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Sand flies transmit Leishmania infantum, which is responsible for causing leishmaniasis, as well as many phleboviruses, including the human pathogenic Toscana virus. We screened sand flies collected from a single site between 2017 and 2020 for the presence of both phleboviruses and Leishmania. The sand flies were sampled with attractive carbon dioxide traps and CDC light traps between May and October. We collected more than 50,000 sand flies; 2826 were identified at the species level as Phlebotomus perfiliewi (98%) or Phlebotomus perniciosus (2%). A total of 16,789 sand flies were tested in 355 pools, and phleboviruses were found in 61 pools (6 Toscana virus positive pools, 2 Corfou virus positive pools, 42 Fermo virus positive pools, and 7 Ponticelli virus positive pools, and 4 unidentified phlebovirus positive pools). Leishmania was found in 75 pools and both microorganisms were detected in 16 pools. We isolated nine phleboviruses from another 2960 sand flies (five Ponticelli viruses and for Fermo viruses), not tested for Leishmania; the complete genome of a Fermo virus isolate was sequenced. The simultaneous detection in space and time of the Fermo virus and L. infantum is evidence that supports the co-circulation of both microorganisms in the same location and partial overlap of their cycles. A detailed characterization of the epidemiology of these microorganisms will support measures to limit their transmission.
Mattia Calzolari; Giuseppe Romeo; Emanuele Callegari; Paolo Bonilauri; Chiara Chiapponi; Elena Carra; Gianluca Rugna; Roberta Taddei; Davide Lelli; Michele Dottori. Co-Circulation of Phleboviruses and Leishmania Parasites in Sand Flies from a Single Site in Italy Monitored between 2017 and 2020. Viruses 2021, 13, 1660 .
AMA StyleMattia Calzolari, Giuseppe Romeo, Emanuele Callegari, Paolo Bonilauri, Chiara Chiapponi, Elena Carra, Gianluca Rugna, Roberta Taddei, Davide Lelli, Michele Dottori. Co-Circulation of Phleboviruses and Leishmania Parasites in Sand Flies from a Single Site in Italy Monitored between 2017 and 2020. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1660.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMattia Calzolari; Giuseppe Romeo; Emanuele Callegari; Paolo Bonilauri; Chiara Chiapponi; Elena Carra; Gianluca Rugna; Roberta Taddei; Davide Lelli; Michele Dottori. 2021. "Co-Circulation of Phleboviruses and Leishmania Parasites in Sand Flies from a Single Site in Italy Monitored between 2017 and 2020." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1660.
Phleboviruses are arboviruses transmitted by sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks. Some sand fly-borne phleboviruses cause illnesses in humans, such as the summer fevers caused by the Sicilian and Naples viruses or meningitis caused by the Toscana virus. Indeed, traces of several phleboviral infections have been serologically detected in domestic animals, but their potential pathogenic role in vertebrates other than humans is still unclear, as is the role of vertebrates as potential reservoirs of these viruses. In this study, we report the results of a serological survey performed on domestic animals sampled in Northern Italy, against four phleboviruses isolated from sand flies in the same area. The sera of 23 dogs, 165 sheep and 23 goats were tested with a virus neutralization assay for Toscana virus, Fermo virus, Ponticelli I virus and Ponticelli III virus. Neutralizing antibodies against one or more phleboviruses were detected in four out of 23 dogs, 31 out of 165 sheep and 12 out of 23 goats. This study shows preliminary evidence for the distribution pattern of phleboviral infections in different animal species, highlighting the potential infection of the Toscana virus in dogs and the Fermo virus in goats.
Davide Lelli; Vittorio Scanferla; Ana Moreno; Enrica Sozzi; Valentina Ravaioli; Maria Renzi; Giovanni Tosi; Michele Dottori; Antonio Lavazza; Mattia Calzolari. Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy). Viruses 2021, 13, 1577 .
AMA StyleDavide Lelli, Vittorio Scanferla, Ana Moreno, Enrica Sozzi, Valentina Ravaioli, Maria Renzi, Giovanni Tosi, Michele Dottori, Antonio Lavazza, Mattia Calzolari. Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy). Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1577.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Lelli; Vittorio Scanferla; Ana Moreno; Enrica Sozzi; Valentina Ravaioli; Maria Renzi; Giovanni Tosi; Michele Dottori; Antonio Lavazza; Mattia Calzolari. 2021. "Serological Evidence of Phleboviruses in Domestic Animals on the Pre-Apennine Hills (Northern Italy)." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1577.
Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) vaccines are based on either inactivated whole virion, or recombinant ORF2 capsid protein assembled into Virus-like Particles (VLPs). No data are available instead about the immunizing properties of free, non-assembled capsid protein. To investigate this issue, ORF2 of a reference PCV2b strain was expressed in a Baculovirus-based expression system without assembly into VLPs. The free purified protein was formulated into an oil vaccine at three distinct Ag payloads: 10.8 / 3.6 / 1.2 micrograms /dose. Each dose was injected intramuscularly into five, 37-day old piglets, carefully matched for maternally-derived antibody. Five control piglets were injected with sterile PBS in oil adjuvant. Twenty-eight days later, all the pigs were challenged intranasally with 200,000 TCID50 of PCV2b strain DV6503. After challenge infection, all the pigs remained in good clinical conditions. The recombinant vaccine did not induce significant antibody and PCV2-specific IFN-gamma responses. ELISPOT and lymphocyte proliferation data confirmed poor induction of cell-mediated immunity. In terms of PCV2 viremia, there was no significant difference between vaccinated and control animals. The histological data indicated the absence of a detectable viral load and of PCVAD lesions in both vaccinated and control animals, as well as of histiocytes and multi-nucleated giant cells. We conclude that free, non-assembled ORF2 capsid protein does not induce protective immunity.
