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Dr. Giovanni Franzo
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy

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0 Molecular Epidemiology
0 Phylogenetic Analysis
0 phylogeography
0 veterinary epidemiology
0 Virus Evolution

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Molecular Epidemiology
Phylogenetic Analysis
Virus Evolution
phylogeography

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Journal article
Published: 12 August 2021 in Pathogens
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Vaccination against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is a common practice all over the world. Vaccines can prevent PCV-2-systemic disease (PCV-2-SD) outbreaks but not PCV-2 infection, which can be detectable in a percentage of vaccinated animals. Occasionally, PCV-2-SD is diagnosed in vaccinated farms. The objective of this study was to genotype the PCV-2 strains detected in vaccinated animals diagnosed with PCV-2-SD. Additionally, the evolution of the frequency of PCV-2 genotype detection at Spanish, European, and world levels was assessed. Fifty cases diagnosed as PCV-2-SD between 2009 and 2020 were included in this study. PCV-2 genotype was determined by sequencing the Cap gene region. Among them, only PCV-2b (23/50, 46%) and PCV-2d (27/50, 54%) genotypes were detected. Although the frequency of detection of these two genotypes was similar, their temporal distribution was different. Whereas most PCV-2b sequences (17/23, 74%) were detected between 2009 and 2012, PCV-2d sequences were obtained from 2013 to 2020. Indeed, a predominance of the PCV-2d genotype was observed from 2013 onwards, a trend also noticed at European and world levels. The results suggest that detection of particular genotypes in vaccinated animals probably reflects the general prevalence of the genotypes over time rather than genotype-specific vaccine-immunity escaping.

ACS Style

Marina Sibila; Caterina Rocco; Giovanni Franzo; Eva Huerta; Mariano Domingo; José Ignacio Núñez; Joaquim Segalés. Genotyping of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Vaccinated Pigs Suffering from PCV-2-Systemic Disease between 2009 and 2020 in Spain. Pathogens 2021, 10, 1016 .

AMA Style

Marina Sibila, Caterina Rocco, Giovanni Franzo, Eva Huerta, Mariano Domingo, José Ignacio Núñez, Joaquim Segalés. Genotyping of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Vaccinated Pigs Suffering from PCV-2-Systemic Disease between 2009 and 2020 in Spain. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (8):1016.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marina Sibila; Caterina Rocco; Giovanni Franzo; Eva Huerta; Mariano Domingo; José Ignacio Núñez; Joaquim Segalés. 2021. "Genotyping of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Vaccinated Pigs Suffering from PCV-2-Systemic Disease between 2009 and 2020 in Spain." Pathogens 10, no. 8: 1016.

Journal article
Published: 12 August 2021 in Scientific Reports
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Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is one the most relevant pathogens of domestic mink, where it can cause significant economic losses, and wild species, which are considered a threat to mink farms. Despite their relevance, many aspects of the origin, evolution, and geographic and host spreading patterns of AMDV have never been investigated on a global scale using a comprehensive biostatistical approach. The present study, benefitting from a large dataset of sequences collected worldwide and several phylodynamic-based approaches, demonstrates the ancient origin of AMDV and its broad, unconstrained circulation from the initial intercontinental spread to the massive among-country circulation, especially within Europe, combined with local persistence and evolution. Clear expansion of the viral population size occurred over time until more effective control measures started to be applied. The role of frequent changes in epidemiological niches, including different hosts, in driving the high nucleotide and amino acid evolutionary rates was also explored by comparing the strengths of selective pressures acting on different populations. The obtained results suggest that the viral passage among locations and between wild and domesticated animals poses a double threat to farm profitability and animal welfare and health, which is particularly relevant for endangered species. Therefore, further efforts must be made to limit viral circulation and to refine our knowledge of factors enhancing AMDV spread, particularly at the wild-domestic interface.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Giorgia Dotto; Michele Drigo; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV). Scientific Reports 2021, 11, 1 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Laura Grassi, Giorgia Dotto, Michele Drigo, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV). Scientific Reports. 2021; 11 ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Giorgia Dotto; Michele Drigo; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. 2021. "Impact of viral features, host jumps and phylogeography on the rapid evolution of Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV)." Scientific Reports 11, no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 12 August 2021 in Avian Pathology
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Despite the efforts to achieve a consistent classification scheme based on the complete S1 gene, the genetic characterization of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is often performed on partial S1 regions due to economic and time constraints in diagnostic routine. Sanger sequencing remains the most common and cost-effective option even if the analysis of samples where multiple field and vaccine strain populations coexist can lead to partial or misleading results. The present study aimed to evaluate the different diagnostic outcomes of three commonly used RT-PCR methods targeting two regions of the S1 gene. A possible bias in IBV detection and characterization was investigated in relation to the adopted method, the strain concentration as well as their ratio in mixed samples. Thirty samples were prepared by artificially mixing two vaccine strains, combined at different ratios and selected among four different IBV lineages, i.e. GI-1 (Mass), GI-13 (793/B), GI-19 (QX), GI-23 (Israeli Variant 2). Sequence analysis was conducted both manually and with bioinformatic methods. The result agreement among methods, replicates and analysis approaches was statistically evaluated. Consistent results emerged among the three assays, with few discrepancies likely caused by primer affinity and target amount. This study confirms the complexity of IBV strain identification and highlights the importance of evaluating and updating the available diagnostic assays for a reliable detection of all circulating IBV strains.

