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M. Cecchinato
Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy

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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.

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

ACS Style

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

AMA Style

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

Chicago/Turabian Style

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

Journal article
Published: 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: 08 July 2020 in Veterinary Research
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Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) has been recognized as a respiratory pathogen of turkey and chickens for a long time. Recently, a crescent awareness of aMPV, especially subtype B, clinical and economic impact has risen among European researchers and veterinarians. Nevertheless, the knowledge of its epidemiology and evolution is still limited. In the present study, the broadest available collection of partial G gene sequences obtained from European aMPV-B strains was analyzed using different phylodynamic and biostatistical approaches to reconstruct the viral spreading over time and the role of different hosts on its evolution. After aMPV-B introduction, approximatively in 1985 in France, the infection spread was relatively quick, involving the Western and Mediterranean Europe until the end of the 1990s, and then spreading westwards at the beginning of the new millennium, in parallel with an increase of viral population size. In the following period, a wider mixing among aMPV-B strains detected in eastern and western countries could be observed. Most of the within-country genetic heterogeneity was ascribable to single or few introduction events, followed by local circulation. This, combined with the high evolutionary rate herein demonstrated, led to the establishment of genetically and phenotypically different clusters among countries, which could affect the efficacy of natural or vaccine-induced immunity and should be accounted for when planning control measure implementation. On the contrary, while a significant strain exchange was proven among turkey, guinea fowl and chicken, no evidence of differential selective pressures or specific amino-acid mutations was observed, suggesting that no host adaptation is occurring.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Giulia Mescolini; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Caterina Lupini; Giulia Quaglia; Elena Catelli; Mattia Cecchinato. Avian Metapneumovirus subtype B around Europe: a phylodynamic reconstruction. Veterinary Research 2020, 51, 1 -10.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Giulia Mescolini, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Caterina Lupini, Giulia Quaglia, Elena Catelli, Mattia Cecchinato. Avian Metapneumovirus subtype B around Europe: a phylodynamic reconstruction. Veterinary Research. 2020; 51 (1):1-10.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Giulia Mescolini; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Caterina Lupini; Giulia Quaglia; Elena Catelli; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Avian Metapneumovirus subtype B around Europe: a phylodynamic reconstruction." Veterinary Research 51, no. 1: 1-10.

Journal article
Published: 30 June 2020 in Veterinary Sciences
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The prevention of avian colibacillosis has historically been investigated through vaccination, with variable outcomes. Commercial live (attenuated) and inactivated vaccines are reported to have limited efficacy in the context of heterologous challenge. Autogenous vaccination, using field isolates, is widely used, but scarcely documented. Different vaccination programs, including a live commercial vaccine and/or an inactivated autogenous vaccine, were compared for three different avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) strain (serotypes O78, O18 and O111) challenges. On the pullet farm, four groups of conventional pullets received different vaccination protocols. Group A was kept unvaccinated (control group). Group B was vaccinated three times with a live commercial O78 E. coli vaccine (at one day old, 59 and 110 days of age). Group C was immunized twice (at 79 and 110 days) with a three-valence autogenous vaccine (O78, O18 and O111). Group D was vaccinated first with the commercial vaccine (at one day old and 59 days), then with the autogenous vaccine (110 days). Birds were transferred to the experimental facility at 121 days of age and were challenged 10 days later. In each group, 20 birds were challenged with one of the three APEC strains (O78, O18, O111); in total, 80 birds were challenged by the same strains (20 per group). The recorded outcomes were: mortality rate, macroscopic lesion score in target organs and the bacterial recovery of the challenge strain from bone marrow and pooled organs. When challenged with O78 or O111 strains, birds from groups C and D proved to be significantly better protected, in terms of lesion scoring and bacteriological isolation, than those of groups A and B. With the O18 challenge, only birds of group D presented a statistically significant reduction of their lesion score. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the efficacy of an immunization program in poultry that combines commercial and autogenous vaccines.

ACS Style

Dimitris Koutsianos; Hubert Gantelet; Giovanni Franzo; Mathilde Lecoupeur; Eric Thibault; Mattia Cecchinato; Konstantinos C. Koutoulis. An Assessment of the Level of Protection Against Colibacillosis Conferred by Several Autogenous and/or Commercial Vaccination Programs in Conventional Pullets upon Experimental Challenge. Veterinary Sciences 2020, 7, 80 .

