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Marisa Masucci
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy

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Journal article
Published: 25 July 2021 in Viruses
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Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was isolated for the first time in 2012 with an association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggested. This study aimed at investigating in cats from southern Italy FeMV prevalence and risk factors for exposure to FeMV, including the relationship with CKD; sequencing amplicons and analyzing phylogeny of PCR positive samples. Blood serum, K3EDTA blood and urine samples from 223 cats were investigated. Ten carcasses were also evaluated. FeMV RNA was detected in 2.4% (5/211) blood and 16.1% (36/223) urine samples. One carcass tested positive by qPCRFeMV from kidney, urinary bladder, and submandibular lymph nodes. Antibodies against FeMV were detected in 14.5% (28/193) cats. We followed up 27 cats (13 FeMV positive cats) and documented in some cases urine shedding after up to 360 days. Older and foundling cats and cats living in rescue catteries, were more frequently infected with FeMV. A significant correlation between FeMV and higher serum creatinine values or low urine specific gravity was found. FeMV positivity was significantly associated with retroviral infection, and the presence of some clinical signs apart from CKD clinicopathological markers. Our study highlights the possibility of a link between FeMV exposure and CKD and a general impairment of feline health.

ACS Style

Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Eliana De Luca; Angela Alibrandi; Massimo De Majo; Shadia Berjaoui; Camillo Martino; Cyndi Mangano; Alessio Lorusso; Maria Pennisi. Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats. Viruses 2021, 13, 1449 .

AMA Style

Giulia Donato, Marisa Masucci, Eliana De Luca, Angela Alibrandi, Massimo De Majo, Shadia Berjaoui, Camillo Martino, Cyndi Mangano, Alessio Lorusso, Maria Pennisi. Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1449.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Eliana De Luca; Angela Alibrandi; Massimo De Majo; Shadia Berjaoui; Camillo Martino; Cyndi Mangano; Alessio Lorusso; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1449.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2021 in Veterinary Sciences
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Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder of dogs and requires a substantial commitment by the pet owner. The aim of this study was to evaluate how Italian owners of epileptic dogs receiving long-term treatment perceived their own quality of life (QoL) and that of their pet, using a list of key questions. A questionnaire was sent to owners of dogs affected by recurrent seizures and treated with antiepileptic drugs for at least three months. The questions included signalment, medical history and physical, social and psychological aspects associated with managing an epileptic dog. Eighty complete questionnaires were obtained. Most owners surveyed had a positive opinion on their dog’s QoL and they did not believe that commitment to managing their animals was a limitation of QoL. Dog QoL, seizure, frequency and severity were considered the most important factors in evaluating the efficacy of the antiepileptic treatment. The evaluation of the different aspects of QoL can help veterinary professionals understand the need for correct and exhaustive information provided to owners and the development of therapeutic plans and follow up, corresponding to the needs of dogs and owners.

ACS Style

Marisa Masucci; Valeria Di Stefano; Giulia Donato; Cyndi Mangano; Massimo De Majo. How Owners of Epileptic Dogs Living in Italy Evaluate Their Quality of Life and That of Their Pet: A Survey Study. Veterinary Sciences 2021, 8, 140 .

AMA Style

Marisa Masucci, Valeria Di Stefano, Giulia Donato, Cyndi Mangano, Massimo De Majo. How Owners of Epileptic Dogs Living in Italy Evaluate Their Quality of Life and That of Their Pet: A Survey Study. Veterinary Sciences. 2021; 8 (8):140.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marisa Masucci; Valeria Di Stefano; Giulia Donato; Cyndi Mangano; Massimo De Majo. 2021. "How Owners of Epileptic Dogs Living in Italy Evaluate Their Quality of Life and That of Their Pet: A Survey Study." Veterinary Sciences 8, no. 8: 140.

