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Feline panleukopenia is a severe disease of cats caused by feline parvovirus (FPV), and marginally canine parvovirus (CPV). Despite being less rapid than CPV, FPV evolution deserves attention, especially since outbreaks of particular severity are currently reported. This apparently different virulence needs monitoring from genetic and clinical points of view. This manuscript explored FPV molecular epidemiology at both Italian and international levels and the possible association between viral phylogeny and disease severity. Sequences from clinical cases of feline panleukopenia in Italy were obtained from 2011 to 2019, and the etiological agent was characterized, distinguishing FPV from CPV. Phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses were conducted on Italian and international sequences. Moreover, the association between the viral sequence and clinical variables was evaluated on a group of highly characterized patients. After its origin in the 1920s, FPV showed a constant population size until a more recent expansion since 2000. Few long-distance introduction events characterized FPV spreading, however, most of its evolution occurred locally. Although without a strong statistical association, several clinical variables appeared influenced by viral phylogeny, suggesting a differential virulence potentially characterizing FPV strains. These results stress the importance of the continuous study of viral evolution and its repercussions on the disease clinical aspects.
Claudia Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Elena Lazzaro; Andrea Zoia; Matteo Petini; Tommaso Furlanello; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. Genetic Insights into Feline Parvovirus: Evaluation of Viral Evolutionary Patterns and Association between Phylogeny and Clinical Variables. Viruses 2021, 13, 1033 .
AMA StyleClaudia Tucciarone, Giovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Elena Lazzaro, Andrea Zoia, Matteo Petini, Tommaso Furlanello, Marco Caldin, Mattia Cecchinato, Michele Drigo. Genetic Insights into Feline Parvovirus: Evaluation of Viral Evolutionary Patterns and Association between Phylogeny and Clinical Variables. Viruses. 2021; 13 (6):1033.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Elena Lazzaro; Andrea Zoia; Matteo Petini; Tommaso Furlanello; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. 2021. "Genetic Insights into Feline Parvovirus: Evaluation of Viral Evolutionary Patterns and Association between Phylogeny and Clinical Variables." Viruses 13, no. 6: 1033.
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.
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 StyleLaura 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 StyleLaura 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.
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.
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 StyleGiovanni 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 StyleGiovanni 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.
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.
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 StyleGiovanni 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 StyleGiovanni 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.
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.
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 StyleLaura 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 StyleLaura 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.
Objectives To determine whether the simplified Light’s criteria (ie, pleural effusion lactate dehydrogenase concentration and serum total protein) can identify the pathophysiology of pleural effusion formation in dogs, and to assess whether these criteria were more accurate than the traditional veterinary classification based on pleural effusion total protein (TPp) and nucleated cell count (TNCCp). Methods This is a cross-sectional study including 100 dogs with pleural effusion. The aetiology of effusion was used to classify the pathophysiology of its formation. Parameters measured included the simplified Light’s criteria, TPp and TNCCp. The diagnostic utility of the two methods in classifying pleural effusion formation was evaluated. Results Seven transudates due to decreased colloid osmotic pressure, 18 transudates due to increased hydrostatic pressure gradient and 75 exudates were included in the study. The simplified Light’s criteria misclassified 2 of 75 exudates (98 per cent overall accuracy). The traditional veterinary classification scheme misclassified 31 of 75 exudates and 12 of 18 increased hydrostatic pressure gradient transudates (57 per cent overall accuracy). The frequency of agreement between the simplified Light’s criteria and the traditional veterinary classification with the true nature of the pleural effusion was significantly different (P<0.001). Clinical significance The simplified Light’s criteria were highly accurate in discriminating exudates from transudates, while TPp and TNCCp had no diagnostic value in doing so.
Andrea Zoia; Matteo Petini; Danila Righetti; Marco Caldin; Michele Drigo. Discriminating transudates and exudates in dogs with pleural effusion: diagnostic utility of simplified Light's criteria compared with traditional veterinary classification. Veterinary Record 2020, 187, e5 .
AMA StyleAndrea Zoia, Matteo Petini, Danila Righetti, Marco Caldin, Michele Drigo. Discriminating transudates and exudates in dogs with pleural effusion: diagnostic utility of simplified Light's criteria compared with traditional veterinary classification. Veterinary Record. 2020; 187 (1):e5.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Zoia; Matteo Petini; Danila Righetti; Marco Caldin; Michele Drigo. 2020. "Discriminating transudates and exudates in dogs with pleural effusion: diagnostic utility of simplified Light's criteria compared with traditional veterinary classification." Veterinary Record 187, no. 1: e5.