Flavia Guarneri; Matteo Tonni; Giuseppe Sarli; Maria Beatrice Boniotti; Davide Lelli; Ilaria Barbieri; Giulia D'Annunzio; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Barbara Bacci; Massimo Amadori. Non-assembled ORF2 Capsid Protein of Porcine Circovirus 2b Does Not Confer Protective Immunity. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleFlavia Guarneri, Matteo Tonni, Giuseppe Sarli, Maria Beatrice Boniotti, Davide Lelli, Ilaria Barbieri, Giulia D'Annunzio, Giovanni Loris Alborali, Barbara Bacci, Massimo Amadori. Non-assembled ORF2 Capsid Protein of Porcine Circovirus 2b Does Not Confer Protective Immunity. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFlavia Guarneri; Matteo Tonni; Giuseppe Sarli; Maria Beatrice Boniotti; Davide Lelli; Ilaria Barbieri; Giulia D'Annunzio; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Barbara Bacci; Massimo Amadori. 2021. "Non-assembled ORF2 Capsid Protein of Porcine Circovirus 2b Does Not Confer Protective Immunity." , no. : 1.
Equid and asinine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs; genus Percavirus) are members of the Herpesviridae family. Though GHVs have been reported in horse populations, less studies are available on gammaherpesviral infections in donkeys. This study reports the co-infection with two GHVs in Pantesco breed donkeys, an endangered Italian donkey breed. Samples (n = 124) were collected on a breeding farm in Southern Italy from 40 donkeys, some of which were healthy or presented erosive tongue lesions and/or mild respiratory signs. Samples were analysed by using a set of nested PCRs targeting the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and DNA-packaging protein genes, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Twenty-nine donkeys (72.5%) tested positive, and the presence of Equid gammaherpesvirus 7 and asinine herpesvirus 5 was evidenced. In 11 animals, we found evidence for co-infection with viruses from the two species. Virions with herpesvirus-like morphology were observed by electron microscopic examination, and viruses were successfully isolated in RK-13-KY cell monolayers. The histological evaluation of tongue lesions revealed moderate lympho-granulocytic infiltrates and rare eosinophilic inclusions. The detection of GHVs in this endangered asinine breed suggests the need long-life monitoring within conservation programs and reinforces the need for further investigations of GHV’s pathogenetic role in asinine species.
Francesco Mira; Marta Canuti; Santina Di Bella; Roberto Puleio; Antonio Lavazza; Davide Lelli; Domenico Vicari; Giuseppa Purpari; Vincenza Cannella; Gabriele Chiaramonte; Giorgia Schirò; Calogero Castronovo; Annalisa Guercio. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease. Viruses 2021, 13, 1527 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Mira, Marta Canuti, Santina Di Bella, Roberto Puleio, Antonio Lavazza, Davide Lelli, Domenico Vicari, Giuseppa Purpari, Vincenza Cannella, Gabriele Chiaramonte, Giorgia Schirò, Calogero Castronovo, Annalisa Guercio. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1527.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Mira; Marta Canuti; Santina Di Bella; Roberto Puleio; Antonio Lavazza; Davide Lelli; Domenico Vicari; Giuseppa Purpari; Vincenza Cannella; Gabriele Chiaramonte; Giorgia Schirò; Calogero Castronovo; Annalisa Guercio. 2021. "Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1527.
West Nile (WNV) and Usutu (USUV) viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Thanks to their importance as zoonotic diseases, a regional plan for surveillance of Arboviruses was implemented in Emilia-Romagna in 2009. The province of Ferrara belongs to the Emilia-Romagna region, and it is an endemic territory for these viruses, with favorable ecological conditions for abundance of mosquitoes and wild birds. From 2015 to 2019, we collected 1842 dead-found birds at a wildlife rehabilitation center, which were analysed by three different PCRs for the detection of WNV and USUV genomes. August was characterized by the highest infection rate for both viruses. Columbiformes scored the highest USUV prevalence (8%), while Galliformes and Strigiformes reported the highest prevalence for WNV (13%). Among Passeriformes (the most populated Order), Turdus merula was the most abundant species and scored the highest prevalence for both viruses. To optimize passive surveillance plans, monitoring should be focused on the summer and towards the avian species more prone to infection by both viruses.
Alessandra Lauriano; Arianna Rossi; Giorgio Galletti; Gabriele Casadei; Annalisa Santi; Silva Rubini; Elena Carra; Davide Lelli; Mattia Calzolari; Marco Tamba. West Nile and Usutu Viruses’ Surveillance in Birds of the Province of Ferrara, Italy, from 2015 to 2019. Viruses 2021, 13, 1367 .
AMA StyleAlessandra Lauriano, Arianna Rossi, Giorgio Galletti, Gabriele Casadei, Annalisa Santi, Silva Rubini, Elena Carra, Davide Lelli, Mattia Calzolari, Marco Tamba. West Nile and Usutu Viruses’ Surveillance in Birds of the Province of Ferrara, Italy, from 2015 to 2019. Viruses. 2021; 13 (7):1367.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Lauriano; Arianna Rossi; Giorgio Galletti; Gabriele Casadei; Annalisa Santi; Silva Rubini; Elena Carra; Davide Lelli; Mattia Calzolari; Marco Tamba. 2021. "West Nile and Usutu Viruses’ Surveillance in Birds of the Province of Ferrara, Italy, from 2015 to 2019." Viruses 13, no. 7: 1367.
