Merce Roca

Dr. Merce Roca


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 September 2025 in Vaccines
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCarlos Montbrau
Carlos Montbrau
MGMarta Gibert
Marta Gibert
MSMarina Solé
Marina Solé
IBIsabel Barril
Isabel Barril
MRMerce Roca
Merce Roca
MRMarch Ricard
March Ricard
Background/Objectives: A new multivalent vaccine (DIVENCE® PENTA), containing Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 recombinant proteins, live gE/tk double gene deleted Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1 or IBR), live attenuated Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and inactivated parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3) has been designed to protect cattle against the main viral pathogens associated with Bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of DIVENCE® PENTA against experimental infections with BVDV-1, BVDV-2, IBR, BRSV and PI-3 in young calves. Methods: Ten-week-old calves were given two intramuscular doses three weeks apart. The efficacy was evaluated by means of an experimental challenge three weeks after vaccination. Serology, clinical signs, rectal temperature, white blood cell count, viral shedding and lung lesions were monitored after the challenge. Results/Conclusions: The results demonstrated a significant sparing of BRD in calves vaccinated with DIVENCE® PENTA, as evidenced by fewer clinical signs, lower rectal temperatures, reduced viral shedding and less severe pulmonary lesions compared to control animals. A significant reduction in hyperthermia, leukopenia and viraemia post-challenge was also observed, highlighting the efficacy of the multivalent vaccine against BVDV types 1 and 2, IBR, BRSV and PI-3 in young calves.

6 March 2026 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MSMeritxell Simon-Grifé
Meritxell Simon-Grifé
AMAlexandra Moros
Alexandra Moros
CRCecilia Pedernera Romano
Cecilia Pedernera Romano
EPEster Puigvert
Ester Puigvert
LALucía Acal
Lucía Acal
MSMarta Sitjà
Marta Sitjà
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections cause enormous economic losses in the swine production sector. Vaccination remains the most effective strategy against the complex clinical entities caused by these pathogens. While effective vaccines against PCV2 are available, immunisation against Mhyo continues to be challenging. In parallel, intradermal (ID) vaccination can optimise time and costs while providing faster and user-safe administration. This study compares the safety and efficacy of commercial porcine vaccines against Mhyo and PCV2, including intramuscular (IM) and ID ones: (1) ID recombinant Mhyo-PCV2, (2) ID recombinant PCV2 + ID inactivated Mhyo, (3) IM bivalent inactivated Mhyo and recombinant PCV2, (4) IM bivalent inactivated Mhyo and inactivated chimeric PCV1-PCV2 and (5) IM inactivated Mhyo + IM inactivated PCV2. Safety, evaluated through clinical signs, adverse effects, local reactions, and average daily weight gain, has been confirmed for all vaccines. Following challenge with both pathogens, all products reduced PCV2 viremia and faecal shedding, proving efficacy against PCV2 infection. In contrast, only the ID recombinant Mhyo-PCV2 and the IM inactivated Mhyo + IM inactivated PCV2 vaccines, significantly reduced lung lesions related to Mhyo infection, indicating a better protection compared to the other vaccines.