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.
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 StyleGiovanni 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 StyleGiovanni 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.
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.
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 StyleGiovanni 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 StyleGiovanni 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.
Background Canine parvovirus (CPV) represents one of the major infections in dogs. While supportive therapy significantly reduces mortality, other approaches have been reported to provide significant benefits. Unfortunately, the high cost of these treatments is typically a limiting factor. Consequently, a reliable prognostic tool allowing for an informed therapeutic approach would be of great interest. However, current methods are essentially based on ‘a priori’ selection of predictive variables, which could limit their predictive potential. Methods In the present study, the predictive performances in terms of CPV enteritis survival likelihood of an operator-validated logistic regression were compared with those of more flexible methods featured by automatic variable selection. Several anamnestic, clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were collected from 134 dogs at admission in a veterinary practice. Animal status was monitored until dismissal or death (mortality=21.6%). Results The best automatic variable selection method (random forest) showed excellent discriminatory capabilities (AUC=0.997, sensitivity=0.941 and specificity=1) compared with the logistic regression model (AUC=0.831, sensitivity=0.882 and specificity=0.652), when evaluated on a fully independent test data set. The implemented approaches allowed to identify antithrombin, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum lipase, monocyte and lymphocyte count as the clinical parameter combination with the highest predictive capability, thus limiting the panel of required tests. Conclusion The model validated in the present study allows prompt prediction of disease severity at admission and provides objective and reliable criteria to support the clinician in selection of the therapeutic approach.
Giovanni Franzo; Barbara Corso; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato. Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection. Veterinary Record 2020, 187, 1 .
AMA StyleGiovanni Franzo, Barbara Corso, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Michele Drigo, Marco Caldin, Mattia Cecchinato. Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection. Veterinary Record. 2020; 187 (9):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Franzo; Barbara Corso; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection." Veterinary Record 187, no. 9: 1.
Background The Spirorchiidae is a family of blood flukes parasitizing turtles. Spirorchiids may cause a wide range of inflammatory reactions in the vascular system of their host being frequently implicated with stranding and death of sea turtles worldwide. Recent studies revealed the presence of two spirorchiid species in the Mediterranean basin. Our study presents comparative epidemiological data of spirorchiid infections in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded during an eight-year period from Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas, and the first report of Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Methods We screened a total of 319 carcasses of loggerhead turtles stranded from January 2011 to December 2018 along the Tyrrhenian coast (n = 111) and the north-western Adriatic coast (n = 208) of Italy using traditional (copromicroscopy and histopathology) and molecular assays. Three green turtles from the Tyrrhenian coast were also included in the study. Results A total of 56 (17.5%) loggerhead turtles and one green turtle (33.3%) were found to be infected with spirorchiid flukes. Amplification, sequencing of the ITS2 region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in 51 (16.0%) and 24 (7.5%) loggerhead turtles, respectively, and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in an infected green turtle. Differences in prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were found. Conclusions The risk of spirorchiid infection in the Tyrrhenian Sea is lower than in the Adriatic Sea and in general the risk of infection in the Mediterranean is lower than in other geographical locations. Differences in the prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were related to the differences of regional habitats supporting different abundance of spirorchiid intermediate hosts. A systematic monitoring to evaluate the progress of the infection is recommended, as well as studies on the occurrence and distribution of spirorchiid species from other Mediterranean areas.
Mario Santoro; Erica Marchiori; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Doriana Iaccarino; Fabio Di Nocera; Barbara Degli Uberti; Giovanna De Luca; Marianna D’Amore; Cinzia Centelleghe; Mario Pietrobelli; Federica Marcer. Epidemiology of blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in sea turtles from Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, off Italy. Parasites & Vectors 2020, 13, 1 -10.