Journal article
Published: 17 May 2021 in Animals
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Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is responsible for splenic pathological changes. The main features detectable from ultrasound examination are splenomegaly and diffuse alterations of the echostructure. The study aimed to highlight whether these ultrasound changes are related to the severity of the disease or to a modification of splenic microvascularization that can be detected in vivo through contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Twenty-five adult dogs tested for CanL were enrolled in this prospective, controlled study and staged according to LeishVet guidelines. Bidimensional ultrasonography revealed that splenomegaly was seen in 50% of the affected dogs, and diffuse parenchymal changes were seen in more than 60% of dogs with splenomegaly, showing a positive correlation with severity of the disease; therefore, splenomegaly could be of prognostic significance. CEUS showed that a persistent heterogeneous distribution pattern appeared only in spleens with diffuse echostructure alterations. The evaluation of quantitative CEUS parameters regarding the volume and velocity of flow in three regions of interest did not show differences between affected and control dogs. Diffuse spleen microvascular modifications evidenced by CEUS were reported for the first time in dogs with CanL. In endemic areas, CanL could be included in the differential diagnoses list when detecting splenic alterations in dogs.

ACS Style

Massimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals 2021, 11, 1437 .

AMA Style

Massimo De Majo, Giulia Donato, Marisa Masucci, Cyndi Mangano, Maria Persichetti, Luigi Liotta, Giuseppe Mazzullo, Rosanna Visalli, Marco Quartuccio, Nicola Iannelli, Santo Cristarella, Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1437.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Massimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis." Animals 11, no. 5: 1437.

Journal article
Published: 26 March 2019 in Parasites & Vectors
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Feline leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is considered a rare disease in endemic areas, whereas subclinical infections are common. Immune response plays a key role in driving the course of L. infantum infection in other host species; however, the feline cell-mediated immune response to L. infantum infection has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the cell-mediated immune response specific to L. infantum by means of interferon (IFN)-γ release in whole blood assay from cats living in endemic areas (66 in Sicily and 113 in Catalonia) and to compare with antibody levels to L. infantum [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT)], blood parasite load and retroviral infections. Most cats (n = 140) were L. infantum antibody negative and only 22% (n = 39) were positive. Only 9 and 2% of tested cats had a feline immunodeficency virus (FIV) infection or a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, respectively. Thirty-two cats out of 179 (18%) produced IFN-γ after stimulation with L. infantum soluble antigen (LSA) while the majority of cats (93%) produced IFN-γ after stimulation with concanavalin A (ConA). Six LSA-IFN-γ-producer cats were seropositive (three to ELISA and five to IFAT) but they were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative, while only one cat was antibody- and PCR-positive. Significant positive correlations were found between IFN-γ concentrations after stimulation with LSA and ConA, and between serology and PCR testing. No association was found between FIV status and LSA or ConA-IFN-γ production. Combining PCR, serology and specific IFN-γ concentration results, we found that 36% of cats studied were exposed to L. infantum. As expected, cats from endemic areas produce IFN-γ after ex vivo blood stimulation with LSA and therefore are able to activate a cell-mediated adaptive immune response against the parasite that is variably associated with antibody or blood PCR positivity. The association of this assay to serological and molecular tests provides a better estimate of cat exposure to L. infantum.

ACS Style

Vito Priolo; Pamela Martínez-Orellana; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Marisa Masucci; David Prandi; Dorotea Ippolito; Federica Bruno; Germano Castelli; Laia Solano-Gallego. Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12, 133 .

AMA Style

Vito Priolo, Pamela Martínez-Orellana, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Marisa Masucci, David Prandi, Dorotea Ippolito, Federica Bruno, Germano Castelli, Laia Solano-Gallego. Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Parasites & Vectors. 2019; 12 (1):133.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vito Priolo; Pamela Martínez-Orellana; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Marisa Masucci; David Prandi; Dorotea Ippolito; Federica Bruno; Germano Castelli; Laia Solano-Gallego. 2019. "Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic." Parasites & Vectors 12, no. 1: 133.