The epidemiological role of domestic animals in the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans has been investigated in recent reports, but some aspects need to be further clarified. To date, only in rare cases have dogs and cats living with COVID-19 patients been found to harbour SARS-CoV-2, with no evidence of pet-to-human transmission. The aim of the present study was to verify whether dogs and cats act as passive mechanical carriers of SARS-CoV-2 when they live in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Cutaneous and interdigital swabs collected from 48 dogs and 15 cats owned by COVID-19 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR. The time elapsed between owner swab positivity and sample collection from pets ranged from 1 to 72 days, with a median time of 23 days for dogs and 39 days for cats. All samples tested negative, suggesting that pets do not passively carry SARS-CoV-2 on their hair and pads, and thus they likely do not play an important role in the virus transmission to humans. This data may contribute to confirming that the direct contact with the hair and pads of pets does not represent a route for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Stefania Lauzi; Angelica Stranieri; Alessia Giordano; Davide Lelli; Gabriella Elia; Costantina Desario; Gabriele Ratti; Nicola Decaro; Saverio Paltrinieri. Do Dogs and Cats Passively Carry SARS-CoV-2 on Hair and Pads? Viruses 2021, 13, 1357 .
AMA StyleStefania Lauzi, Angelica Stranieri, Alessia Giordano, Davide Lelli, Gabriella Elia, Costantina Desario, Gabriele Ratti, Nicola Decaro, Saverio Paltrinieri. Do Dogs and Cats Passively Carry SARS-CoV-2 on Hair and Pads? Viruses. 2021; 13 (7):1357.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Lauzi; Angelica Stranieri; Alessia Giordano; Davide Lelli; Gabriella Elia; Costantina Desario; Gabriele Ratti; Nicola Decaro; Saverio Paltrinieri. 2021. "Do Dogs and Cats Passively Carry SARS-CoV-2 on Hair and Pads?" Viruses 13, no. 7: 1357.
There have been previous reports of the human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but there are only a few molecular studies that have compared the whole genome of the virus in cats and their owners. We here describe a case of domestic SARS-CoV-2 transmission from a healthcare worker to his cat for which nasopharyngeal swabs of both the cat and its owner were used for full-genome analysis. The results indicate that quarantine measures should be extended to pets living in SARS-CoV-2-infected households.
Gabriele Pagani; Alessia Lai; Annalisa Bergna; Alberto Rizzo; Angelica Stranieri; Alessia Giordano; Saverio Paltrinieri; Davide Lelli; Nicola Decaro; Stefano Rusconi; Maria Gismondo; Spinello Antinori; Stefania Lauzi; Massimo Galli; Gianguglielmo Zehender. Human-to-Cat SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: Case Report and Full-Genome Sequencing from an Infected Pet and Its Owner in Northern Italy. Pathogens 2021, 10, 252 .
AMA StyleGabriele Pagani, Alessia Lai, Annalisa Bergna, Alberto Rizzo, Angelica Stranieri, Alessia Giordano, Saverio Paltrinieri, Davide Lelli, Nicola Decaro, Stefano Rusconi, Maria Gismondo, Spinello Antinori, Stefania Lauzi, Massimo Galli, Gianguglielmo Zehender. Human-to-Cat SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: Case Report and Full-Genome Sequencing from an Infected Pet and Its Owner in Northern Italy. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (2):252.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Pagani; Alessia Lai; Annalisa Bergna; Alberto Rizzo; Angelica Stranieri; Alessia Giordano; Saverio Paltrinieri; Davide Lelli; Nicola Decaro; Stefano Rusconi; Maria Gismondo; Spinello Antinori; Stefania Lauzi; Massimo Galli; Gianguglielmo Zehender. 2021. "Human-to-Cat SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: Case Report and Full-Genome Sequencing from an Infected Pet and Its Owner in Northern Italy." Pathogens 10, no. 2: 252.
Mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRVs) are emerging infectious agents that may affect wild animals. MRVs are usually associated with asymptomatic or mild respiratory and enteric infections. However, severe clinical manifestations have been occasionally reported in human and animal hosts. An insight into their circulation is essential to minimize the risk of diffusion to farmed animals and possibly to humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of likely zoonotic MRVs in wild ungulates. Liver samples were collected from wild boar, red deer, roe deer, and chamois. Samples originated from two areas (Sondrio and Parma provinces) in Northern Italy with different environmental characteristics. MRV detection was carried out by PCR; confirmation by sequencing and typing for MRV type 3, which has been frequently associated with disease in pigs, were carried out for positive samples. MRV prevalence was as high as 45.3% in wild boars and 40.6% in red deer in the Sondrio area, with lower prevalence in the Parma area (15.4% in wild boars). Our findings shed light on MRV occurrence and distribution in some wild species and posed the issue of their possible role as reservoir.
Sara Arnaboldi; Francesco Righi; Virginia Filipello; Tiziana Trogu; Davide Lelli; Alessandro Bianchi; Silvia Bonardi; Enrico Pavoni; Barbara Bertasi; Antonio Lavazza. Mammalian Orthoreovirus (MRV) Is Widespread in Wild Ungulates of Northern Italy. Viruses 2021, 13, 238 .