AMA StyleMario Santoro, Erica Marchiori, Rudi Cassini, Michele Drigo, Doriana Iaccarino, Fabio Di Nocera, Barbara Degli Uberti, Giovanna De Luca, Marianna D’Amore, Cinzia Centelleghe, Mario Pietrobelli, Federica Marcer. Epidemiology of blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in sea turtles from Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, off Italy. Parasites & Vectors. 2020; 13 (1):1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Santoro; Erica Marchiori; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Doriana Iaccarino; Fabio Di Nocera; Barbara Degli Uberti; Giovanna De Luca; Marianna D’Amore; Cinzia Centelleghe; Mario Pietrobelli; Federica Marcer. 2020. "Epidemiology of blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in sea turtles from Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, off Italy." Parasites & Vectors 13, no. 1: 1-10.
Background Feline parvovirus (FPV) is a common and potentially lethal infectious agent in cats. Objective To assess the prognostic value of age, neuter status, serum concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, cholesterol and total thyroxine (tT4), and the presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in cats with panleukopenia. Animals Client‐owned cats with FPV infection diagnosed by a positive fecal ELISA test, positive PCR on feces or blood or both. Methods Retrospective cohort study. The electronic medical database was searched for cats with FPV infection presented between January 2010 and January 2018. Cats were divided into survivors and nonsurvivors according to their survival status 28 days after hospital admission. The prognostic importance of each variable was investigated univariately and by multivariable Cox's proportional‐hazards regression. Finally, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the best cutoff value for discriminating survivors from nonsurvivors for the statistically significant prognostic predictors identified by multivariable analysis. Results Seventy cats were enrolled in the study. Multivariable analysis determined that only serum tT4 concentration at hospital admission was significantly (P = .01) associated with survival. A cutoff value of 0.82 μg/dL was identified by ROC curve analysis for serum tT4 concentration in discriminating survivors from nonsurvivors. Sensitivity at this cutoff was 73.9% and specificity was 82.9% (area under the curve, 0.783; 95% confidence interval, 0.668‐0.873; P < .0001). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Serum tT4 concentration at hospital admission has prognostic value in cats with FPV infection.
Matteo Petini; Michele Drigo; Andrea Zoia. Prognostic value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, cholesterol, and total thyroxine in cats with panleukopenia. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2020, 34, 719 -724.
AMA StyleMatteo Petini, Michele Drigo, Andrea Zoia. Prognostic value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, cholesterol, and total thyroxine in cats with panleukopenia. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2020; 34 (2):719-724.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatteo Petini; Michele Drigo; Andrea Zoia. 2020. "Prognostic value of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, cholesterol, and total thyroxine in cats with panleukopenia." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 34, no. 2: 719-724.
Epidemiology and health economics have systemic interdependencies. The identification of the economic outcomes of any disease is operated by overlapping its epidemiology with the economic functions of the impacted entities. This communication presents two epidemiologic-economic models designed to evaluate the economic burden of cystic echinococcosis and leishmaniasis in Veneto (Northeastern Italy). Following a One Health approach, the research integrates expertise from different disciplines and institutions and fulfilled its first stage by defining the relevant cost categories and the data collection strategy for the two diseases in the study area. The two models identify the relevant epidemiological factors and the economic outcomes of infections in both animals and humans. The results, visualized in flow charts indicating the types of costs associated with these zoonoses, will guide data collection and the epidemiologic and economic assessment in the next research stages. This experience shows that One Health methods, although still innovative or unusual in many scientific and professional contexts, can be applied by using relatively limited resources and already available professional skills.
Massimo Canali; Maurizio Aragrande; Andrea Angheben; Gioia Capelli; Michele Drigo; Federico Gobbi; Francesca Tamarozzi; Rudi Cassini. Epidemiologic-economic models and the One Health paradigm: echinococcosis and leishmaniasis, case studies in Veneto region, Northeastern Italy. One Health 2019, 9, 100115 .
AMA StyleMassimo Canali, Maurizio Aragrande, Andrea Angheben, Gioia Capelli, Michele Drigo, Federico Gobbi, Francesca Tamarozzi, Rudi Cassini. Epidemiologic-economic models and the One Health paradigm: echinococcosis and leishmaniasis, case studies in Veneto region, Northeastern Italy. One Health. 2019; 9 ():100115.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Canali; Maurizio Aragrande; Andrea Angheben; Gioia Capelli; Michele Drigo; Federico Gobbi; Francesca Tamarozzi; Rudi Cassini. 2019. "Epidemiologic-economic models and the One Health paradigm: echinococcosis and leishmaniasis, case studies in Veneto region, Northeastern Italy." One Health 9, no. : 100115.
