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Laura Grassi
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Italy

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Journal article
Published: 09 August 2021 in Pathogens
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Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is a recently identified virus affecting both domestic and wild carnivores, including foxes, sometimes in presence of severe clinical signs. Its circulation in wild animals can thus represent a potential threat for endangered species conservation and an infection source for dogs. Nevertheless, no data were available on its circulation in the Alps region of Northern Italy. In the present study, samples collected from 186 foxes in the period 2009–2020 from Valle d’Aosta and Veneto regions were tested using a real-time PCR assay, demonstrating a viral circulation of approximatively 2–5%, depending on the considered regions. Two complete or almost complete genome sequences were obtained, highlighting that the detected strains were part of a so defined “fox only” clade, which suggests that, despite common contact opportunities, Alps foxes are not involved in frequent transmission events to domestic dogs. Such genetic isolation could be at least partially attributed to some sort of independent evolution occurred in the foxes, leading to species barrier. Additionally, CanineCV strains in foxes from Italy were unexpectedly related to those previously identified in foxes from the United Kingdom and Scandinavian area. Combining the history of fox distribution in Europe since the last glacial maximum (LGM) with the viral history allowed us to speculate a long-standing coexistence between European canine circovirus and this host, justifying the peculiar geographic distribution and evolutionary paths of the fox infecting clade.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Maria Menandro; Claudia Tucciarone; Giacomo Barbierato; Lorenzo Crovato; Alessandra Mondin; Martina Libanora; Federica Obber; Riccardo Orusa; Serena Robetto; Carlo Citterio; Laura Grassi. Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin? Pathogens 2021, 10, 1002 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Maria Menandro, Claudia Tucciarone, Giacomo Barbierato, Lorenzo Crovato, Alessandra Mondin, Martina Libanora, Federica Obber, Riccardo Orusa, Serena Robetto, Carlo Citterio, Laura Grassi. Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin? Pathogens. 2021; 10 (8):1002.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Maria Menandro; Claudia Tucciarone; Giacomo Barbierato; Lorenzo Crovato; Alessandra Mondin; Martina Libanora; Federica Obber; Riccardo Orusa; Serena Robetto; Carlo Citterio; Laura Grassi. 2021. "Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin?" Pathogens 10, no. 8: 1002.

Journal article
Published: 23 April 2021 in Pathogens
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Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are globally widespread arthropod-transmitted diseases with a significant impact on animal and human health. Many drivers have recently spurred the geographic spread of VBDs in dogs. This study has evaluated the exposure to most important VBDs in dogs under different preventative treatments in different regions of Italy, i.e., Veneto, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Umbria, Giglio Island (Tuscany), Abruzzo and Latium. Serological analyses were performed to detect antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis/Ehrlichia ewingii, Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia conorii and the circulating antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. Dogs were categorized according to the treatment schedule usually received, and the association between seropositivity and possible risk factors was statistically evaluated. Overall, 124/242 (51.2%) dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, while 34 (14.0%) were exposed to two or more pathogens. The most detected seropositivity was against R. conorii, followed by Anaplasma spp., L. infantum, B. canis, and the other pathogens under study. Significant statistical associations were found according to geographical provenance, history of tick infestation, lifestyle and inadequate prophylactic treatments. Random/irregular treatments have been identified as a clear risk factor. These results show that adequate prophylactic treatment protocols are overlooked by dog owners, despite the availability of several effective products, with possible implications in veterinary medicine and on public health.

ACS Style

Mariasole Colombo; Simone Morelli; Giulia Simonato; Angela Di Cesare; Fabrizia Veronesi; Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono; Laura Grassi; Ilaria Russi; Pietro Tiscar; Giulia Morganti; Jasmine Hattab; Valeria Rizzo; Donato Traversa. Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy. Pathogens 2021, 10, 507 .