AMA StyleSara Arnaboldi, Francesco Righi, Virginia Filipello, Tiziana Trogu, Davide Lelli, Alessandro Bianchi, Silvia Bonardi, Enrico Pavoni, Barbara Bertasi, Antonio Lavazza. Mammalian Orthoreovirus (MRV) Is Widespread in Wild Ungulates of Northern Italy. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Arnaboldi; Francesco Righi; Virginia Filipello; Tiziana Trogu; Davide Lelli; Alessandro Bianchi; Silvia Bonardi; Enrico Pavoni; Barbara Bertasi; Antonio Lavazza. 2021. "Mammalian Orthoreovirus (MRV) Is Widespread in Wild Ungulates of Northern Italy." Viruses 13, no. 2: 238.
Phleboviruses transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), and Naples phlebovirus (SFNV) are responsible of summer fever, with well-known pathogenic potential for humans ranging from asymptomatic to mild fever, in addition to neuro-invasive infections during summer. Although TOSV, in particular, is a significant and well-known human pathogen, SFVs remain neglected, with many gaps in the relevant knowledge. Sero-epidemiological studies and case reports recently showed a geographical wider distribution than previously considered, although the real incidence of phleboviruses infections in the Mediterranean area is still unknown. Here we retrospectively evaluated the circulation of phleboviruses during summer seasons between 2007 and 2019 in 649 patients showing neurological symptoms using both molecular and serological approaches. We found that 42/649 (6.5%) subjects experienced phlebovirus infection and only 10/42 cases were detected by molecular assays, whereas the other 32/42 were identified using serological approaches, including neutralization assays. During the 2013 summer, an outbreak in the Lombardy region is described because the prevalence of phlebovirus infection reached 37.2% (19/51 subjects). Interestingly, only 5/19 (26.5%) reported traveling in endemic areas. Of note, no cross-neutralization was observed between different strains tested, showing the possibility to be reinfected by newly discovered phlebovirus strains. In conclusion, phlebovirus infections are still inadequately considered by physicians and are generally underestimated. However, based on our results, sandfly fever viruses should be routinely included in diagnostic panels during summer period, including in Northern Italy.
Elena Percivalle; Irene Cassaniti; Mattia Calzolari; Davide Lelli; Fausto Baldanti. Thirteen Years of Phleboviruses Circulation in Lombardy, a Northern Italy Region. Viruses 2021, 13, 209 .
AMA StyleElena Percivalle, Irene Cassaniti, Mattia Calzolari, Davide Lelli, Fausto Baldanti. Thirteen Years of Phleboviruses Circulation in Lombardy, a Northern Italy Region. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):209.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Percivalle; Irene Cassaniti; Mattia Calzolari; Davide Lelli; Fausto Baldanti. 2021. "Thirteen Years of Phleboviruses Circulation in Lombardy, a Northern Italy Region." Viruses 13, no. 2: 209.
Canine distemper (CD) is a fatal, highly contagious disease of wild and domestic carnivores. In the Alpine territory, several outbreaks have occurred in the past few decades within wild populations. This study investigated the presence of canine distemper virus (CDV) infections in wild carnivores in Lombardy, relating to the different circulating genotypes. From 2018 to 2020, foxes, badgers, and martens collected during passive surveillance were subjected to necropsy and histological examination, showing classical signs and microscopic lesions related to CDV. Pools of viscera from each animal were analysed by molecular methods and immunoelectron microscopy. Total prevalences of 39.7%, 52.6%, and 14.3% were recorded in foxes, badgers, and stone martens, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences obtained belonged to the European 1 lineage and were divided into two different clades (a and b) according to the geographical conformation of alpine valleys included in the study. Clade a was related to the European outbreaks originating from Germany in 2006–2010, while clade b was closely related to the CDV sequences originating from northeastern Italy during the 2011–2018 epidemic wave. Our results suggest that CDV is currently well adapted to wild carnivores, mostly circulating with subclinical manifestations and without severe impact on the dynamics of these populations.
Tiziana Trogu; Sabrina Canziani; Sara Salvato; Alessandro Bianchi; Irene Bertoletti; Lucia Rita Gibelli; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Ilaria Barbieri; Alessandra Gaffuri; Giovanni Sala; Enrica Sozzi; Davide Lelli; Antonio Lavazza; Ana Moreno. Canine Distemper Outbreaks in Wild Carnivores in Northern Italy. Viruses 2021, 13, 99 .
AMA StyleTiziana Trogu, Sabrina Canziani, Sara Salvato, Alessandro Bianchi, Irene Bertoletti, Lucia Rita Gibelli, Giovanni Loris Alborali, Ilaria Barbieri, Alessandra Gaffuri, Giovanni Sala, Enrica Sozzi, Davide Lelli, Antonio Lavazza, Ana Moreno. Canine Distemper Outbreaks in Wild Carnivores in Northern Italy. Viruses. 2021; 13 (1):99.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiziana Trogu; Sabrina Canziani; Sara Salvato; Alessandro Bianchi; Irene Bertoletti; Lucia Rita Gibelli; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Ilaria Barbieri; Alessandra Gaffuri; Giovanni Sala; Enrica Sozzi; Davide Lelli; Antonio Lavazza; Ana Moreno. 2021. "Canine Distemper Outbreaks in Wild Carnivores in Northern Italy." Viruses 13, no. 1: 99.