Dogs with intracavitary effusion have coagulative abnormalities indicative of primary fibrinolysis/hyperfibrinolysis. The aim of this case control study was to investigate by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and standard coagulation tests (fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer and fibrinogen) fibrinolysis in dogs with intracavitary effusions. Thirty-two dogs with intracavitary effusion and 32 control sick dogs without effusion were studied. Frequency of fibrinolysis grade of severity (i.e., hypofibrinolysis/basal fibrinolysis vs increased fibrinolysis vs hyperfibrinolysis) by ROTEM and standard coagulation tests were compared between groups. Pattern of fibrinolysis by ROTEM (i.e., late vs intermediate vs fulminant) and type of fibrinolysis by standard coagulation tests (i.e., hypofibrinolysis/basal fibrinolysis vs primary fibrinolysis vs secondary fibrinolysis vs primary hyperfibrinolysis vs secondary hyperfibrinolysis) were also compared between groups. Dogs with intracavitary effusion had a lesser degree of hypofibrinolysis and basal fibrinolysis and a higher degree of increased fibrinolysis and hyperfibrinolysis compared to controls, both by ROTEM and by standard coagulation tests (P = 0.042 and P = 0.017, respectively). Nevertheless, there was a poor agreement between the two classification schemes (34.4%, K = 0.06, 95% CI = -0.14 ‒ +0.26). Dogs with intracavitary effusion showed, by ROTEM, a lesser degree of hypofibrinolysis and basal fibrinolysis and a higher degree of late, intermediate, and fulminant fibrinolysis compared to controls (P = 0.044). Finally, dogs with intracavitary effusion had, by standard coagulation tests, a higher frequency of primary fibrinolysis and primary hyperfibrinolysis and a lower frequency of secondary fibrinolysis compared to controls. Dogs with intracavitary effusion showed an increased frequency and a different and more severe pattern of fibrinolysis compared to controls.
Andrea Zoia; Michele Drigo; Christine J. Piek; Helena Calcini; Marco Caldin; Paolo Simioni. Enhanced fibrinolysis detection in a natural occurring canine model with intracavitary effusions: Comparison and degree of agreement between thromboelastometry and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0225089 .
AMA StyleAndrea Zoia, Michele Drigo, Christine J. Piek, Helena Calcini, Marco Caldin, Paolo Simioni. Enhanced fibrinolysis detection in a natural occurring canine model with intracavitary effusions: Comparison and degree of agreement between thromboelastometry and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (11):e0225089.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Zoia; Michele Drigo; Christine J. Piek; Helena Calcini; Marco Caldin; Paolo Simioni. 2019. "Enhanced fibrinolysis detection in a natural occurring canine model with intracavitary effusions: Comparison and degree of agreement between thromboelastometry and FDPs, D-dimer and fibrinogen concentrations." PLOS ONE 14, no. 11: e0225089.
Despite the fact that vaccine resistance has been typically considered a rare phenomenon, some episodes of vaccine failure have been reported with increasing frequency in intensively-raised livestock. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a widespread avian coronavirus, whose control relies mainly on extensive vaccine administration. Unfortunately, the continuous emergence of new vaccine-immunity escaping variants prompts the development of new vaccines. In the present work, a molecular epidemiology study was performed to evaluate the potential role of homologous vaccination in driving IBV evolution. This was undertaken by assessing IBV viral RNA sequences from the ORF encoding the S1 portion of viral surface glycoprotein (S) before and after the introduction of a new live vaccine on broiler farms in northern-Italy. The results of several biostatistics analyses consistently demonstrate the presence of a higher pressure in the post-vaccination period. Natural selection was detected essentially on sites located on the protein surface, within or nearby domains involved in viral attachment or related functions. This evidence strongly supports the action of vaccine-induced immunity in conditioning viral evolution, potentially leading to the emergence of new vaccine-escape variants. The great plasticity of rapidly-evolving RNA-viruses in response to human intervention, which extends beyond the poultry industry, is demonstrated, claiming further attention due to their relevance for animal and especially human health.
Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Mattia Cecchinato. Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction. Veterinary Research 2019, 50, 1 -9.