AMA Style

Mariasole Colombo, Simone Morelli, Giulia Simonato, Angela Di Cesare, Fabrizia Veronesi, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Laura Grassi, Ilaria Russi, Pietro Tiscar, Giulia Morganti, Jasmine Hattab, Valeria Rizzo, Donato Traversa. Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (5):507.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mariasole Colombo; Simone Morelli; Giulia Simonato; Angela Di Cesare; Fabrizia Veronesi; Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono; Laura Grassi; Ilaria Russi; Pietro Tiscar; Giulia Morganti; Jasmine Hattab; Valeria Rizzo; Donato Traversa. 2021. "Exposure to Major Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs Subjected to Different Preventative Regimens in Endemic Areas of Italy." Pathogens 10, no. 5: 507.

Journal article
Published: 26 January 2021 in Animals
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a tick-borne pathogen causing disease in both humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging disease, but despite the remarkable prevalence in European ticks and wild animals, human infection appears underdiagnosed. Several genetic variants are circulating in Europe, including the zoonotic ecotype I. This study investigated A. phagocytophilum occurrence in wild ungulates and their ectoparasites in an area where HGA has been reported. Blood samples from wild ungulates and ectoparasites were screened by biomolecular methods targeting the mps2 gene. The groEL gene was amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 188 blood samples were collected from different wild ungulates species showing an overall prevalence of 63.8% (88.7% in wild ruminants and 3.6% in wild boars). The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in ticks (manly Ixodes ricinus), and keds collected from wild ruminants was high, reflecting the high infection rates obtained in their hosts. Among ticks collected from wild boars (Hyalomma marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus) no DNA was detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the presence of ecotype I and II. To date, this is the first Italian report of ecotype I in alpine chamois, mouflon, and wild boar species. These findings suggest their role in HGA epidemiology, and the high prevalence detected in this study highlights that this human tick-borne disease deserves further attention.

ACS Style

Laura Grassi; Giovanni Franzo; Marco Martini; Alessandra Mondin; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Daniela Pasotto; Elena Vidorin; Maria Menandro. Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals 2021, 11, 310 .

AMA Style

Laura Grassi, Giovanni Franzo, Marco Martini, Alessandra Mondin, Rudi Cassini, Michele Drigo, Daniela Pasotto, Elena Vidorin, Maria Menandro. Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):310.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Grassi; Giovanni Franzo; Marco Martini; Alessandra Mondin; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Daniela Pasotto; Elena Vidorin; Maria Menandro. 2021. "Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy." Animals 11, no. 2: 310.

Journal article
Published: 07 January 2021 in Pathogens
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Differently from alpha- and betaherpesviruses affecting swine, interest in the recently discovered Suid gammaherpesvirus 3, Suid gammaherpesvirus 4, and Suid gammaherpesvirus 5, also known as porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3), has largely focused on their role as potential zoonotic agents in cases of xenotransplantation. However, their role as primary pathogens of swine or as co-factors for other lymphotropic infections has essentially been neglected. The present study aims at filling this gap, evaluating the association between PLHVs infection and different clinical conditions and/or porcine circovirus (PCV) co-infection. One hundred seventy-six samples were obtained from different animals located in a high-density pig area of Northern Italy in the period 2017–2020. The presence of PLHVs and PCVs was tested and quantified by specific real-time PCR: PLHVs were widespread among pigs (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3 prevalence was 28.97%, 10.79%, and 4.54%, respectively) and detected in all considered tissues and clinical conditions. Frequent co-infections were also observed among PLHVs and with PCVs, although a significant association was not detected with the exception of a positive interaction between PLHV-1 and PLHV-3, and a negative one between PLHV-2 and PCV-2. Significantly, no association between PLHVs, alone or in co-infection, emerged with any of the considered clinical signs, their frequency being comparable between healthy and diseased animals. Based on these pieces of evidence and despite their high prevalence, PLHVs’ relevance for the swine industry appears negligible, either as primary pathogens or as predisposing factors for circovirus-induced diseases.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Maria Luisa Menandro; Daniela Pasotto; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless. Pathogens 2021, 10, 47 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Michele Drigo, Matteo Legnardi, Laura Grassi, Maria Luisa Menandro, Daniela Pasotto, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (1):47.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Maria Luisa Menandro; Daniela Pasotto; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. 2021. "Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless." Pathogens 10, no. 1: 47.