ACS Style

Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Andrea Fortin; Viviana Valastro; Elena Lazzaro; Calogero Terregino; Mattia Cecchinato. Effect of assay choice, viral concentration and operator interpretation on infectious bronchitis virus detection and characterization. Avian Pathology 2021, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Giovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Andrea Fortin, Viviana Valastro, Elena Lazzaro, Calogero Terregino, Mattia Cecchinato. Effect of assay choice, viral concentration and operator interpretation on infectious bronchitis virus detection and characterization. Avian Pathology. 2021; ():1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Andrea Fortin; Viviana Valastro; Elena Lazzaro; Calogero Terregino; Mattia Cecchinato. 2021. "Effect of assay choice, viral concentration and operator interpretation on infectious bronchitis virus detection and characterization." Avian Pathology , no. : 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 09 August 2021 in Pathogens
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Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is a recently identified virus affecting both domestic and wild carnivores, including foxes, sometimes in presence of severe clinical signs. Its circulation in wild animals can thus represent a potential threat for endangered species conservation and an infection source for dogs. Nevertheless, no data were available on its circulation in the Alps region of Northern Italy. In the present study, samples collected from 186 foxes in the period 2009–2020 from Valle d’Aosta and Veneto regions were tested using a real-time PCR assay, demonstrating a viral circulation of approximatively 2–5%, depending on the considered regions. Two complete or almost complete genome sequences were obtained, highlighting that the detected strains were part of a so defined “fox only” clade, which suggests that, despite common contact opportunities, Alps foxes are not involved in frequent transmission events to domestic dogs. Such genetic isolation could be at least partially attributed to some sort of independent evolution occurred in the foxes, leading to species barrier. Additionally, CanineCV strains in foxes from Italy were unexpectedly related to those previously identified in foxes from the United Kingdom and Scandinavian area. Combining the history of fox distribution in Europe since the last glacial maximum (LGM) with the viral history allowed us to speculate a long-standing coexistence between European canine circovirus and this host, justifying the peculiar geographic distribution and evolutionary paths of the fox infecting clade.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Maria Menandro; Claudia Tucciarone; Giacomo Barbierato; Lorenzo Crovato; Alessandra Mondin; Martina Libanora; Federica Obber; Riccardo Orusa; Serena Robetto; Carlo Citterio; Laura Grassi. Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin? Pathogens 2021, 10, 1002 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Maria Menandro, Claudia Tucciarone, Giacomo Barbierato, Lorenzo Crovato, Alessandra Mondin, Martina Libanora, Federica Obber, Riccardo Orusa, Serena Robetto, Carlo Citterio, Laura Grassi. Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin? Pathogens. 2021; 10 (8):1002.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Maria Menandro; Claudia Tucciarone; Giacomo Barbierato; Lorenzo Crovato; Alessandra Mondin; Martina Libanora; Federica Obber; Riccardo Orusa; Serena Robetto; Carlo Citterio; Laura Grassi. 2021. "Canine Circovirus in Foxes from Northern Italy: Where Did It All Begin?" Pathogens 10, no. 8: 1002.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2021 in Veterinary Sciences
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The control of infectious bronchitis (IB) is essential in intensive broiler production and is pursued through strict biosecurity and mass vaccination. Despite effective and routinely adopted, hatchery spray vaccination has been hypothesized to affect chicks’ body temperature and wellbeing. Recently, gel administration has been proposed as an alternative and proved feasible in experimental settings. In this study, IBV spray and gel vaccination methods were compared in field conditions. One hundred birds from the same hatch were enrolled in the study and vaccinated, half by spray and half by gel, with 793B and Mass vaccines. After vaccination, rectal temperature was measured and vaccine intake assessed. The two groups were housed for 35 days in separate pens and swabs and blood samples were collected at multiple time points for genotype-specific molecular analyses and serology, respectively. The temperature was significantly lower in spray-vaccinated chicks 10 min and an hour after administration. A similar trend in 793B titres was observed in both groups, while the Mass vaccine was detected later but persisted longer in gel-vaccinated chicks. No differences were observed in mean antibody titres. Compared to spray, gel administration appears equally effective and less impactful on body temperature, thus supporting its application for IBV vaccination.

