical protective immune responses.
Rosa Casais; Victor Granda; Ana Balseiro; Ana Del Cerro; Kevin P. Dalton; Roxana González; Pablo Bravo; J. M. Prieto; Maria Montoya. Vaccination of rabbits with immunodominant antigens from Sarcoptes scabiei induced high levels of humoral responses and pro-inflammatory cytokines but confers limited protection. Parasites & Vectors 2016, 9, 435 .
AMA StyleRosa Casais, Victor Granda, Ana Balseiro, Ana Del Cerro, Kevin P. Dalton, Roxana González, Pablo Bravo, J. M. Prieto, Maria Montoya. Vaccination of rabbits with immunodominant antigens from Sarcoptes scabiei induced high levels of humoral responses and pro-inflammatory cytokines but confers limited protection. Parasites & Vectors. 2016; 9 (1):435.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosa Casais; Victor Granda; Ana Balseiro; Ana Del Cerro; Kevin P. Dalton; Roxana González; Pablo Bravo; J. M. Prieto; Maria Montoya. 2016. "Vaccination of rabbits with immunodominant antigens from Sarcoptes scabiei induced high levels of humoral responses and pro-inflammatory cytokines but confers limited protection." Parasites & Vectors 9, no. 1: 435.
An ELISA, based on the Sarcoptes scabiei Ssλ20ΔB3 inmunodominant antigen, was evaluated for the detection of antibodies to S. scabiei in experimentally infested (n=10), farm (n=109), and wild (n=78) rabbit sera. The S. scabiei antigen Ssλ20ΔB3, a major structural protein present over the entire mite's body, was produced as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and purified for its use in the ELISA. The resulting ELISA showed, in experimentally infested domestic rabbits, detectable specific antibody responses (IgG) above the cut off level from week three post-infestation indicating that the assay is able to detect positive rabbits very early during the course of the infestation. The ELISA was validated on a panel of 109 domestic breeding rabbit sera collected from 26 Spanish farms, of which 41 were obtained from rabbits with skin lesions compatible with sarcoptic mange, 26 with skin lesions compatible with psoroptic mange, and 42 from unexposed individuals from mange-free farms. The ELISA in this group was characterized by 95% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and a high degree of repeatability. In the psoroptic mange compatible lesions group, included in the study as control group for cross-reactivity with the closely related mite Psoroptes cuniculi, cross-reacting antibodies to Ssλ20ΔB3 S. scabiei antigen were detected in 42.30% of the rabbit sera. However, mean% OD values of the sarcoptic-mange group (55.61 ± 39.20%) were significantly higher (p<0.001) than OD values of the psoroptic-mange (3.64% ± 5.4%) and also of the free-mange (0.21% ± 0.67%) groups. In addition, the ELISA was also evaluated in serum samples obtained from both naturally infested and non-infested wild rabbits from Mallorca Island. The sensitivity of the assay for this group was 100% (4 out of the 4 rabbits with sarcoptic mange compatible lesions and presence of S. scabiei mites were seropositive) and the specificity was 90% (67 out of 74 wild rabbits without detectable mange lesions were seronegative). Although, the total number of tested samples from experimentally infested, farm and wild rabbits was limited, our study showed that the ELISA is able to differentiate between infested and non-infested animals in all tested groups with very high sensitivity and specificity indicating that recombinant Ssλ20ΔB3 is a reliable diagnostic antigen. This assay might be a cost-effective tool for detecting the presence of mangy animals and therefore helping prevent spread of mange among domestic rabbits, reducing potential transmission from female breeding rabbits to other farms, and detecting infestation with sarcoptic mange in the wild.
Rosa Casais; Javier Millán; Joan Maria Rosell; Kevin P. Dalton; José Miguel Prieto. Evaluation of an ELISA using recombinant Ssλ20ΔB3 antigen for the serological diagnosis of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in domestic and wild rabbits. Veterinary Parasitology 2015, 214, 315 -321.
AMA StyleRosa Casais, Javier Millán, Joan Maria Rosell, Kevin P. Dalton, José Miguel Prieto. Evaluation of an ELISA using recombinant Ssλ20ΔB3 antigen for the serological diagnosis of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in domestic and wild rabbits. Veterinary Parasitology. 2015; 214 (3-4):315-321.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosa Casais; Javier Millán; Joan Maria Rosell; Kevin P. Dalton; José Miguel Prieto. 2015. "Evaluation of an ELISA using recombinant Ssλ20ΔB3 antigen for the serological diagnosis of Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in domestic and wild rabbits." Veterinary Parasitology 214, no. 3-4: 315-321.