AMA Style

Dimitris Koutsianos, Hubert Gantelet, Giovanni Franzo, Mathilde Lecoupeur, Eric Thibault, Mattia Cecchinato, Konstantinos C. Koutoulis. An Assessment of the Level of Protection Against Colibacillosis Conferred by Several Autogenous and/or Commercial Vaccination Programs in Conventional Pullets upon Experimental Challenge. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7 (3):80.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dimitris Koutsianos; Hubert Gantelet; Giovanni Franzo; Mathilde Lecoupeur; Eric Thibault; Mattia Cecchinato; Konstantinos C. Koutoulis. 2020. "An Assessment of the Level of Protection Against Colibacillosis Conferred by Several Autogenous and/or Commercial Vaccination Programs in Conventional Pullets upon Experimental Challenge." Veterinary Sciences 7, no. 3: 80.

Review
Published: 22 June 2020 in Veterinary Sciences
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RNA viruses are characterized by high mutation and recombination rates, which allow a rapid adaptation to new environments. Most of the emerging diseases and host jumps are therefore sustained by these viruses. Rapid evolution may also hinder the understanding of molecular epidemiology, affect the sensitivity of diagnostic assays, limit the vaccine efficacy and favor episodes of immune escape, thus significantly complicating the control of even well-known pathogens. The history of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) fits well with the above-mentioned scenario. Despite being known since the 1930s, it still represents one of the main causes of disease and economic losses for the poultry industry. A plethora of strategies have been developed and applied over time, with variable success, to limit its impact. However, they have rarely been evaluated objectively and on an adequate scale. Therefore, the actual advantages and disadvantages of IBV detection and control strategies, as well as their implementation, still largely depend on individual sensibility. The present manuscript aims to review the main features of IBV biology and evolution, focusing on their relevance and potential applications in terms of diagnosis and control.

ACS Style

Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Mattia Cecchinato. Infectious Bronchitis Virus Evolution, Diagnosis and Control. Veterinary Sciences 2020, 7, 79 .

AMA Style

Matteo Legnardi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Giovanni Franzo, Mattia Cecchinato. Infectious Bronchitis Virus Evolution, Diagnosis and Control. Veterinary Sciences. 2020; 7 (2):79.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Giovanni Franzo; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Infectious Bronchitis Virus Evolution, Diagnosis and Control." Veterinary Sciences 7, no. 2: 79.