ACS Style

Matteo Legnardi; Henrik Baranyay; Csanád Simon; János Molnár; Tiede Bijlsma; Mattia Cecchinato; András Gáspárdy; András Bersényi; Claudia Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; László Kőrösi. Infectious Bronchitis Hatchery Vaccination: Comparison between Traditional Spray Administration and a Newly Developed Gel Delivery System in Field Conditions. Veterinary Sciences 2021, 8, 145 .

AMA Style

Matteo Legnardi, Henrik Baranyay, Csanád Simon, János Molnár, Tiede Bijlsma, Mattia Cecchinato, András Gáspárdy, András Bersényi, Claudia Tucciarone, Giovanni Franzo, László Kőrösi. Infectious Bronchitis Hatchery Vaccination: Comparison between Traditional Spray Administration and a Newly Developed Gel Delivery System in Field Conditions. Veterinary Sciences. 2021; 8 (8):145.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Legnardi; Henrik Baranyay; Csanád Simon; János Molnár; Tiede Bijlsma; Mattia Cecchinato; András Gáspárdy; András Bersényi; Claudia Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; László Kőrösi. 2021. "Infectious Bronchitis Hatchery Vaccination: Comparison between Traditional Spray Administration and a Newly Developed Gel Delivery System in Field Conditions." Veterinary Sciences 8, no. 8: 145.

Special issue article
Published: 29 June 2021 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) was discovered in 2015 using next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Since then, the virus has been detected worldwide in pigs displaying several clinical–pathological outcomes as well as in healthy animals. The objective of this review is to critically discuss the evidence existing so far regarding PCV-3 as a swine pathogen. In fact, a significant number of publications claim PCV-3 as a disease causal infectious agent, but very few of them have shown strong evidence of such potential causality. The most convincing proofs of disease association are those that demonstrate a clinical picture linked to multisystemic lymphoplasmacytic to lymphohistiocytic perivascular inflammation and presence of viral nucleic acid within these lesions. Based on these evidence, individual case definitions for PCV-3-reproductive disease and PCV-3-systemic disease are proposed to standardize diagnostic criteria for PCV-3-associated diseases. However, the real frequency of these clinical–pathological conditions linked to the novel virus is unknown, and the most frequent outcome of PCV-3 infection is likely subclinical based on its worlwide distribution.

ACS Style

Viviane Saporiti; Giovanni Franzo; Marina Sibila; Joaquim Segalés. Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) as a causal agent of disease in swine and a proposal of PCV‐3 associated disease case definition. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Viviane Saporiti, Giovanni Franzo, Marina Sibila, Joaquim Segalés. Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) as a causal agent of disease in swine and a proposal of PCV‐3 associated disease case definition. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Viviane Saporiti; Giovanni Franzo; Marina Sibila; Joaquim Segalés. 2021. "Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) as a causal agent of disease in swine and a proposal of PCV‐3 associated disease case definition." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 30 May 2021 in Viruses
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (6):1033.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudia 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.

Journal article
Published: 21 May 2021 in Scientific Reports
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A new pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 originated in China in late 2019. Although often asymptomatic, a relevant percentage of affected people can develop severe pneumonia. Initial evidence suggests that dysregulation of the immune response could contribute to the pathogenesis, as previously demonstrated for SARS-CoV. The presence of genome composition features involved in delaying viral recognition is herein investigated for human coronaviruses (HCoVs), with a special emphasis on SARS-CoV-2. A broad collection of HCoVs polyprotein, envelope, matrix, nucleocapsid and spike coding sequences was downloaded and several statistics representative of genome composition and codon bias were investigated. A model able to evaluate and test the presence of a significant under- or over-representation of dinucleotide pairs while accounting for the underlying codon bias and protein sequence was also implemented. The study revealed the significant under-representation of CpG dinucleotide pair in all HcoV, but especially in SARS-CoV and even more in SARS-CoV-2. The presence of forces acting to minimize CpG content was confirmed by relative synonymous codon usage pattern. Codons containing the CpG pair were severely under-represented, primarily in the polyprotein and spike coding sequences of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, a significant under-representation of the TpA pair was observed in the N and S region of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Increasing experimental evidence has proven that CpG and TpA are targeted by innate antiviral host defences, contributing both to RNA degradation and RIG-1 mediated interferon production. The low content of these dinucleotides could contribute to a delayed interferon production, dysregulated immune response, higher viral replication and poor outcome. Significantly, the RIG-1 signalling pathway was proven to be defective in elderlies, suggesting a likely interaction between limited viral recognition and lower responsiveness in interferon production that could justify the higher disease severity and mortality in older patients.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo. SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronavirus show genome patterns previously associated to reduced viral recognition and altered immune response. Scientific Reports 2021, 11, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo. SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronavirus show genome patterns previously associated to reduced viral recognition and altered immune response. Scientific Reports. 2021; 11 (1):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 and other human coronavirus show genome patterns previously associated to reduced viral recognition and altered immune response." Scientific Reports 11, no. 1: 1-10.