Due to their need for living cells, viruses have developed adaptive evolutionary strategies to survive and perpetuate in reservoir hosts that play a crucial role in the ecology of emerging pathogens. Pathogenic and potentially pandemic betacoronaviruses arose in humans in 2002 (SARS-CoV, disappeared in July 2003), 2012 (MERS-CoV, still circulating in Middle East areas), and 2019 (SARS-CoV-2, causing the current global pandemic). As universally recognized, bats host ancestors of the above-mentioned zoonotic viruses. However, hedgehogs have been recently identified in Europe and Asia as possible reservoirs of MERS-CoV-like strains classified as Erinaceus coronavirus (EriCoV). To elucidate the evolution and genetics of EriCoVs, NGS (next generation sequencing) and Sanger sequencing were used to examine fecal samples collected in Northern Italy in 2018/2019 from 12 hedgehogs previously found EriCoV-positive by RT-PCR. By sequence analysis, eight complete EriCoV genomes, obtained by NGS, showed a high phylogenetic correlation with EriCoV strains previously reported in Eurasia. Interestingly, eight viral strains presented an additional ORF encoding for the CD200 ortholog located between the genes encoding for the Spike and the ORF3a proteins. The CD200 ortholog sequences were closely similar to the host CD200 protein but varying among EriCoVs. The result, confirmed by Sanger sequencing, demonstrates for the first time that CoVs can acquire host genes potentially involved in the immune-modulatory cascade and possibly enabling the virus to escape the host defence.
Luca De Sabato; Ilaria Di Bartolo; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Claudia Cotti; Mauro Delogu; Gabriele Vaccari. Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization? Viruses 2020, 12, 1471 .
AMA StyleLuca De Sabato, Ilaria Di Bartolo, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Ana Moreno, Davide Lelli, Claudia Cotti, Mauro Delogu, Gabriele Vaccari. Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization? Viruses. 2020; 12 (12):1471.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca De Sabato; Ilaria Di Bartolo; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Claudia Cotti; Mauro Delogu; Gabriele Vaccari. 2020. "Can Coronaviruses Steal Genes from the Host as Evidenced in Western European Hedgehogs by EriCoV Genetic Characterization?" Viruses 12, no. 12: 1471.
We describe two cases of skin co-infections with epitheliotropic viruses, detected in two cattle during lumpy skin disease (LSD) surveillance in northern Italy. A diagnostic protocol including different molecular methods as well as negative staining electron microscopy was applied to detect the most common viral agents belonging to the family Papillomaviridae, Poxviridae and Herpesviridae which cause skin diseases in cattle. Two specimens were collected from cases clinically diagnosed as papillomatosis and pseudo-LSD. Both skin lesions were shown to harbor more than one viral species. This case report shows, for the first time, co-infection of zoonotic parapoxvirus with bovine papillomavirus and herpesvirus in skin lesions of cattle. In particular, the simultaneous presence of virions morphologically referable to parapoxvirus and papillomavirus confirms that the replication of both viruses in the same lesion can happen and the so-called papillomatosis can bear zoonotic viruses.
Laura Gallina; Federica Savini; Sabrina Canziani; Matteo Frasnelli; Antonio Lavazza; Alessandra Scagliarini; Davide Lelli. Bovine Papillomatosis Hiding a Zoonotic Infection: Epitheliotropic Viruses in Bovine Skin Lesions. Pathogens 2020, 9, 583 .
AMA StyleLaura Gallina, Federica Savini, Sabrina Canziani, Matteo Frasnelli, Antonio Lavazza, Alessandra Scagliarini, Davide Lelli. Bovine Papillomatosis Hiding a Zoonotic Infection: Epitheliotropic Viruses in Bovine Skin Lesions. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (7):583.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Gallina; Federica Savini; Sabrina Canziani; Matteo Frasnelli; Antonio Lavazza; Alessandra Scagliarini; Davide Lelli. 2020. "Bovine Papillomatosis Hiding a Zoonotic Infection: Epitheliotropic Viruses in Bovine Skin Lesions." Pathogens 9, no. 7: 583.
This study shows the origin and the pathogenic role of a novel ovine pestivirus (OVPV) isolated in 2017 in Italy, as a pathogenic agent causing severe abortions after infection in pregnant ewes and high capacity for virus trans-placental transmission as well as the birth of lambs suffering OVPV-persistent infection. The OVPV infection induced early antibody response detected by the specific ELISA against classical swine fever virus (CSFV), another important virus affecting swine. The neutralizing antibody response were similar against CSFV strains from genotype 2 and the OVPV. These viruses showed high identity in the B/C domain of the E2-glycoprotein. Close molecular diagnostics cross-reactivity between CSFV and OVPV was found and a new OVPV molecular assay was developed. The phylodynamic analysis showed that CSFV seems to have emerged as the result of an inter-species jump of Tunisian sheep virus (TSV) from sheep to pigs. The OVPV and the CSFV share the TSV as a common ancestor, emerging around 300 years ago. This suggests that the differentiation of TSV into two dangerous new viruses for animal health (CSFV and OVPV) was likely favored by human intervention for the close housing of multiple species for intensive livestock production.
Miaomiao Wang; Enrica Sozzi; José Alejandro Bohórquez; Mònica Alberch; Joan Pujols; Guillermo Cantero; Alessandra Gaffuri; Davide Lelli; Rosa Rosell; Albert Bensaid; Mariano Domingo; Lester Josue Pérez; Ana Moreno; Llilianne Ganges. Decrypting the Origin and Pathogenesis in Pregnant Ewes of a New Ovine Pestivirus Closely Related to Classical Swine Fever Virus. Viruses 2020, 12, 775 .