Journal article
Published: 10 November 2020 in Viruses
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Bovine coronavirus (BoCV) is an important pathogen of cattle, causing severe enteric disease and playing a role in the bovine respiratory disease complex. Similar to other coronaviruses, a remarkable variability characterizes both its genome and biology. Despite their potential relevance, different aspects of the evolution of BoCV remain elusive. The present study reconstructs the history and evolution of BoCV using a phylodynamic approach based on complete genome and spike protein sequences. The results demonstrate high mutation and recombination rates affecting different parts of the viral genome. In the spike gene, this variability undergoes significant selective pressures—particularly episodic pressure—located mainly on the protein surface, suggesting an immune-induced selective pressure. The occurrence of compensatory mutations was also identified. On the contrary, no strong evidence in favor of host and/or tissue tropism affecting viral evolution has been proven. The well-known plasticity is thus ascribable to the innate broad viral tropism rather than mid- or long-term adaptation. The evaluation of the geographic spreading pattern clearly evidenced two clusters: a European cluster and an American–Asian cluster. While a relatively dense and quick migration network was identified in the former, the latter was dominated by the primary role of the United States (US) as a viral exportation source. Since the viral spreading pattern strongly mirrored the cattle trade, the need for more intense monitoring and preventive measures cannot be underestimated as well as the need to enforce the vaccination of young animals before international trade, to reduce not only the clinical impact but also the transferal and mixing of BoCV strains.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus. Viruses 2020, 12, 1285 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Michele Drigo, Matteo Legnardi, Laura Grassi, Daniela Pasotto, Maria Luisa Menandro, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus. Viruses. 2020; 12 (11):1285.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. 2020. "Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus." Viruses 12, no. 11: 1285.

Journal article
Published: 21 August 2020 in Pathogens
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Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is an emerging virus, first detected in 2016 and widespread in the swine industry. Although not considered a primary pathogen, PCV3 is potentially linked to several clinical conditions that threaten swine farming. Wild boars are considered the main reservoir species for PCV3 infection in the wild, but recent detection in roe deer, chamois and associated ticks has complicated our understanding of its epidemiology. Much emphasis has been placed on ticks, as competent vectors, and wild rodents, which typically feed immature tick stages. The aim of this study was to clarify whether wild rodent species and associated ticks are susceptible to PCV3 infection and involved in its spread. Wild small mammals’ serum samples and hosted ticks were, therefore, collected from areas where no wild boars were present and tested by PCR, targeting the PCV3 rep gene. A total of 90 yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), two wood mice (A. sylvaticus), 26 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and 262 Ixodes spp. ticks were investigated. PCV3 DNA was not detected in serum or in tick samples. These findings support the hypothesis that the investigated species do not have an actual role as PCV3 reservoirs. Further studies would be necessary to state whether these species, or others that we did not test, are involved in PCV3 infection spread—in particular when susceptible species share the same habitat.

ACS Style

Laura Grassi; Valentina Tagliapietra; Annapaola Rizzoli; Marco Martini; Michele Drigo; Giovanni Franzo; Maria Luisa Menandro. Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection. Pathogens 2020, 9, 682 .

AMA Style

Laura Grassi, Valentina Tagliapietra, Annapaola Rizzoli, Marco Martini, Michele Drigo, Giovanni Franzo, Maria Luisa Menandro. Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (9):682.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Grassi; Valentina Tagliapietra; Annapaola Rizzoli; Marco Martini; Michele Drigo; Giovanni Franzo; Maria Luisa Menandro. 2020. "Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection." Pathogens 9, no. 9: 682.

