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Dr. Maria Luisa Menandro
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua

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0 Drug Resistance
0 Emerging Infectious Diseases
0 wild animals
0 zoonosis
0 tick- borne diseases

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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: 10 March 2021 in Animals
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The presence of bacteria of various origins on horse hoofs enables the onset of infections following trauma or even post-surgical wounds. Thus, the analysis of new antibacterial substances is of fundamental importance. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of Iron Animals (IA), a stable colloidal suspension of iron oxide, organic acids, and detergents, was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays were performed to test the unspecific inhibitory effect of IA on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria monitoring the microorganism growth by spectrophotometry (optical density OD600) at 37 °C for 24 h. In vivo test consists on the quantification of the bacterial load in colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of specimens collected from the frog region of the anterior hooves of 11 horses. Sampling followed the application of four disinfectant protocols consisting of two consecutive 3 min scrubs with 50 mL of 10% Povidone-iodine (PI) or 4% Chlorhexidine (CHx), with or without an additional application for 15 min of 10 mL of Iron Animals (PI+IA and CHx+IA). In vitro, IA completely suppressed the bacterial growth of all the tested microorganisms, resulting in effectiveness also against CHx-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. In vivo, PI emerged as an ineffective protocol; CHx was effective in 18% of cases, but with the addition of IA (CHx + IA) its use emerged as the best disinfectant protocol for horse hoof, achieving the lowest bacterial load in 55% of cases. The addition of IA, after PI or CHx, improves the effectiveness of both disinfectants leading to the highest bactericidal activity in 82% of cases.

ACS Style

Maurizio Isola; Cristina Piccinotti; Massimiliano Magro; Luca Fasolato; Fabio Vianello; Maria Menandro; Parastoo Memarian; Melissa Rossi; Maria Falomo. Colloidal Iron Oxide Formulation for Equine Hoof Disinfection. Animals 2021, 11, 766 .

AMA Style

Maurizio Isola, Cristina Piccinotti, Massimiliano Magro, Luca Fasolato, Fabio Vianello, Maria Menandro, Parastoo Memarian, Melissa Rossi, Maria Falomo. Colloidal Iron Oxide Formulation for Equine Hoof Disinfection. Animals. 2021; 11 (3):766.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maurizio Isola; Cristina Piccinotti; Massimiliano Magro; Luca Fasolato; Fabio Vianello; Maria Menandro; Parastoo Memarian; Melissa Rossi; Maria Falomo. 2021. "Colloidal Iron Oxide Formulation for Equine Hoof Disinfection." Animals 11, no. 3: 766.

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.

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.

Journal article
Published: 04 July 2019 in Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the genotypic diversity, the antimicrobial resistance traits of canine and feline clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolates in a diagnostic laboratory in Italy during 2015-2016. All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC)-mec typing and staphylococcal protein A (spa)-typing. The resistance profiles were assessed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and confirmed genotypically by the detection of mecA gene and by microarray analyses. The prevalence of MRSP isolates was high (31.6%). All the strains were multidrug resistant and the most frequent clone was ST71-SCCmec type II-III. These results confirm a high prevalence of MRSP amongst clinical samples from pets in Italy. These isolates show multidrug resistance features that are of concern both in veterinary and human medicine for clinical and epidemiological reasons.

ACS Style

Maria Luisa Menandro; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Letizia Ceglie; Daniela Pasotto. Prevalence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from symptomatic companion animals in Northern Italy: Clonal diversity and novel sequence types. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2019, 66, 101331 .

AMA Style

Maria Luisa Menandro, Giorgia Dotto, Alessandra Mondin, Marco Martini, Letizia Ceglie, Daniela Pasotto. Prevalence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from symptomatic companion animals in Northern Italy: Clonal diversity and novel sequence types. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 2019; 66 ():101331.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maria Luisa Menandro; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Letizia Ceglie; Daniela Pasotto. 2019. "Prevalence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from symptomatic companion animals in Northern Italy: Clonal diversity and novel sequence types." Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 66, no. : 101331.