Communication
Published: 11 May 2021 in Pathogens
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Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV-3) infection is widely distributed in domestic pig populations in America, Europe, and Asia. However, no data is currently available about its presence and distribution in Africa. This study investigated the presence of PCV-3 in pigs (n = 122) in Namibia, by means of biomolecular methods. The pig samples collected (n = 122) were representative of the swine industry in Namibia, covering the major pig production facilities in the country. All of the samples tested were negative for PCV-3, and this indicated that the virus was either not present in the country or was circulating at low levels. Further studies are needed to better understand the distribution, if any, of PCV-3 in Namibia.

ACS Style

Umberto Molini; Giuseppe Marruchella; Frieda Matheus; Yvonne Hemberger; Bernard Chiwome; Siegfried Khaiseb; Giovanni Cattoli; Giovanni Franzo. Molecular Investigation of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 Infection in Pigs in Namibia. Pathogens 2021, 10, 585 .

AMA Style

Umberto Molini, Giuseppe Marruchella, Frieda Matheus, Yvonne Hemberger, Bernard Chiwome, Siegfried Khaiseb, Giovanni Cattoli, Giovanni Franzo. Molecular Investigation of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 Infection in Pigs in Namibia. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (5):585.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Umberto Molini; Giuseppe Marruchella; Frieda Matheus; Yvonne Hemberger; Bernard Chiwome; Siegfried Khaiseb; Giovanni Cattoli; Giovanni Franzo. 2021. "Molecular Investigation of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 Infection in Pigs in Namibia." Pathogens 10, no. 5: 585.

Journal article
Published: 07 April 2021 in BMC Genomics
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Background Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is one of the most relevant viruses affecting the poultry industry, and several studies have investigated the factors involved in its biological cycle and evolution. However, very few of those studies focused on the effect of genome composition and the codon bias of different IBV proteins, despite the remarkable increase in available complete genomes. In the present study, all IBV complete genomes were downloaded (n = 383), and several statistics representative of genome composition and codon bias were calculated for each protein-coding sequence, including but not limited to, the nucleotide odds ratio, relative synonymous codon usage and effective number of codons. Additionally, viral codon usage was compared to host codon usage based on a collection of highly expressed genes in IBV target and nontarget tissues. Results The results obtained demonstrated a significant difference among structural, non-structural and accessory proteins, especially regarding dinucleotide composition, which appears under strong selective forces. In particular, some dinucleotide pairs, such as CpG, a probable target of the host innate immune response, are underrepresented in genes coding for pp1a, pp1ab, S and N. Although genome composition and dinucleotide bias appear to affect codon usage, additional selective forces may act directly on codon bias. Variability in relative synonymous codon usage and effective number of codons was found for different proteins, with structural proteins and polyproteins being more adapted to the codon bias of host target tissues. In contrast, accessory proteins had a more biased codon usage (i.e., lower number of preferred codons), which might contribute to the regulation of their expression level and timing throughout the cell cycle. Conclusions The present study confirms the existence of selective forces acting directly on the genome and not only indirectly through phenotype selection. This evidence might help understanding IBV biology and in developing attenuated strains without affecting the protein phenotype and therefore immunogenicity.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato. Effect of genome composition and codon bias on infectious bronchitis virus evolution and adaptation to target tissues. BMC Genomics 2021, 22, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato. Effect of genome composition and codon bias on infectious bronchitis virus evolution and adaptation to target tissues. BMC Genomics. 2021; 22 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato. 2021. "Effect of genome composition and codon bias on infectious bronchitis virus evolution and adaptation to target tissues." BMC Genomics 22, no. 1: 1-12.

Preprint content
Published: 15 March 2021
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A new pandemic caused by the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 originated in China in late 2019. Although often asymptomatic, a relevant percentage of affected people can develop severe pneumonia. Initial evidence suggests that dysregulation of the immune response could contribute to the pathogenesis, as previously demonstrated for SARS-CoV. The presence of genome composition features involved in delaying viral recognition is herein investigated for human coronaviruses (HCoVs), with a special emphasis on SARS-CoV-2. A broad collection of HCoVs polyprotein, envelope, matrix, nucleocapsid and spike coding sequences was downloaded and several statistics representative of genome composition and codon bias were investigated. A model able to evaluate and test the presence of a significant under- or over-representation of dinucleotide pairs while accounting for the underlying codon bias and protein sequence was also implemented. The study revealed the significant under-representation of CpG dinucleotide pair in all HcoV, but especially in SARS-CoV and even more in SARS-CoV-2. The presence of forces acting to minimize CpG content was confirmed by relative synonymous codon usage pattern. Codons containing the CpG pair were severely under-represented, primarily in the polyprotein and spike coding sequences of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, a significant under-representation of the TpA pair was observed in the N and S region of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Increasing experimental evidence has proven that CpG and TpA are targeted by innate antiviral host defences, contributing both to RNA degradation and RIG-1 mediated interferon production. The low content of these dinucleotides could contribute to a delayed interferon production, dysregulated immune response, higher viral replication and poor outcome. Significantly, the RIG-1 signalling pathway was proven to be defective in elderlies, suggesting a likely interaction between limited viral recognition and lower responsiveness in interferon production that could justify the higher disease severity and mortality in older patients.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo. SARS-CoV-2 And Other Human Coronavirus Show Genome Patterns Previously Associated to Reduced Viral Recognition and Altered Immune Response. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo. SARS-CoV-2 And Other Human Coronavirus Show Genome Patterns Previously Associated to Reduced Viral Recognition and Altered Immune Response. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 And Other Human Coronavirus Show Genome Patterns Previously Associated to Reduced Viral Recognition and Altered Immune Response." , no. : 1.