AMA StyleGiovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Michele Drigo, Marco Martini, Mattia Cecchinato. Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction. Veterinary Research. 2019; 50 (1):1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Mattia Cecchinato. 2019. "Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction." Veterinary Research 50, no. 1: 1-9.
Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are considered emerging environmental pollutants, posing potential risks for human and animal health: the misuse of antimicrobials in food-producing animals could favour the maintenance and spread of resistances (RMS) in bacteria. The occurrence of ARGs in Italian swine farming – which has specific characteristics – was investigated in order to explore RMS dynamics. Two farrow-to-finish pig farms were longitudinally monitored: faecal samples from animals and environmental samples were collected. DNA was extracted and tetA, ermB, qnrS and mcr1 ARGs were analysed by qPCR for their ability to confer resistance to highly or critically important antimicrobials (CIAs). Moreover, 16SrDNA gene was analysed to assess bacterial abundance. ermB and tetA genes were found in animal samples and manure samples. On the contrary, mcr1 was exclusively found in weaners, while qnrS occurred in all animal categories but sows and finishers. Among the analysed genes, ermB and tetA showed the highest absolute and relative abundances. Our results indicate that ermB and tetA ARGs are widely disseminated in the explored farms, suggesting efficient maintenance among bacteria and persistence in the environment. Interestingly, the presence of qnrS and mcr1, limited to just a few animal categories, highlights inefficient dissemination of these genes in the farm environment, in particular for mcr1, a stable plasmid gene conferring resistance to the last-resort antimicrobial, colistin. Paying close attention only to the finishing phase would have hampered the discovery of resistances to CIAs at farm level, which we instead identified thanks to an intensive longitudinal monitoring programme.
Sara Petrin; Ilaria Patuzzi; Andrea Di Cesare; Alessia Tiengo; Giovanni Sette; Giancarlo Biancotto; Gianluca Corno; Michele Drigo; Carmen Losasso; Veronica Cibin. Evaluation and quantification of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in two Italian swine farms. Environmental Pollution 2019, 255, 113183 .
AMA StyleSara Petrin, Ilaria Patuzzi, Andrea Di Cesare, Alessia Tiengo, Giovanni Sette, Giancarlo Biancotto, Gianluca Corno, Michele Drigo, Carmen Losasso, Veronica Cibin. Evaluation and quantification of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in two Italian swine farms. Environmental Pollution. 2019; 255 ():113183.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Petrin; Ilaria Patuzzi; Andrea Di Cesare; Alessia Tiengo; Giovanni Sette; Giancarlo Biancotto; Gianluca Corno; Michele Drigo; Carmen Losasso; Veronica Cibin. 2019. "Evaluation and quantification of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in two Italian swine farms." Environmental Pollution 255, no. : 113183.
After its first identification in 1978, canine parvovirus (CPV) has been recognized all around the world as a major threat for canine population health. This ssDNA virus is characterized by a high substitution rate and several genetic and phenotypic variants emerged over time. Overall, the definition of 3 main antigenic variants was established based on specific amino acid markers located in a precise capsid position. However, the detection of several minor variants and incongruence observed between the antigenic classification and phylogeny have posed doubts on the reliability of this scheme. At the same time, CPV heterogeneity has favored the hypothesis of a differential virulence among variants, although no robust and consistent demonstration has been provided yet. The present study rejects the antigenic variant concept and attempts to evaluate the association between CPV strain phylogeny, reconstructed using the whole information contained in the VP2 coding gene, and several clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters, assessed from 34 CPV infected dogs at admission. By using different statistical approaches, the results of the present study show an association between viral phylogeny and host parameters ascribable to immune system, coagulation profile, acute phase response and, more generally, to the overall picture of the animal response. Particularly, a strong and significant phylogenetic signal was proven for neutrophil count and WBC. Therefore, despite the limited sample size, a relation between viral phylogeny and disease severity has been observed for the first time, suggesting that CPV virulence is an inherited trait. The likely existence of clades with different virulence highlights once more the relevance of intensive epidemiological monitoring and research on CPV evolution to better understand the virulence determinants, their epidemiology and develop adequate countermeasures.
Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Sira Casagrande; Marco Caldin; Martí Cortey; Tommaso Furlanello; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 1 -8.
AMA StyleGiovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Sira Casagrande, Marco Caldin, Martí Cortey, Tommaso Furlanello, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Michele Drigo. Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Sira Casagrande; Marco Caldin; Martí Cortey; Tommaso Furlanello; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. 2019. "Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 1-8.