With the aim of improving our understanding of their epidemiological features, exposure to or presence of Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Leishmania infantum and Sarcoptes scabiei were studied in 88 wild wolves from Asturias (Northern Spain) by means of long-term (2004-2010) serological and molecular data. Individual and population factors and the possible interactions between them were also statistically analyzed for better understanding the contact/presence of studied pathogens. The overall seroprevalence values were 19%, 61%, 20% and 0% for CDV, CPV, S. scabiei and Leishmania, respectively, while a 46% of studied wolves showed Leishmania genetic material presence. Sarcoptic mange, CDV and CPV showed higher seroprevalence values in the areas with higher wolf densities, and a positive association between CDV and S. scabiei antibody responses was detected. Reported data highlight the need of considering concomitant pathogens and their possible interactions for a better understanding of diseases and their management in wildlife.
A. Oleaga; J. Vicente; E. Ferroglio; M.R. Pegoraro de Macedo; Rosa Casais; A. del Cerro; Alberto Espí; E.J. García; C. Gortázar. Concomitance and interactions of pathogens in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus). Research in Veterinary Science 2015, 101, 22 -27.
AMA StyleA. Oleaga, J. Vicente, E. Ferroglio, M.R. Pegoraro de Macedo, Rosa Casais, A. del Cerro, Alberto Espí, E.J. García, C. Gortázar. Concomitance and interactions of pathogens in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus). Research in Veterinary Science. 2015; 101 ():22-27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Oleaga; J. Vicente; E. Ferroglio; M.R. Pegoraro de Macedo; Rosa Casais; A. del Cerro; Alberto Espí; E.J. García; C. Gortázar. 2015. "Concomitance and interactions of pathogens in the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus)." Research in Veterinary Science 101, no. : 22-27.
Elena Goyena; Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez; Carlos Martínez-Carrasco; Aída Sáez-Acosta; Guillermo Ramis; Alejandro Torrecillas; Francisco Alonso De Vega; Rosa Casais; José Manuel Prieto; Eduardo Berriatua; M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez; Alejandro Torrecillas-Sanchez. Is Sarcoptes scabiei infection in pigs a major welfare concern? A quantitative assessment of its effect in the host's nocturnal rubbing and lying behavior. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 2015, 10, 59 -65.
AMA StyleElena Goyena, Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez, Carlos Martínez-Carrasco, Aída Sáez-Acosta, Guillermo Ramis, Alejandro Torrecillas, Francisco Alonso De Vega, Rosa Casais, José Manuel Prieto, Eduardo Berriatua, M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez, Alejandro Torrecillas-Sanchez. Is Sarcoptes scabiei infection in pigs a major welfare concern? A quantitative assessment of its effect in the host's nocturnal rubbing and lying behavior. Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2015; 10 (1):59-65.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Goyena; Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez; Carlos Martínez-Carrasco; Aída Sáez-Acosta; Guillermo Ramis; Alejandro Torrecillas; Francisco Alonso De Vega; Rosa Casais; José Manuel Prieto; Eduardo Berriatua; M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez; Alejandro Torrecillas-Sanchez. 2015. "Is Sarcoptes scabiei infection in pigs a major welfare concern? A quantitative assessment of its effect in the host's nocturnal rubbing and lying behavior." Journal of Veterinary Behavior 10, no. 1: 59-65.
Studies of sarcoptic mange and immunity are hampered by lack of mite sources and natural infestation models. We have investigated the clinical and pathological signs, specific IgG response and acquired immunity in naïve New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) experimentally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei originally isolated from a clinically affected free-living European wild rabbit. Twenty rabbits were infested using two methods, direct contact for a 24 h period with a seeder rabbit simulating the natural process of infestation and application of a dressing holding approximately 1800 live mites on each hind limb (foot area) for a 24h period. Eight weeks post infestation, rabbits were treated with ivermectin and infestation cleared. Eight weeks later seventeen previously infested and four uninfested naïve controls were then re-exposed to the same S. scabiei variety using the same methods and followed for another 8 weeks. The progress of the disease was markedly more virulent in the animals infested by contact, indicating that the effective dose of mites managing to thrive and infest each rabbit by this method was higher. Nevertheless, infestation by contact resulted in partial protection to reexposure, rabbits developed high non-protective antibody titres upon reinfestation and presented severe clinical signs. However, rabbits reinfested by dressing developed lower IgG titres, and presented high levels of resistance to reinfestation, which might be due to induction of a strong local cellular response in the inoculation point that killed the mites and resulted in a lower mite effective dose, with subsequent reduced lesion development. Statistical analysis showed that sex, method of infestation and previous exposure are key factors determining the ability of rabbits to develop immunity to this disease. The rabbit-mange model developed will allow the further study of immunity and resistance to this neglected pathogen using a natural host system.