Brief report
Published: 15 March 2021 in Archives of Virology
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Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is the causative agent of porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD). A study was undertaken to determine whether PCV-2 was present in samples collected from commercial pigs (n = 46) and warthogs (n = 42) in Namibia between 2019 and 2020. Twenty-three of the collected samples were positive by PCR (13 from pigs and 10 from warthogs), and a phylogenetic analysis of ORF2 identified three genotypes (PCV-2b and PCV-2d in pigs and PCV-2c in warthogs). This is the first time that PCV-2 has been identified in warthogs and in Namibia. It is also the first report of PCV-2c in Africa.

ACS Style

Umberto Molini; Giovanni Franzo; Lené Gous; Sjandré Moller; Yvonne Maria Hemberger; Bernard Chiwome; Giuseppe Marruchella; Siegfried Khaiseb; Giovanni Cattoli; William G. Dundon. Three different genotypes of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) identified in pigs and warthogs in Namibia. Archives of Virology 2021, 166, 1723 -1728.

AMA Style

Umberto Molini, Giovanni Franzo, Lené Gous, Sjandré Moller, Yvonne Maria Hemberger, Bernard Chiwome, Giuseppe Marruchella, Siegfried Khaiseb, Giovanni Cattoli, William G. Dundon. Three different genotypes of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) identified in pigs and warthogs in Namibia. Archives of Virology. 2021; 166 (6):1723-1728.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Umberto Molini; Giovanni Franzo; Lené Gous; Sjandré Moller; Yvonne Maria Hemberger; Bernard Chiwome; Giuseppe Marruchella; Siegfried Khaiseb; Giovanni Cattoli; William G. Dundon. 2021. "Three different genotypes of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) identified in pigs and warthogs in Namibia." Archives of Virology 166, no. 6: 1723-1728.

Journal article
Published: 26 January 2021 in Animals
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a tick-borne pathogen causing disease in both humans and animals. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is an emerging disease, but despite the remarkable prevalence in European ticks and wild animals, human infection appears underdiagnosed. Several genetic variants are circulating in Europe, including the zoonotic ecotype I. This study investigated A. phagocytophilum occurrence in wild ungulates and their ectoparasites in an area where HGA has been reported. Blood samples from wild ungulates and ectoparasites were screened by biomolecular methods targeting the mps2 gene. The groEL gene was amplified and sequenced to perform genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis. A total of 188 blood samples were collected from different wild ungulates species showing an overall prevalence of 63.8% (88.7% in wild ruminants and 3.6% in wild boars). The prevalence of A. phagocytophilum DNA in ticks (manly Ixodes ricinus), and keds collected from wild ruminants was high, reflecting the high infection rates obtained in their hosts. Among ticks collected from wild boars (Hyalomma marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus) no DNA was detected. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the presence of ecotype I and II. To date, this is the first Italian report of ecotype I in alpine chamois, mouflon, and wild boar species. These findings suggest their role in HGA epidemiology, and the high prevalence detected in this study highlights that this human tick-borne disease deserves further attention.

ACS Style

Laura Grassi; Giovanni Franzo; Marco Martini; Alessandra Mondin; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Daniela Pasotto; Elena Vidorin; Maria Menandro. Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals 2021, 11, 310 .

AMA Style

Laura Grassi, Giovanni Franzo, Marco Martini, Alessandra Mondin, Rudi Cassini, Michele Drigo, Daniela Pasotto, Elena Vidorin, Maria Menandro. Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy. Animals. 2021; 11 (2):310.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Grassi; Giovanni Franzo; Marco Martini; Alessandra Mondin; Rudi Cassini; Michele Drigo; Daniela Pasotto; Elena Vidorin; Maria Menandro. 2021. "Ecotyping of Anaplasma phagocytophilum From Wild Ungulates and Ticks Shows Circulation of Zoonotic Strains in Northeastern Italy." Animals 11, no. 2: 310.