AMA StyleMiaomiao Wang, Enrica Sozzi, José Alejandro Bohórquez, Mònica Alberch, Joan Pujols, Guillermo Cantero, Alessandra Gaffuri, Davide Lelli, Rosa Rosell, Albert Bensaid, Mariano Domingo, Lester Josue Pérez, Ana Moreno, Llilianne Ganges. Decrypting the Origin and Pathogenesis in Pregnant Ewes of a New Ovine Pestivirus Closely Related to Classical Swine Fever Virus. Viruses. 2020; 12 (7):775.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiaomiao Wang; Enrica Sozzi; José Alejandro Bohórquez; Mònica Alberch; Joan Pujols; Guillermo Cantero; Alessandra Gaffuri; Davide Lelli; Rosa Rosell; Albert Bensaid; Mariano Domingo; Lester Josue Pérez; Ana Moreno; Llilianne Ganges. 2020. "Decrypting the Origin and Pathogenesis in Pregnant Ewes of a New Ovine Pestivirus Closely Related to Classical Swine Fever Virus." Viruses 12, no. 7: 775.
Pestivirus A or bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) type 1 is responsible for cosmopolitan diseases affecting cattle and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with relevant impact on zootechnic production. The objective of the present study was to verify whether animals immunised with four commercial vaccines also developed a protective humoral immunity against other viral subgenotypes than those contained in each vaccine. Four groups of 25 bovines each were formed and vaccinated according to the manufacturer’s instructions of the commercial vaccines. On sera collected 28 days after the last vaccination, virus neutralisation tests (VNT) were performed using homologous and heterologous viruses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Finally, the VNT results were comparatively evaluated through a statistical analysis. Serological results highlighted that, although with a different degree of efficiency, the four vaccines resulted in not developing a solid antibody-mediated cross-immunity against all the strains used.
Enrica Sozzi; Cecilia Righi; Massimo Boldini; Moira Bazzucchi; Giulia Pezzoni; Matteo Gradassi; Stefano Petrini; Davide Lelli; Giordano Ventura; Ilaria Pierini; Ana Moreno; Emiliana Brocchi; Antonio Lavazza; Gian Mario De Mia. Cross-Reactivity Antibody Response after Vaccination with Modified Live and Killed Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVD) Vaccines. Vaccines 2020, 8, 374 .
AMA StyleEnrica Sozzi, Cecilia Righi, Massimo Boldini, Moira Bazzucchi, Giulia Pezzoni, Matteo Gradassi, Stefano Petrini, Davide Lelli, Giordano Ventura, Ilaria Pierini, Ana Moreno, Emiliana Brocchi, Antonio Lavazza, Gian Mario De Mia. Cross-Reactivity Antibody Response after Vaccination with Modified Live and Killed Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVD) Vaccines. Vaccines. 2020; 8 (3):374.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrica Sozzi; Cecilia Righi; Massimo Boldini; Moira Bazzucchi; Giulia Pezzoni; Matteo Gradassi; Stefano Petrini; Davide Lelli; Giordano Ventura; Ilaria Pierini; Ana Moreno; Emiliana Brocchi; Antonio Lavazza; Gian Mario De Mia. 2020. "Cross-Reactivity Antibody Response after Vaccination with Modified Live and Killed Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVD) Vaccines." Vaccines 8, no. 3: 374.
A proliferative cauliflower lesion was excised from the udder of a sheep. Histological investigation confirmed the macroscopic classification of the lesion as a papilloma, without any fibroblastic proliferation. PCR revealed the presence of bovine papillomavirus (BPV), which was further confirmed by the identification of a Deltapapillomavirus 4 by Next Generation Sequencing analysis. This was subsequently classified as bovine papillomavirus type 1. Negative staining electron microscopy (EM) analyses produced negative test results for papillomavirus particles. RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) confirmed the presence of BPV-1. The results further confirm the ability of BPVs belonging to the Deltapapillomavirus genus to infect distantly related species and to cause lesions that are different from sarcoids.
Federica Savini; Laura Gallina; Alice Prosperi; Roberto Puleio; Antonio Lavazza; Patrizia Di Marco; Serena Tumino; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Annalisa Guercio; Alessandra Scagliarini. Bovine Papillomavirus 1 Gets Out of the Flock: Detection in an Ovine Wart in Sicily. Pathogens 2020, 9, 429 .
AMA StyleFederica Savini, Laura Gallina, Alice Prosperi, Roberto Puleio, Antonio Lavazza, Patrizia Di Marco, Serena Tumino, Ana Moreno, Davide Lelli, Annalisa Guercio, Alessandra Scagliarini. Bovine Papillomavirus 1 Gets Out of the Flock: Detection in an Ovine Wart in Sicily. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (6):429.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFederica Savini; Laura Gallina; Alice Prosperi; Roberto Puleio; Antonio Lavazza; Patrizia Di Marco; Serena Tumino; Ana Moreno; Davide Lelli; Annalisa Guercio; Alessandra Scagliarini. 2020. "Bovine Papillomavirus 1 Gets Out of the Flock: Detection in an Ovine Wart in Sicily." Pathogens 9, no. 6: 429.