Rosa Casais; Kevin P. Dalton; Javier Millán; Ana Balseiro; Alvaro Oleaga; Paloma Solano; Felix Goyache; José Miguel Prieto; Francisco Parra. Primary and secondary experimental infestation of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with Sarcoptes scabiei from a wild rabbit: Factors determining resistance to reinfestation. Veterinary Parasitology 2014, 203, 173 -183.
AMA StyleRosa Casais, Kevin P. Dalton, Javier Millán, Ana Balseiro, Alvaro Oleaga, Paloma Solano, Felix Goyache, José Miguel Prieto, Francisco Parra. Primary and secondary experimental infestation of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with Sarcoptes scabiei from a wild rabbit: Factors determining resistance to reinfestation. Veterinary Parasitology. 2014; 203 (1):173-183.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosa Casais; Kevin P. Dalton; Javier Millán; Ana Balseiro; Alvaro Oleaga; Paloma Solano; Felix Goyache; José Miguel Prieto; Francisco Parra. 2014. "Primary and secondary experimental infestation of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with Sarcoptes scabiei from a wild rabbit: Factors determining resistance to reinfestation." Veterinary Parasitology 203, no. 1: 173-183.
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the diagnostic test most commonly used in efforts to control paratuberculosis in domestic ruminants. However, commercial ELISAs have not been validated for detecting antibodies againstMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisin wild animals. In this study, we compared the sensitivities and specificities of five ELISAs using individual serum samples collected from 41 fallow deer with or without histopathological lesions consistent with paratuberculosis. Two target antigenic preparations were selected, an ethanol-treated protoplasmic preparation obtained from a fallow deerM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisisolate (ELISAs A and B) and a paratuberculosis protoplasmic antigen (PPA3) (ELISAs C and D). Fallow deer antibodies bound to the immobilized antigens were detected by using a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated anti-fallow deer IgG antibody (ELISAs A and C) or HRP-conjugated protein G (ELISAs B and D). A commercially available assay, ELISA-E, which was designed to detectM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisantibodies in cattle, sheep, and goats, was also tested. Although ELISAs A, C, and E had the same sensitivity (72%), ELISAs A and C were more specific (100%) for detecting fallow deer with lesions consistent with paratuberculosis at necropsy than was the ELISA-E (87.5%). In addition, the ELISA-A was particularly sensitive for detecting fallow deer in the latent stages of infection (62.5%). The antibody responses detected with the ELISA-A correlated with both the severity of enteric lesions and the presence of acid-fast bacteria in gut tissue samples. In summary, our study shows that the ELISA-A can be a cost-effective diagnostic tool for preventing the spread of paratuberculosis among fallow deer populations.
José M. Prieto; Ana Balseiro; Rosa Casais; Naiara Abendaño; Liam E. Fitzgerald; Joseba M. Garrido; Ramon A. Juste; Marta Alonso-Hearn. Sensitive and Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Serum Antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Fallow Deer. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology 2014, 21, 1077 -1085.
AMA StyleJosé M. Prieto, Ana Balseiro, Rosa Casais, Naiara Abendaño, Liam E. Fitzgerald, Joseba M. Garrido, Ramon A. Juste, Marta Alonso-Hearn. Sensitive and Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Serum Antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Fallow Deer. Clinical and Vaccine Immunology. 2014; 21 (8):1077-1085.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé M. Prieto; Ana Balseiro; Rosa Casais; Naiara Abendaño; Liam E. Fitzgerald; Joseba M. Garrido; Ramon A. Juste; Marta Alonso-Hearn. 2014. "Sensitive and Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Serum Antibodies against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Fallow Deer." Clinical and Vaccine Immunology 21, no. 8: 1077-1085.