Journal article
Published: 07 January 2021 in Pathogens
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Differently from alpha- and betaherpesviruses affecting swine, interest in the recently discovered Suid gammaherpesvirus 3, Suid gammaherpesvirus 4, and Suid gammaherpesvirus 5, also known as porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3), has largely focused on their role as potential zoonotic agents in cases of xenotransplantation. However, their role as primary pathogens of swine or as co-factors for other lymphotropic infections has essentially been neglected. The present study aims at filling this gap, evaluating the association between PLHVs infection and different clinical conditions and/or porcine circovirus (PCV) co-infection. One hundred seventy-six samples were obtained from different animals located in a high-density pig area of Northern Italy in the period 2017–2020. The presence of PLHVs and PCVs was tested and quantified by specific real-time PCR: PLHVs were widespread among pigs (PLHV-1, PLHV-2, and PLHV-3 prevalence was 28.97%, 10.79%, and 4.54%, respectively) and detected in all considered tissues and clinical conditions. Frequent co-infections were also observed among PLHVs and with PCVs, although a significant association was not detected with the exception of a positive interaction between PLHV-1 and PLHV-3, and a negative one between PLHV-2 and PCV-2. Significantly, no association between PLHVs, alone or in co-infection, emerged with any of the considered clinical signs, their frequency being comparable between healthy and diseased animals. Based on these pieces of evidence and despite their high prevalence, PLHVs’ relevance for the swine industry appears negligible, either as primary pathogens or as predisposing factors for circovirus-induced diseases.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Maria Luisa Menandro; Daniela Pasotto; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless. Pathogens 2021, 10, 47 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Michele Drigo, Matteo Legnardi, Laura Grassi, Maria Luisa Menandro, Daniela Pasotto, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (1):47.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Maria Luisa Menandro; Daniela Pasotto; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. 2021. "Porcine Gammaherpesviruses in Italian Commercial Swine Population: Frequent but Harmless." Pathogens 10, no. 1: 47.

Review
Published: 14 December 2020 in Pathogens
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Identified for the first time in the 1990s, Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) should not be considered an emerging virus anymore. Nevertheless, many aspects of its biology and epidemiology are still controversial. Particularly, its high evolutionary rate has caused the emergence of several variants and genotypes, alternating on the worldwide proscenium. The biological and practical implications of such heterogenicity are unfortunately largely unknown. The effectiveness of currently available vaccines against new genotypes that have emerged over time has been the topic of an intense debate and often inconclusive or contradictory results between experimental, field, and epidemiological studies have been gathered. The challenge in establishing an effective PCV-2 disease model, the peculiarities in experimental design and settings and the strains involved could justify the observed differences. The present work aims to summarize and critically review the available knowledge on PCV-2 genetic heterogeneity, immunity, and vaccine efficacy, organizing and harmonizing the available data from different sources, shedding light on this complex field and highlighting current knowledge gaps and future perspectives. So far, all vaccines in the market have shown great efficacy in reducing clinical signs associated to diseases caused by PCV-2, independently of the genotype present in the farm. Moreover, experimental data demonstrated the cross-protection of PCV-2a vaccines against the most widespread genotypes (PCV-2a, PCV-2b, and PCV-2d). Therefore, despite the significant number of genotypes described/proposed (PCV-2a to PCV-2i), it seems one single PCV-2 serotype would exist so far.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Joaquim Segalés. Porcine Circovirus 2 Genotypes, Immunity and Vaccines: Multiple Genotypes but One Single Serotype. Pathogens 2020, 9, 1049 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Joaquim Segalés. Porcine Circovirus 2 Genotypes, Immunity and Vaccines: Multiple Genotypes but One Single Serotype. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (12):1049.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Joaquim Segalés. 2020. "Porcine Circovirus 2 Genotypes, Immunity and Vaccines: Multiple Genotypes but One Single Serotype." Pathogens 9, no. 12: 1049.

Journal article
Published: 25 November 2020 in Veterinary Sciences
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Poultry production plays a relevant role in the Ethiopian economy and represents a source of poverty alleviation for several social classes. Infectious diseases can therefore significantly impact the economy and welfare. Despite infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) being present, the knowledge of their epidemiology and impact is extremely limited. In the present work, a cross-sectional study based on 500 tracheal swabs collected from 50 intensive and backyard unvaccinated flocks of the Jimma Zone was performed to investigate the circulation of these viruses and molecularly characterize them. IBV and aMPV presence was tested by molecular assays, and genotyping was carried out on positive samples. Accordingly, 6% (95% CI 2.06% to 16.22%) and 8% (95% CI 3.15% to 18.84%) of flocks tested IBV and aMPV positive, respectively. Particularly, IBV 793B (GI-13) strains were detected in backyard flocks only, and identical or closely related sequences (p-distance <2%) were detected in distantly spaced flocks, suggesting relevant viral circulation. On the contrary, both backyard and intensive flocks were affected by aMPV subtype B. Potential epidemiological links associated to the importation of parental birds from foreign countries could be established. These results highlight non-negligible circulation of these viruses, warranting further epidemiological studies and the evaluation of control measure implementation.