Journal article
Published: 29 April 2020 in Scientific Reports
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Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) control is mainly based on wide vaccine administration. Although effective, its efficacy is not absolute, the viral circulation is not prevented and some side effects cannot be denied. Despite this, the determinants of IBV epidemiology and the factors affecting its circulation are still largely unknown and poorly investigated. In the present study, 361 IBV QX (the most relevant field genotype in Italy) sequences were obtained between 2012 and 2016 from the two main Italian integrated poultry companies. Several biostatistical and bioinformatics approaches were used to reconstruct the history of the QX genotype in Italy and to assess the effect of different environmental, climatic and social factors on its spreading patterns. Moreover, two structured coalescent models were considered in order to investigate if an actual compartmentalization occurs between the two integrated poultry companies and the role of a third “ghost” deme, representative of minor industrial poultry companies and the rural sector. The obtained results suggest that the integration of the poultry companies is an effective barrier against IBV spreading, since the strains sampled from the two companies formed two essentially-independent clades. Remarkably, the only exceptions were represented by farms located in the high densely populated poultry area of Northern Italy. The inclusion of a third deme in the model revealed the likely role of other poultry companies and rural farms (particularly concentrated in Northern Italy) as sources of strain introduction into one of the major poultry companies, whose farms are mainly located in the high densely populated poultry area of Northern Italy. Accordingly, when the effect of different environmental and urban parameters on IBV geographic spreading was investigated, no factor seems to contribute to IBV dispersal velocity, being poultry population density the only exception. Finally, the different viral population pattern observed in the two companies over the same time period supports the pivotal role of management and control strategies on IBV epidemiology. Overall, the present study results stress the crucial relevance of human action rather than environmental factors, highlighting the direct benefits that could derive from improved management and organization of the poultry sector on a larger scale.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Ana Moreno; Matteo Legnardi; Paola Massi; Giovanni Tosi; Tiziana Trogu; Raffaella Ceruti; Patrizia Pesente; Giovanni Ortali; Luigi Gavazzi; Mattia Cecchinato. Phylodynamic analysis and evaluation of the balance between anthropic and environmental factors affecting IBV spreading among Italian poultry farms. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Ana Moreno, Matteo Legnardi, Paola Massi, Giovanni Tosi, Tiziana Trogu, Raffaella Ceruti, Patrizia Pesente, Giovanni Ortali, Luigi Gavazzi, Mattia Cecchinato. Phylodynamic analysis and evaluation of the balance between anthropic and environmental factors affecting IBV spreading among Italian poultry farms. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Ana Moreno; Matteo Legnardi; Paola Massi; Giovanni Tosi; Tiziana Trogu; Raffaella Ceruti; Patrizia Pesente; Giovanni Ortali; Luigi Gavazzi; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Phylodynamic analysis and evaluation of the balance between anthropic and environmental factors affecting IBV spreading among Italian poultry farms." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 15 April 2020 in Poultry Science
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Vaccination is currently one of the most relevant control strategies in poultry production to reduce infectious disease–induced economic losses and decrease antimicrobial use. Besides intrinsic vaccine efficacy, a proper administration is fundamental to achieve an adequate coverage and protection. Hatchery vaccination is becoming the standard approach for routine vaccination because of administration easiness, the possibility to standardize and optimize the overall process, and the lower impact on animal welfare compared with different types of on-farm vaccination. However, a continuous maintenance, refinement, and training of the personnel are the key to success. In the present work, the effect of longitudinal hatchery audits, performed using a standardized, expert-developed questionnaire was evaluated in 169 hatcheries, located in 11 European countries, over a period of more than 4 yr. A dedicated tablet-based application was implemented for data collection, storage, and analysis, and the obtained scores were used in the evaluation, reporting to the hatchery management and improvement of critical points. A positive significant association was demonstrated between the variation in global and process-specific hatchery scores and the number of performed audits. Similarly, when the longitudinal nature of the data (i.e., multiple visits) was accounted for using linear mixed models, including the hatchery and country as random factors, a significant trend in performance improvement was observed visit after visit, although with certain differences based on the specific score and country. The present study demonstrates the benefits of an objective evaluation of hatchery performances through a standardized questionnaire, followed by the discussion on the major required actions. The widespread application of this approach should lead to a significant improvement in vaccine administration performances, with direct consequences on infectious disease occurrence and animal production performances, and indirectly on therapeutic and control-related costs.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Wessel Swart; Wiliam Boyer; Daniela Pasotto; Gema Ramon; Kostas Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato. No good vaccination quality without good control: the positive impact of a hatchery vaccination service program. Poultry Science 2020, 99, 2976 -2982.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Wessel Swart, Wiliam Boyer, Daniela Pasotto, Gema Ramon, Kostas Koutoulis, Mattia Cecchinato. No good vaccination quality without good control: the positive impact of a hatchery vaccination service program. Poultry Science. 2020; 99 (6):2976-2982.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Wessel Swart; Wiliam Boyer; Daniela Pasotto; Gema Ramon; Kostas Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "No good vaccination quality without good control: the positive impact of a hatchery vaccination service program." Poultry Science 99, no. 6: 2976-2982.

Journal article
Published: 17 March 2020 in Pathogens
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Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) is one of the most impactful and widespread pathogens of the modern swine industry. Unlike other DNA viruses, PCV-2 is featured by a remarkable genetic variability, which has led to the emergence and recognition of different genotypes, some of which (PCV-2a, 2b, and 2d) have alternated over time. Currently, PCV-2d is considered the most prevalent genotype, and some evidence of differential virulence and vaccine efficacy have been reported. Despite the potential practical relevance, the data on PCV-2 epidemiology in Italy are quite outdated and do not quantify the actual circulation of this genotype in Italy. In the present study, 82 complete ORF2 sequences were obtained from domestic pigs and wild boars sampled in Northern Italy in the period 2013–2018 and merged with those previously obtained from Italy and other countries. A combination of phylogenetic, haplotype network, and phylodynamic analyses were used to genotype the collected strains and evaluate the temporal trend and the spatial and host spread dynamics. A rising number of PCV-2d detections was observed in domestic pigs, particularly since 2013, reaching a detection frequency comparable to PCV-2b. A similar picture was observed in wild boars, although a lower sequence number was available. Overall, the present study demonstrates the extreme complexity of PCV-2 molecular epidemiology in Italy, the significant spread across different regions, the recurrent introduction from foreign countries, and the frequent occurrence of recombination events. Although a higher viral flux occurred from domestic to wild populations than vice versa, wild boars seem to maintain PCV-2 infection and spread it over relatively long distances.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Susanna Tinello; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Michele Drigo. Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries. Pathogens 2020, 9, 221 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Susanna Tinello, Laura Grassi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Giorgia Dotto, Alessandra Mondin, Marco Martini, Daniela Pasotto, Maria Luisa Menandro, Michele Drigo. Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (3):221.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Susanna Tinello; Laura Grassi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Giorgia Dotto; Alessandra Mondin; Marco Martini; Daniela Pasotto; Maria Luisa Menandro; Michele Drigo. 2020. "Free to Circulate: An Update on the Epidemiological Dynamics of Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV-2) in Italy Reveals the Role of Local Spreading, Wild Populations, and Foreign Countries." Pathogens 9, no. 3: 221.