Evaluation study
Published: 20 March 2018 in Parasites & Vectors
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Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBP) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats. A cross-sectional controlled study investigated the clinical status and antibody (Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Leishmania infantum) and/or blood PCR (Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, L. infantum, Hepatozoon felis) prevalence in 197 cats. Outdoor cats lacking ectoparasiticide treatment or hosting ectoparasites (study group [SG], n = 134) and indoor cats treated against ectoparasites (control group [CG], n = 63) were enrolled. Clinical data and retroviral co-infections were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis tested associations between variables and VBP exposure. Lymphadenia, stomatitis, and various haematological abnormalities were statistically more frequent in SG. Antibodies against R. conorii, B. henselae, A. phagocytophylum, B. microti, E. canis and L. infantum were detected. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Mycoplasma haemofelis, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” DNA were identified. Very high antibody (87.8%) and PCR (40.1%) positivity to at least one pathogen were detected and were significantly higher in SG. Co-infections were confirmed in about one-third of the cats and were more frequent in SG cats. Molecular and overall (antibody and PCR) positivity to Bartonella and antibody positivity to R. conorii were higher in SG. Multivariable analysis found significant associations of Bartonella spp. infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection and increased globulins, and of Mycoplasma spp. infection with adult age, FIV infection, anaemia, and increased creatinine. A very high prevalence of exposure to zoonotic VBP was found in cats, with Rickettsia and Bartonella infections being most prevalent. Some risk factors were documented namely for Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. The lifestyle of cats is clinically relevant and requires specific preventative measures to protect their health.

ACS Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Antonella Migliazzo; Laia Solano-Gallego. Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy. Parasites & Vectors 2018, 11, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Angela Vullo, Marisa Masucci, Antonella Migliazzo, Laia Solano-Gallego. Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy. Parasites & Vectors. 2018; 11 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Antonella Migliazzo; Laia Solano-Gallego. 2018. "Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy." Parasites & Vectors 11, no. 1: 1-11.

Research article
Published: 25 August 2017 in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
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Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of naturally occurring antibodies against canine erythrocyte antigens in cats and vice versa. The influence of canine and feline blood type on cross-match results was also studied. Methods Blood samples from 34 cats and 42 dogs were used to perform test tube major and minor cross-match tests and blood typing. Blood from each cat was cross-matched with blood from 2–6 dogs, for a total of 111 cross-match tests. Haemolysis, macro- and microagglutination were considered markers of a positive cross-match. Results Eighty-three overall major cross-match tests were positive at 37°C, 86 at room temperature and 90 at 4°C. The minor cross-match tests were positive in all but two cross-matches performed at 37°C, all tests performed at room temperature and all but one test performed at 4°C. No cats tested totally negative at both major and minor cross-matches performed with samples from any single dog. Prevalence of warm natural antibodies against canine erythrocyte antigens was lower in type B cats than in type A cats, regardless of the blood type of donor dogs. Conclusions and relevance This study reveals a high prevalence of naturally occurring antibodies in cats against dog erythrocyte antigens and vice versa, and suggests that transfusion of cats with canine blood is not recommended as a routine procedure owing to the potential high risk of either acute severe or milder transfusion reactions.

ACS Style

Vito Priolo; Marisa Masucci; Eva Spada; Daniela Proverbio; Maria Grazia Pennisi. Naturally occurring antibodies in cats against dog erythrocyte antigens and vice versa. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2017, 20, 690 -695.

AMA Style

Vito Priolo, Marisa Masucci, Eva Spada, Daniela Proverbio, Maria Grazia Pennisi. Naturally occurring antibodies in cats against dog erythrocyte antigens and vice versa. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2017; 20 (8):690-695.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vito Priolo; Marisa Masucci; Eva Spada; Daniela Proverbio; Maria Grazia Pennisi. 2017. "Naturally occurring antibodies in cats against dog erythrocyte antigens and vice versa." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20, no. 8: 690-695.