Most of the newly emerging infections arise from animal reservoirs, frequently represented by wildlife species. Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are mammalian hibernators, mainly nocturnal and insectivorous, living in natural open and green spaces as well as artificial, rural and urban, areas. They are generalist predators of macro-invertebrates, but they may also eat meat, bird eggs and on occasion pet food. These ecological and feeding habits, along with their high population densities, notable synanthropic attitudes, frequent contacts with sympatric wild and domestic species, including humans, implicate the possibility of intra- and interspecies interactions accounting for the possible involvement of E. europaeus in the ecology of several potentially emerging pathogens, including coronaviruses. Using PCR-based and virus isolation methods, we found that 58.3% of 24 hedgehogs’ fecal samples were PCR-positive for Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs). We did not observe any clinical disease related to the EriCoV infection in hedgehogs. However, the high mutation rates characterizing members of the Coronaviridae family and their potential successful interspecies host jumps—as that likely occurred in the Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emergence—should be considered in the management of hedgehogs admitted to multi-species wildlife rehabilitation centers, recommending their return back to the original recovery areas. The Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of the four hedgehog species belonging to the genus Erinaceus. Among them, E. amurensis is extant in East Asia’s areas only, whereas E. europaeus, E. roumanicus and E. concolor are mainly found in Europe. E. europaeus is endemically distributed from western to central and southern Europe, including Italy. Western European hedgehogs’ ecological and feeding habits, along with their high population densities, notable synanthropic attitudes, frequent contacts with sympatric wild and domestic species, including humans, implicate the possible involvement of E. europaeus in the ecology of potentially emerging viruses, such as coronaviruses, influenza A and influenza D viruses, canine distemper virus, pestiviruses and Aujeszky’s disease virus. We examined 24 E. europaeus individuals found injured in urban and rural areas of Northern Italy. Of the 24 fecal samples collected and tested for the above-mentioned pathogens by both PCR-based and virus isolation methods, 14 were found PCR-positive for betacoronaviruses belonging to lineage C and related to the known Erinaceus coronaviruses (EriCoVs), as determined by partial sequencing of the virus genome. Our findings suggest that hedgehogs could be considered natural reservoirs of CoVs, and also act as chronic shedding carriers of these potentially emerging RNA viruses.
Mauro Delogu; Claudia Cotti; Davide Lelli; Enrica Sozzi; Tiziana Trogu; Antonio Lavazza; Giacomo Garuti; Maria Rita Castrucci; Gabriele Vaccari; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno. Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy. Animals 2020, 10, 407 .
AMA StyleMauro Delogu, Claudia Cotti, Davide Lelli, Enrica Sozzi, Tiziana Trogu, Antonio Lavazza, Giacomo Garuti, Maria Rita Castrucci, Gabriele Vaccari, Maria Alessandra De Marco, Ana Moreno. Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy. Animals. 2020; 10 (3):407.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMauro Delogu; Claudia Cotti; Davide Lelli; Enrica Sozzi; Tiziana Trogu; Antonio Lavazza; Giacomo Garuti; Maria Rita Castrucci; Gabriele Vaccari; Maria Alessandra De Marco; Ana Moreno. 2020. "Eco-Virological Preliminary Study of Potentially Emerging Pathogens in Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Recovered at a Wildlife Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Northern Italy." Animals 10, no. 3: 407.
Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) is a newly recognized member of the Flaviviridae family. This novel porcine pestivirus was first described in 2015 in the USA, where it has been associated with congenital tremor type A-II in new-born piglets. APPV is widely distributed in domestic pigs in Europe and Asia. In this study, a virological survey was performed in Northern Italy to investigate the presence of APPV using molecular methods. Testing of 360 abortion samples from pig herds revealed two APPV strains from distinct provinces in the Lombardy region and testing of 430 wild boar blood samples revealed three strains, one from Lombardy and two from Emilia Romagna. The nucleotide sequencing of a fragment of the nonstructural protein 3-coding region revealed a high similarity to the previously detected European strains (Spanish, German, and Italian) of APPV.
Enrica Sozzi; Cristian Salogni; Davide Lelli; Ilaria Barbieri; Ana Moreno; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Antonio Lavazza. Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Analysis of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV) Identified in Swine and Wild Boar from Northern Italy. Viruses 2019, 11, 1142 .
AMA StyleEnrica Sozzi, Cristian Salogni, Davide Lelli, Ilaria Barbieri, Ana Moreno, Giovanni Loris Alborali, Antonio Lavazza. Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Analysis of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV) Identified in Swine and Wild Boar from Northern Italy. Viruses. 2019; 11 (12):1142.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrica Sozzi; Cristian Salogni; Davide Lelli; Ilaria Barbieri; Ana Moreno; Giovanni Loris Alborali; Antonio Lavazza. 2019. "Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Analysis of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus (APPV) Identified in Swine and Wild Boar from Northern Italy." Viruses 11, no. 12: 1142.
Pestiviruses are distributed worldwide and are responsible for a variety of economically important diseases. They are not very host-specific, and thus sheep can be infected by well-known pestiviruses like bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and border disease virus (BDV), as well as by other recently discovered pestivirus species. The aim of this study is to describe the isolation and characterization of four pestivirus strains detected in aborted lamb fetuses from a single farm in the Brescia province (Northern Italy). A total of twelve aborted fetuses were collected and examined. After necropsy, organs were tested for the presence of infectious agents known as potential causes of abortion (Brucella spp., Listeria spp., Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila spp., Mycoplasma spp., Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii), and submitted to viral identification by isolation on Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell culture and by PCR assay for Schmallenberg virus and pan-pestivirus RT-PCR real time assay. Three viral strains (Ovine/IT/1756/2017, Ovine/IT/338710-2/2017, and Ovine/IT/338710-3/2017) were isolated in the absence of cytopathic effects (CPEs) in cell cultures and identified with RT-PCR. Another pestivirus strain (Ovine/IT/16235-2/2018) was detected by PCR, but was not successfully isolated. Complete sequence genomic data of the three isolated viruses showed that they were highly similar, differed genetically from known pestivirus species, and were closely related to classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Beyond the identification of new ovine pestiviruses, this study indicates that a systematic diagnostic approach is important to identify the presence and map the distribution of both known and emerging pestiviruses.