Various ticks exist in the temperate hilly and pre-alpine areas of Northern Italy, where Ixodes ricinus is the more important. In this area different tick-borne pathogen monitoring projects have recently been implemented; we present here the results of a twoyear field survey of ticks and associated pathogens, conducted 2009-2010 in North-eastern Italy. The cost-effectiveness of different sampling strategies, hypothesized a posteriori based on two sub-sets of data, were compared and analysed. The same two subsets were also used to develop models of habitat suitability, using a maximum entropy algorithm based on remotely sensed data. Comparison of the two strategies (in terms of number of ticks collected, rates of pathogen detection and model accuracy) indicated that monitoring at many temporary sites was more cost-effective than monthly samplings at a few permanent sites. The two model predictions were similar and provided a greater understanding of ecological requirements of I. ricinus in the study area. Dense vegetation cover, as measured by the normalized difference vegetation index, was identified as a good predictor of tick presence, whereas high summer temperatures appeared to be a limiting factor. The study suggests that it is possible to obtain realistic results (in terms of pathogens detection and development of habitat suitability maps) with a relatively limited sampling effort and a wellplanned monitoring strategy.
Manuela Signorini; Anna-Sofie Stensgaard; Michele Drigo; Giulia Simonato; Federica Marcer; Fabrizio Montarsi; Marco Martini; Rudi Cassini. Towards improved, cost-effective surveillance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and associated pathogens using species distribution modelling. Geospatial Health 2019, 14, 1 .
AMA StyleManuela Signorini, Anna-Sofie Stensgaard, Michele Drigo, Giulia Simonato, Federica Marcer, Fabrizio Montarsi, Marco Martini, Rudi Cassini. Towards improved, cost-effective surveillance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and associated pathogens using species distribution modelling. Geospatial Health. 2019; 14 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Signorini; Anna-Sofie Stensgaard; Michele Drigo; Giulia Simonato; Federica Marcer; Fabrizio Montarsi; Marco Martini; Rudi Cassini. 2019. "Towards improved, cost-effective surveillance of Ixodes ricinus ticks and associated pathogens using species distribution modelling." Geospatial Health 14, no. 1: 1.
Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) has emerged as a potential threat for swine industry, being consistently reported in presence of several clinical signs all around the world. Recently, its presence in wild boar has been demonstrated at high prevalence. This evidence is surprising since the lower density of wild populations might not be expected to sustain such efficient viral transmission. Porcine circoviruses were proven to exhibit a certain plasticity in the host tropism and were detected in unrelated species, like mice, dogs and ruminants. However, if this scenario applies also to wild animals remains to be established. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of PCV‐3 in wild ungulates other than wild boar and in related hematophagous ectoparasites. One‐hundred and nine animals were sampled from different hilly and mountain areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia, including 9 chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 17 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 4 mouflons (Ovis musimon), 50 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 29 wild boars (Sus scrofa). Additionally, host matched ectoparasites were collected when present. PCV‐3 was diagnosed using molecular techniques and sequencing. The present study results confirmed the high PCV‐3 occurrence in wild boar and reported for the first time its presence, at low prevalence, in chamois and roe deer. Moreover two ticks (Ixodes ricinus), one of which non‐engorged, collected from PCV‐3 negative roe deer, tested PCV‐3 positive. The genetic characterization of some of the strains collected from non‐swine hosts allowed to prove that, albeit clearly part of PCV‐3 species, they were genetically unique, demonstrating the absence of among‐samples contamination and thus confirming the actual presence of PCV‐3 genome in these new hosts. Therefore, the present study highlights an unexpected broad PCV‐3 distribution and circulation in the wild, rising further questions on porcine circoviruses infectious cycle, epidemiology and origin, which will deserve additional investigations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Giovanni Franzo; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Alessandra Mondin; Maria Luisa Menandro. A wild circulation: High presence of Porcine circovirus 3 in different mammalian wild hosts and ticks. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2019, 66, 1548 -1557.