The performance of an indirect ELISA test based on Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis recombinant antigen Ssλ20ΔB3 (rec-ELISA), to diagnose pig mange was investigated in 15 experimentally infected and non-infected pigs and 692 commercial pigs from 16 herds in southeast Spain. These latter animals included 6–7 month old fatteners (13 herds), 11–12 month old replacement sows (1 herd) and ≥24 month old breeding sows (7 herds). All pigs were examined for mites in ear skin scrapings and the presence of S. scabiei-associated macroscopic dermatitis; moreover, fatteners were also tested for antibodies against porcine viruses including: Aujeszky disease virus (ADV), swine influenza virus (SIV), type 2 porcine circovirus (PCV2) and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV). S. scabiei and chronic hyperkeratotic dermatitis were detected in breeding sows from 6 herds. Mite prevalence in other pigs was 83% in replacement sows, 0% in 7 fattener's herds and 3–82% in other fattener's herds. All fattener herds had pigs with acute hypersensitivity dermatitis and the percentage of affected pigs and lesion area was significantly greater in S. scabiei infected ones. Rec-ELISA relative optical densities (RODs) were greater in older than in young pigs, as well as in infected compared to non-infected pigs. However, RODs differed significantly between infected individuals, regardless of age and origin (commercial or experimental) and the herd prevalence of S. scabiei. Low repeatability between ELISA microtiter plates, suggesting variable specific antibody binding to antigen, are likely partly responsible for ROD variation. Other potential causes of variation were examined in fatteners using random effects logistic regression analysis, after defining a seropositivity threshold value with receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The logistic model indicated that seropositivity was associated with large dermatitis areas and with the only herd with low PCV2 seroprevalence. Pigs with more extensive dermatitis may have older infections and more rec-ELISA detectable antibodies. The possibility that PCV2, a recognized immunosupressor, depresses antibody production against S. scabiei infection merits further attention. In summary, results indicate some potential of the studied rec-ELISA as a complementary tool for herd-level swine mange diagnosis, and that work to reduce internal and external sources of assay variation is essential.
R. Casais; E. Goyena; C. Martínez-Carrasco; R. Ruiz de Ybáñez; F. Alonso de Vega; G. Ramis; J.M. Prieto; E. Berriatua. Variable performance of a human derived Sarcoptes scabiei recombinant antigen ELISA in swine mange diagnosis. Veterinary Parasitology 2013, 197, 397 -403.
AMA StyleR. Casais, E. Goyena, C. Martínez-Carrasco, R. Ruiz de Ybáñez, F. Alonso de Vega, G. Ramis, J.M. Prieto, E. Berriatua. Variable performance of a human derived Sarcoptes scabiei recombinant antigen ELISA in swine mange diagnosis. Veterinary Parasitology. 2013; 197 (1-2):397-403.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Casais; E. Goyena; C. Martínez-Carrasco; R. Ruiz de Ybáñez; F. Alonso de Vega; G. Ramis; J.M. Prieto; E. Berriatua. 2013. "Variable performance of a human derived Sarcoptes scabiei recombinant antigen ELISA in swine mange diagnosis." Veterinary Parasitology 197, no. 1-2: 397-403.
During the last decades, attempts have been made to understand the molecular epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei, and to detect and clarify the differences between isolates from different hosts and geographic regions. Two main phenomena have been described: (i) host-taxon derived-Sarcoptes mite infection in European wild animals (revealing the presence of three separate clusters, namely herbivore-, carnivore- and omnivore-derived Sarcoptes populations in Europe) and (ii) prey-to-predator Sarcoptes mite infection in the Masai Mara ecosystem. Using one multiplex of 9 microsatellite markers and Sarcoptes mite samples from sympatric Pyrenean chamois, red deer, red fox and Iberian wolf, different population structure analyses revealed concordance with the host-taxon law described for wild animals in Europe, with two main host-derived Sarcoptes mite populations, herbivore- and carnivore-derived. Surprisingly, Iberian wolf derived Sarcoptes populations had the highest genetic diversity among the other populations, including two different subpopulations: one similar to the herbivore-derived Sarcoptes populations, and another similar to carnivore (fox)-derived Sarcoptes mite population. The host-taxon effect in wild animals is still supported with the maintenance of carnivore- and herbivore-derived Sarcoptes clusters’ separation in analyzed mites. However, this phenomenon could be modified with the inclusion of a large predator as wolf in the present work, revealing prey-to-predator Sarcoptes mite infection between the studied host-taxa and suggesting the importance of wolf's immune system for explaining the high variability reported in C. lupus derived mites. Further studies of host diet, behavior and movement, and regarding the role played by its immune system, would be of great help to clarify interactions between the two hypotheses, host-taxon and prey-to-predator.
Alvaro Oleaga; Samer Alasaad; Luca Rossi; Rosa Casais; Joaquin Vicente; Sandra Maione; Ramon Soriguer; Christian Gortázar. Genetic epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei in the Iberian wolf in Asturias, Spain. Veterinary Parasitology 2013, 196, 453 -459.