Comparative study
Published: 13 March 2017 in Parasites & Vectors
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Anti-Leishmania antibodies are increasingly investigated in cats for epidemiological studies or for the diagnosis of clinical feline leishmaniosis. The immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB) are the serological tests more frequently used. The aim of the present study was to assess diagnostic performance of IFAT, ELISA and WB to detect anti-L. infantum antibodies in feline serum samples obtained from endemic (n = 76) and non-endemic (n = 64) areas and from cats affected by feline leishmaniosis (n = 21) by a Bayesian approach without a gold standard. Cut-offs were set at 80 titre for IFAT and 40 ELISA units for ELISA. WB was considered positive in presence of at least a 18 KDa band. Statistical analysis was performed through a written routine with MATLAB software in the Bayesian framework. The latent data and observations from the joint posterior were simulated in the Bayesian approach by an iterative Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique using the Gibbs sampler for estimating sensitivity and specificity of the three tests. The median seroprevalence in the sample used for evaluating the performance of tests was estimated at 0.27 [credible interval (CI) = 0.20–0.34]. The median sensitivity of the three different methods was 0.97 (CI: 0.86–1.00), 0.75 (CI: 0.61–0.87) and 0.70 (CI: 0.56–0.83) for WB, IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Median specificity reached 0.99 (CI: 0.96–1.00) with WB, 0.97 (CI: 0.93–0.99) with IFAT and 0.98 (CI: 0.94–1.00) with ELISA. IFAT was more sensitive than ELISA (75 vs 70%) for the detection of subclinical infection while ELISA was better for diagnosing clinical leishmaniosis when compared with IFAT (98 vs 97%). The overall performance of all serological techniques was good and the most accurate test for anti-Leishmania antibody detection in feline serum samples was WB.

ACS Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Laia Solano-Gallego; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Pierre Marty; Pascal Delaunay; Fabrizio Vitale; Maria Grazia Pennisi. Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard. Parasites & Vectors 2017, 10, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Laia Solano-Gallego, Angela Vullo, Marisa Masucci, Pierre Marty, Pascal Delaunay, Fabrizio Vitale, Maria Grazia Pennisi. Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard. Parasites & Vectors. 2017; 10 (1):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Laia Solano-Gallego; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Pierre Marty; Pascal Delaunay; Fabrizio Vitale; Maria Grazia Pennisi. 2017. "Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard." Parasites & Vectors 10, no. 1: 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 19 November 2016 in JVCPC
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To identify adrenal ultrasonography parameters that can be used to identify dogs with hypoadrenocorticism

ACS Style

Masucci M. Serum Phenobarbital Concentrations and Timing of Blood Collection in Epileptic Dogs on Chronic Treatment. JVCPC 2016, 1, 1 -6.

AMA Style

Masucci M. Serum Phenobarbital Concentrations and Timing of Blood Collection in Epileptic Dogs on Chronic Treatment. JVCPC. 2016; 1 (1):1-6.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Masucci M. 2016. "Serum Phenobarbital Concentrations and Timing of Blood Collection in Epileptic Dogs on Chronic Treatment." JVCPC 1, no. 1: 1-6.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2003 in Veterinary Research Communications
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ACS Style

M. Masucci; Massimo De Majo; R.B. Contarino; G. Borruto; F. Vitale; M.G. Pennisi. Canine leishmaniasis in the newborn puppy. Veterinary Research Communications 2003, 27, 771 -774.

AMA Style

M. Masucci, Massimo De Majo, R.B. Contarino, G. Borruto, F. Vitale, M.G. Pennisi. Canine leishmaniasis in the newborn puppy. Veterinary Research Communications. 2003; 27 (1):771-774.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. Masucci; Massimo De Majo; R.B. Contarino; G. Borruto; F. Vitale; M.G. Pennisi. 2003. "Canine leishmaniasis in the newborn puppy." Veterinary Research Communications 27, no. 1: 771-774.