ACS Style

Dechassa Tegegne; Yosef Deneke; Takele Sori; Mukarim Abdurahaman; Nigatu Kebede; Mattia Cecchinato; Giovanni Franzo. Molecular Epidemiology and Genotyping of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Avian Metapneumovirus in Backyard and Commercial Chickens in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Veterinary Sciences 2020, 7, 187 .

AMA Style

Dechassa Tegegne, Yosef Deneke, Takele Sori, Mukarim Abdurahaman, Nigatu Kebede, Mattia Cecchinato, Giovanni Franzo. Molecular Epidemiology and Genotyping of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Avian Metapneumovirus in Backyard and Commercial Chickens in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7 (4):187.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dechassa Tegegne; Yosef Deneke; Takele Sori; Mukarim Abdurahaman; Nigatu Kebede; Mattia Cecchinato; Giovanni Franzo. 2020. "Molecular Epidemiology and Genotyping of Infectious Bronchitis Virus and Avian Metapneumovirus in Backyard and Commercial Chickens in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia." Veterinary Sciences 7, no. 4: 187.

Journal article
Published: 10 November 2020 in Viruses
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Bovine coronavirus (BoCV) is an important pathogen of cattle, causing severe enteric disease and playing a role in the bovine respiratory disease complex. Similar to other coronaviruses, a remarkable variability characterizes both its genome and biology. Despite their potential relevance, different aspects of the evolution of BoCV remain elusive. The present study reconstructs the history and evolution of BoCV using a phylodynamic approach based on complete genome and spike protein sequences. The results demonstrate high mutation and recombination rates affecting different parts of the viral genome. In the spike gene, this variability undergoes significant selective pressures—particularly episodic pressure—located mainly on the protein surface, suggesting an immune-induced selective pressure. The occurrence of compensatory mutations was also identified. On the contrary, no strong evidence in favor of host and/or tissue tropism affecting viral evolution has been proven. The well-known plasticity is thus ascribable to the innate broad viral tropism rather than mid- or long-term adaptation. The evaluation of the geographic spreading pattern clearly evidenced two clusters: a European cluster and an American–Asian cluster. While a relatively dense and quick migration network was identified in the former, the latter was dominated by the primary role of the United States (US) as a viral exportation source. Since the viral spreading pattern strongly mirrored the cattle trade, the need for more intense monitoring and preventive measures cannot be underestimated as well as the need to enforce the vaccination of young animals before international trade, to reduce not only the clinical impact but also the transferal and mixing of BoCV strains.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus. Viruses 2020, 12, 1285 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Michele Drigo, Matteo Legnardi, Laura Grassi, Daniela Pasotto, Maria Luisa Menandro, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone. Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus. Viruses. 2020; 12 (11):1285.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Michele Drigo; Matteo Legnardi; Laura Grassi; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone. 2020. "Bovine Coronavirus: Variability, Evolution, and Dispersal Patterns of a No Longer Neglected Betacoronavirus." Viruses 12, no. 11: 1285.

Communication
Published: 23 September 2020 in Animals
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Day-old chick quality is an essential element for the overall profitability of the broiler productive cycle and has been associated with the growth performance and feed conversion rate. An effect on the development of the immune system was also reported, which could likely account for reduced susceptibility to infectious diseases and improved animal welfare parameters. Besides direct cost reduction, lower antimicrobial use and improved animal welfare are crucial in the directive of European Union legislation and are at the forefront of customer choices. Several factors contribute to determining the chick quality. Breeder flocks genetics, health, and management affect the egg features, quality, and bacterial load. However, hatchery practices play a pivotal role, since adequate hygiene and handling are fundamental in reducing egg contamination and cross-contamination. The presence of rotten eggs is often regarded as a major risk, since the internal bacterial load can contaminate the needle used for in-ovo vaccination, the nearby eggs, and the whole incubator/hatching room when broken. In the present multicentric study, representative of 40 hatcheries located in 11 European countries, a remarkable impact of the rotten egg percentage on the hatchery productive parameters, representative of the hatchability, embryo mortality, and level of contamination, was demonstrated. Efficient rotten egg removal and the application of appropriate detection and removal tools should thus provide remarkable benefits for hatchery performance and indirectly for downstream poultry production.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Wessel Swart; Miren Arbe Ugalde; Higor Cotta; Mathilde Lecoupeur; William Boyer; Kostas Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato. Impact of Rotten Eggs on Hatchery Performances: A Multicentric Study. Animals 2020, 10, 1725 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Wessel Swart, Miren Arbe Ugalde, Higor Cotta, Mathilde Lecoupeur, William Boyer, Kostas Koutoulis, Mattia Cecchinato. Impact of Rotten Eggs on Hatchery Performances: A Multicentric Study. Animals. 2020; 10 (10):1725.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Wessel Swart; Miren Arbe Ugalde; Higor Cotta; Mathilde Lecoupeur; William Boyer; Kostas Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Impact of Rotten Eggs on Hatchery Performances: A Multicentric Study." Animals 10, no. 10: 1725.