AMA StyleAlvaro Oleaga, Samer Alasaad, Luca Rossi, Rosa Casais, Joaquin Vicente, Sandra Maione, Ramon Soriguer, Christian Gortázar. Genetic epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei in the Iberian wolf in Asturias, Spain. Veterinary Parasitology. 2013; 196 (3-4):453-459.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlvaro Oleaga; Samer Alasaad; Luca Rossi; Rosa Casais; Joaquin Vicente; Sandra Maione; Ramon Soriguer; Christian Gortázar. 2013. "Genetic epidemiology of Sarcoptes scabiei in the Iberian wolf in Asturias, Spain." Veterinary Parasitology 196, no. 3-4: 453-459.
The prevalence and body distribution of Sarcoptes scabiei and associated dermatitis was investigated in sows and boars from four herds with long standing mange. Macroscopic hyperkeratotic dermatitis (crusted mange) was present in 1-6% of herd sows. Mite estimated prevalence (95% CI) in ear scrapings was 11% (6-17%) including 100% (13/13) and 2% (3/134) in sows with and without crusted mange, respectively, and the later had very few mites compared to the former. S. scabiei body distribution and dermatitis were further investigated in 59-64 skin scrapings/sow taken post-mortem from four culled sows including two (sows 1 and 2) with and two (sows 3 and 4) without crusted mange. The proportion of skin samples with eggs, instars or adults was 59% in sow 1, 84% in sow 2, 0% in sow 3 and 3% in sow 4. S. scabiei distribution in sows 1 and 2 ranged from being present in all skin ear and head samples to absent in those from the inner side of the limbs and mammary glands. Crusted lesions were observed in the skin of the ears, neck and lower limbs and contained the largest mite populations. Histopathological analysis of skin samples identified mites, inflammatory cellular infiltrate (mainly lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils) and hyperkeratosis, acanthosis and spongiosis in 78%, 54%, 20% and 25% of samples from sows 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, being lesion severity positively associated to mite presence. The study provides further evidence that in herds with long-standing exposure to S. scabiei, infection becomes highly overdispersed with large mite populations present only in a few pigs and in specific body areas. Although the reasons for mite aggregation have not been identified, it is important controlwise because treating or eliminating a few and easy to identify heavily infected adult pigs, should markedly decrease the herd's parasite load and reduce the use of acaridal drugs.
E. Goyena; R. Ruiz De Ybáñez; C. Martínez-Carrasco; A. Balseiro; F. Alonso De Vega; R. Casais; M. Prieto; J.F. García-Marín; E. Berriatua; M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez. On the aggregated nature of chronic Sarcoptes scabiei infection in adult pigs. Veterinary Parasitology 2013, 192, 301 -306.
AMA StyleE. Goyena, R. Ruiz De Ybáñez, C. Martínez-Carrasco, A. Balseiro, F. Alonso De Vega, R. Casais, M. Prieto, J.F. García-Marín, E. Berriatua, M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez. On the aggregated nature of chronic Sarcoptes scabiei infection in adult pigs. Veterinary Parasitology. 2013; 192 (1):301-306.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Goyena; R. Ruiz De Ybáñez; C. Martínez-Carrasco; A. Balseiro; F. Alonso De Vega; R. Casais; M. Prieto; J.F. García-Marín; E. Berriatua; M. Rocío Ruiz De Ybáñez. 2013. "On the aggregated nature of chronic Sarcoptes scabiei infection in adult pigs." Veterinary Parasitology 192, no. 1: 301-306.
Outbreaks of rabbit hemorrhagic disease have occurred recently in young rabbits on farms on the Iberian Peninsula where rabbits were previously vaccinated. Investigation identified a rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus variant genetically related to apathogenic rabbit caliciviruses. Improved antivirus strategies are needed to slow the spread of this pathogen.
Kevin P. Dalton; Inés Nicieza; Ana Balseiro; María A. Muguerza; Joan M. Rosell; Rosa Casais; Ángel L. Álvarez; Francisco Parra. Variant Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Young Rabbits, Spain. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2012, 18, 2009 -2012.
AMA StyleKevin P. Dalton, Inés Nicieza, Ana Balseiro, María A. Muguerza, Joan M. Rosell, Rosa Casais, Ángel L. Álvarez, Francisco Parra. Variant Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Young Rabbits, Spain. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2012; 18 (12):2009-2012.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKevin P. Dalton; Inés Nicieza; Ana Balseiro; María A. Muguerza; Joan M. Rosell; Rosa Casais; Ángel L. Álvarez; Francisco Parra. 2012. "Variant Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Young Rabbits, Spain." Emerging Infectious Diseases 18, no. 12: 2009-2012.