Enrica Sozzi; Antonio Lavazza; Alessandra Gaffuri; Fabio Carlo Bencetti; Alice Prosperi; Davide Lelli; Chiara Chiapponi; Ana Moreno. Isolation and Full-Length Sequence Analysis of a Pestivirus from Aborted Lamb Fetuses in Italy. Viruses 2019, 11, 744 .
AMA StyleEnrica Sozzi, Antonio Lavazza, Alessandra Gaffuri, Fabio Carlo Bencetti, Alice Prosperi, Davide Lelli, Chiara Chiapponi, Ana Moreno. Isolation and Full-Length Sequence Analysis of a Pestivirus from Aborted Lamb Fetuses in Italy. Viruses. 2019; 11 (8):744.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrica Sozzi; Antonio Lavazza; Alessandra Gaffuri; Fabio Carlo Bencetti; Alice Prosperi; Davide Lelli; Chiara Chiapponi; Ana Moreno. 2019. "Isolation and Full-Length Sequence Analysis of a Pestivirus from Aborted Lamb Fetuses in Italy." Viruses 11, no. 8: 744.
Interest in bat-related viruses has increased considerably during the last decade, leading to the discovery of a rising number of new viruses in several bat species. Poxviridae are a large, diverse family of DNA viruses that can infect a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. To date, only a few documented detections of poxviruses have been described in bat populations on three different continents (America, Africa, and Australia). These viruses are phylogenetically dissimilar and have diverse clinical impacts on their hosts. Herein, we report the isolation, nearly complete genome sequencing, and annotation of a novel poxvirus detected from an insectivorous bat (Hypsugo savii) in Northern Italy. The virus is tentatively named Hypsugopoxvirus (HYPV) after the bat species from which it was isolated. The nearly complete genome size is 166,600 nt and it encodes 161 genes. Genome analyses suggest that HYPV belongs to the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, with the highest nucleotide identity (85%) to Eptesipoxvirus (EPTV) detected from a microbat Eptesicus fuscus in WA, USA, in 2011. To date, HYPV represents the first poxvirus detected in bats in Europe; thus, its viral ecology and disease associations should be investigated further.
Davide Lelli; Antonio Lavazza; Alice Prosperi; Enrica Sozzi; Francesca Faccin; Laura Baioni; Tiziana Trogu; Gian Luca Cavallari; Matteo Mauri; Anna Maria Gibellini; Chiara Chiapponi; Ana Moreno. Hypsugopoxvirus: A Novel Poxvirus Isolated from Hypsugo savii in Italy. Viruses 2019, 11, 568 .
AMA StyleDavide Lelli, Antonio Lavazza, Alice Prosperi, Enrica Sozzi, Francesca Faccin, Laura Baioni, Tiziana Trogu, Gian Luca Cavallari, Matteo Mauri, Anna Maria Gibellini, Chiara Chiapponi, Ana Moreno. Hypsugopoxvirus: A Novel Poxvirus Isolated from Hypsugo savii in Italy. Viruses. 2019; 11 (6):568.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Lelli; Antonio Lavazza; Alice Prosperi; Enrica Sozzi; Francesca Faccin; Laura Baioni; Tiziana Trogu; Gian Luca Cavallari; Matteo Mauri; Anna Maria Gibellini; Chiara Chiapponi; Ana Moreno. 2019. "Hypsugopoxvirus: A Novel Poxvirus Isolated from Hypsugo savii in Italy." Viruses 11, no. 6: 568.
Adenoviruses are important pathogens of humans and animals. Bats have been recognized as potential reservoirs of novel viruses, with some viruses being regarded as a possible zoonotic threat to humans. In this study, we report the detection and analysis of adenoviruses from different bat species in northern Italy. Upon sequence and phylogenetic analysis, based on a short diagnostic fragment of the highly-conserved DNA polymerase gene, we identified potential novel candidate adenovirus species, including an avian-like adenovirus strain. An adenovirus isolate was obtained in simian cell lines from the carcass of a Pipistrellus kuhlii, and the complete genome sequence was reconstructed using deep sequencing technologies. The virus displayed high nucleotide identity and virtually the same genome organization as the Pipistrellus pipistrellus strain PPV1, isolated in Germany in 2007. Gathering data on epidemiology and the genetic diversity of bat adenoviruses may be helpful to better understand their evolution in the mammalian and avian hosts.
Georgia Diakoudi; Gianvito Lanave; Ana Moreno; Chiara Chiapponi; Enrica Sozzi; Alice Prosperi; Vittorio LaRocca; Michele Losurdo; Nicola DeCaro; Vito Martella; Antonio Lavazza; Davide Lelli. Surveillance for Adenoviruses in Bats in Italy. Viruses 2019, 11, 523 .
AMA StyleGeorgia Diakoudi, Gianvito Lanave, Ana Moreno, Chiara Chiapponi, Enrica Sozzi, Alice Prosperi, Vittorio LaRocca, Michele Losurdo, Nicola DeCaro, Vito Martella, Antonio Lavazza, Davide Lelli. Surveillance for Adenoviruses in Bats in Italy. Viruses. 2019; 11 (6):523.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorgia Diakoudi; Gianvito Lanave; Ana Moreno; Chiara Chiapponi; Enrica Sozzi; Alice Prosperi; Vittorio LaRocca; Michele Losurdo; Nicola DeCaro; Vito Martella; Antonio Lavazza; Davide Lelli. 2019. "Surveillance for Adenoviruses in Bats in Italy." Viruses 11, no. 6: 523.