Journal article
Published: 21 August 2020 in Pathogens
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Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is an emerging virus, first detected in 2016 and widespread in the swine industry. Although not considered a primary pathogen, PCV3 is potentially linked to several clinical conditions that threaten swine farming. Wild boars are considered the main reservoir species for PCV3 infection in the wild, but recent detection in roe deer, chamois and associated ticks has complicated our understanding of its epidemiology. Much emphasis has been placed on ticks, as competent vectors, and wild rodents, which typically feed immature tick stages. The aim of this study was to clarify whether wild rodent species and associated ticks are susceptible to PCV3 infection and involved in its spread. Wild small mammals’ serum samples and hosted ticks were, therefore, collected from areas where no wild boars were present and tested by PCR, targeting the PCV3 rep gene. A total of 90 yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), two wood mice (A. sylvaticus), 26 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and 262 Ixodes spp. ticks were investigated. PCV3 DNA was not detected in serum or in tick samples. These findings support the hypothesis that the investigated species do not have an actual role as PCV3 reservoirs. Further studies would be necessary to state whether these species, or others that we did not test, are involved in PCV3 infection spread—in particular when susceptible species share the same habitat.

ACS Style

Laura Grassi; Valentina Tagliapietra; Annapaola Rizzoli; Marco Martini; Michele Drigo; Giovanni Franzo; Maria Luisa Menandro. Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection. Pathogens 2020, 9, 682 .

AMA Style

Laura Grassi, Valentina Tagliapietra, Annapaola Rizzoli, Marco Martini, Michele Drigo, Giovanni Franzo, Maria Luisa Menandro. Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (9):682.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Grassi; Valentina Tagliapietra; Annapaola Rizzoli; Marco Martini; Michele Drigo; Giovanni Franzo; Maria Luisa Menandro. 2020. "Lack of Evidence on the Susceptibility of Ticks and Wild Rodent Species to PCV3 Infection." Pathogens 9, no. 9: 682.

Original article
Published: 13 August 2020 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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In the present study one hundred and sixteen partial G gene sequences of Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype B, obtained during routine diagnostics in different European Countries in the last few years (2014‐2019), were analysed by sequence and phylogenetic analyses in order to draw an updated picture of the molecular characteristics of circulating strains. Nucleotide sequences were compared with other sequences of European and non‐European aMPV‐Bs collected prior to that period or retrieved from GenBank. Phylogenetic relationships among the aMPV‐B strains, reconstructed using the Maximum Likelihood method implemented in MEGA X, demonstrated that aMPV‐B has evolved in Europe from its first appearance, frequently displaying a clear relation with the geographic area of detection. The 40% of aMPV‐B viruses analysed were classified as vaccine‐derived strains, being phylogenetically related, and showing high nucleotide identity with live commercial vaccine strains licensed in Europe. The remaining 60% were classified as field strains since they clustered separately and showed a low nucleotide identity with vaccines and vaccine‐derived strains. The phylogenetic tree showed that the virus has continued to evolve from its first appearance in the ’80s since more recently detected strains belonged to clades phylogenetically distant from the older strains. Unlike vaccine‐derived strains, field strains tended to cluster according to their geographic origin and irrespective of the host species where the viruses had been detected. In conclusion, the molecular characterization of aMPV‐B and the differentiation between vaccines and field strains through G gene sequence analysis can be a useful tool towards correct diagnosis and should be routinely applied in order to better address the control strategies.

ACS Style

Giulia Mescolini; Caterina Lupini; Giovanni Franzo; Giulia Quaglia; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Angela Blanco; Vincent Turblin; Mar Biarnés; Fabrizio Tatone; Marco Falchieri; Elena Catelli. What is new on molecular characteristics of Avian metapneumovirus strains circulating in Europe? Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2020, 68, 1314 -1322.

AMA Style

Giulia Mescolini, Caterina Lupini, Giovanni Franzo, Giulia Quaglia, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Angela Blanco, Vincent Turblin, Mar Biarnés, Fabrizio Tatone, Marco Falchieri, Elena Catelli. What is new on molecular characteristics of Avian metapneumovirus strains circulating in Europe? Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2020; 68 (3):1314-1322.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giulia Mescolini; Caterina Lupini; Giovanni Franzo; Giulia Quaglia; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Angela Blanco; Vincent Turblin; Mar Biarnés; Fabrizio Tatone; Marco Falchieri; Elena Catelli. 2020. "What is new on molecular characteristics of Avian metapneumovirus strains circulating in Europe?" Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 68, no. 3: 1314-1322.