AMA StyleGiovanni Franzo, Laura Grassi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Michele Drigo, Marco Martini, Daniela Pasotto, Alessandra Mondin, Maria Luisa Menandro. A wild circulation: High presence of Porcine circovirus 3 in different mammalian wild hosts and ticks. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2019; 66 (4):1548-1557.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiovanni Franzo; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Alessandra Mondin; Maria Luisa Menandro. 2019. "A wild circulation: High presence of Porcine circovirus 3 in different mammalian wild hosts and ticks." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 66, no. 4: 1548-1557.
Objectives To validate a retinal imaging software named VAMPIRE® (Vascular Assay and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) in feline patients and test the clinical utility in hypertensive cats. Animals studied One hundred and five healthy cats were enrolled. They represented the normal dataset used in the validation (group 1). Forty‐three hypertensive cats with no noticeable retinal abnormalities were enrolled for the clinical validity of the software (group 2). Procedures Eleven points (4 veins, 4 arteries, and 3 arterial bifurcations) were measured for each digital image. Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements were assessed using two independent operators. Data were statistically analyzed by the Mann‐Whiney and Tukey box plot. Significance was considered when P < 0.05. Results Two hundred and ten retinal images were analyzed for a total of 2310 measurements. Total mean was 9.1 and 6.1 pixels for veins and arteries, respectively. First, second, and third arteriolar bifurcations angles were 73.6°, 76.9°, and 85.4°, respectively. A comparison between groups 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant reduction in arteriolar diameter (mean 3.3 pixels) and branch angle (55°, 47.8° and 59.9°) associated with increasing vein diameter (mean 24.15 pixels). Conclusions Current image analysis techniques used in human medicine were investigated in terms of extending their use to veterinary medicine. The VAMPIRE® algorithm proved useful for an objective diagnosis of retinal vasculature changes secondary to systemic hypertension in cats, and could be an additional diagnostic test for feline systemic hypertension.
Alessandro Cirla; Michele Drigo; Lucia Ballerini; Emanuele Trucco; Giovanni Barsotti. VAMPIRE ® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2019, 22, 819 -827.
AMA StyleAlessandro Cirla, Michele Drigo, Lucia Ballerini, Emanuele Trucco, Giovanni Barsotti. VAMPIRE ® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats. Veterinary Ophthalmology. 2019; 22 (6):819-827.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro Cirla; Michele Drigo; Lucia Ballerini; Emanuele Trucco; Giovanni Barsotti. 2019. "VAMPIRE ® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats." Veterinary Ophthalmology 22, no. 6: 819-827.
Canine parvovirus is one of the most frequent pathogens of young dogs, causing severe clinical manifestations. Its phenotypic variability led to an antigenic-based classification into different variants, which have been reported worldwide. To update the Italian distribution of CPV, a molecular survey was performed on 100 geographically-annotated samples collected from 2008 to 2015 by full VP2 sequencing. All three antigenic variants (CPV-2a, 2b, 2c) were detected during the studied period, being CPV-2a the most prevalent (60%). Locally, CPV appeared widely distributed, without any regional or temporal clustering, demonstrating an outstanding and uncontrolled within-country viral spreading. The Italian sequences were also contextualized in the International scenario. The analysis of CPV worldwide molecular epidemiology highlighted the remarkable genetic heterogeneity of the circulating strains and their broad distribution. In fact, a frequent viral exchange among Countries, was proven both over short and long distances, involving haplotypes persisting through time. The reported information on viral dissemination patterns appears crucial for understanding the introduction routes of new variants or strains, which could complicate the epidemiological scenario, affect the disease patterns, show possible differential virulence and clinical relevance of emerging strains especially, and impair the vaccine efficacy.
Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Eva Mazzetto; Matteo Legnardi; Marco Caldin; Tommaso Furlanello; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. Molecular insight into Italian canine parvovirus heterogeneity and comparison with the worldwide scenario. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2018, 66, 171 -179.
AMA StyleClaudia Maria Tucciarone, Giovanni Franzo, Eva Mazzetto, Matteo Legnardi, Marco Caldin, Tommaso Furlanello, Mattia Cecchinato, Michele Drigo. Molecular insight into Italian canine parvovirus heterogeneity and comparison with the worldwide scenario. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2018; 66 ():171-179.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Eva Mazzetto; Matteo Legnardi; Marco Caldin; Tommaso Furlanello; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. 2018. "Molecular insight into Italian canine parvovirus heterogeneity and comparison with the worldwide scenario." Infection, Genetics and Evolution 66, no. : 171-179.