Communication
Published: 31 May 2020 in Pathogens
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The genus Circovirus includes several species and mostly causes asymptomatic infections. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) and, with increasing evidence, Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3), have been associated with different clinical conditions all over the world. In 2019, a new porcine circovirus (PCV-4) was identified from diseased animals in China. Because of the lessons learned from PCV-2 and PCV-3, it appears mandatory to investigate the actual distribution of this new virus and its potential association with clinical outcomes. To this purpose, an exploratory study to detect PCV-4 by molecular methods was performed in Italy and Spain by testing more than 300 samples of different types (serum and tissues), collected from both healthy and diseased pigs and wild boar as well. All samples, independently from the country, type, health status and host, tested PCV-4 negative. Therefore, no evidence of PCV-4 presence was found in Italy and Spain through this exploratory study. Considering the dense pig trade among European countries, its presence in the continent can similarly be considered unlikely. The reasons behind the restricted PCV-4 distribution compared to other porcine circoviruses will require further investigations. Careful surveillance might nevertheless be important since prompt recognition of PCV-4 would allow the implementation of effective countermeasures to prevent its spreading and potential economic losses.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Albert Ruiz; Laura Grassi; Marina Sibila; Michele Drigo; Joaquim Segalés. Lack of Porcine circovirus 4 Genome Detection in Pig Samples from Italy and Spain. Pathogens 2020, 9, 433 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Albert Ruiz, Laura Grassi, Marina Sibila, Michele Drigo, Joaquim Segalés. Lack of Porcine circovirus 4 Genome Detection in Pig Samples from Italy and Spain. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (6):433.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Albert Ruiz; Laura Grassi; Marina Sibila; Michele Drigo; Joaquim Segalés. 2020. "Lack of Porcine circovirus 4 Genome Detection in Pig Samples from Italy and Spain." Pathogens 9, no. 6: 433.

Journal article
Published: 17 March 2020 in Pathogens
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Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is one of the most impactful and widespread pathogens of the modern swine industry. Unlike other DNA viruses, PCV-2 is featured by a remarkable genetic variability, which has led to the emergence and recognition of different genotypes, some of which (PCV-2a, 2b, and 2d) have alternated over time. Currently, PCV-2d is considered the most prevalent genotype, and some evidence of differential virulence and vaccine efficacy have been reported. Despite the potential practical relevance, the data on PCV-2 epidemiology in Italy are quite outdated and do not quantify the actual circulation of this genotype in Italy. In the present study, 82 complete ORF2 sequences were obtained from domestic pigs and wild boars sampled in Northern Italy in the period 2013–2018 and merged with those previously obtained from Italy and other countries. A combination of phylogenetic, haplotype network, and phylodynamic analyses were used to genotype the collected strains and evaluate the temporal trend and the spatial and host spread dynamics. A rising number of PCV-2d detections was observed in domestic pigs, particularly since 2013, reaching a detection frequency comparable to PCV-2b. A similar picture was observed in wild boars, although a lower sequence number was available. Overall, the present study demonstrates the extreme complexity of PCV-2 molecular epidemiology in Italy, the significant spread across different regions, the recurrent introduction from foreign countries, and the frequent occurrence of recombination events. Although a higher viral flux occurred from domestic to wild populations than vice versa, wild boars seem to maintain PCV-2 infection and spread it over relatively long distances.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Susanna Tinello; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Michele Drigo. Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries. Pathogens 2020, 9, 221 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Susanna Tinello, Laura Grassi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Giorgia Dotto, Alessandra Mondin, Marco Martini, Daniela Pasotto, Maria Luisa Menandro, Michele Drigo. Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (3):221.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Susanna Tinello; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Michele Drigo. 2020. "Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries." Pathogens 9, no. 3: 221.