Original research
Published: 13 March 2020 in Veterinary Record
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Background Canine parvovirus (CPV) represents one of the major infections in dogs. While supportive therapy significantly reduces mortality, other approaches have been reported to provide significant benefits. Unfortunately, the high cost of these treatments is typically a limiting factor. Consequently, a reliable prognostic tool allowing for an informed therapeutic approach would be of great interest. However, current methods are essentially based on ‘a priori’ selection of predictive variables, which could limit their predictive potential. Methods In the present study, the predictive performances in terms of CPV enteritis survival likelihood of an operator-validated logistic regression were compared with those of more flexible methods featured by automatic variable selection. Several anamnestic, clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters were collected from 134 dogs at admission in a veterinary practice. Animal status was monitored until dismissal or death (mortality=21.6%). Results The best automatic variable selection method (random forest) showed excellent discriminatory capabilities (AUC=0.997, sensitivity=0.941 and specificity=1) compared with the logistic regression model (AUC=0.831, sensitivity=0.882 and specificity=0.652), when evaluated on a fully independent test data set. The implemented approaches allowed to identify antithrombin, serum aspartate aminotransferase, serum lipase, monocyte and lymphocyte count as the clinical parameter combination with the highest predictive capability, thus limiting the panel of required tests. Conclusion The model validated in the present study allows prompt prediction of disease severity at admission and provides objective and reliable criteria to support the clinician in selection of the therapeutic approach.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Barbara Corso; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato. Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection. Veterinary Record 2020, 187, 1 .

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Barbara Corso, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Michele Drigo, Marco Caldin, Mattia Cecchinato. Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection. Veterinary Record. 2020; 187 (9):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Barbara Corso; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Caldin; Mattia Cecchinato. 2020. "Comparison and validation of different models and variable selection methods for predicting survival after canine parvovirus infection." Veterinary Record 187, no. 9: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2019 in Poultry Science
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Infectious bronchitis (IB), caused by infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), account for severe economic losses in the poultry industry. The continuous emergence of a multitude of IBV variants poses many challenges for its diagnosis and control, and live attenuated vaccines, despite their routine use, still plays a significant role in driving IBV evolution, further complicating the epidemiological scenario. Unfortunately, the impact of different vaccination strategies on IB control, epidemiology, and diagnosis has rarely been investigated. This work presents the results of a large-scale diagnostic survey performed in Poland to study IBV molecular epidemiology and how vaccination may affect the viral circulation in the field. To this purpose, 589 samples were collected between May 2017 and January 2019, tested by reverse transcription-PCR for IBV and sequenced. Vaccine and field strains were discriminated based on genetic and anamnestic information. The most commonly detected lineages were 793B (79%) and variant 2 (17.4%), with sporadic detections of QX, Mass, and D274-like strains. Most of the detected strains had a vaccine origin: 46.3% matched one of the applied vaccines, while 36.5% were genetically related to vaccines not implemented in the respective protocol. Besides their practical value for the proper planning of vaccination protocols in Poland, these results suggest that only a fraction (17.2%) of the circulating strains are field ones, imposing a careful assessment of the actual IBV field menaces. Moreover, phenomena like vaccine spreading and persistence seem to occur commonly, stressing the need to further study the epidemiological consequences of the extensive use of live vaccines.

ACS Style

Matteo Legnardi; Giovanni Franzo; Konstantinos C. Koutoulis; Marek Wiśniewski; Elena Catelli; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Mattia Cecchinato. Vaccine or field strains: the jigsaw pattern of infectious bronchitis virus molecular epidemiology in Poland. Poultry Science 2019, 98, 6388 -6392.

AMA Style

Matteo Legnardi, Giovanni Franzo, Konstantinos C. Koutoulis, Marek Wiśniewski, Elena Catelli, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Mattia Cecchinato. Vaccine or field strains: the jigsaw pattern of infectious bronchitis virus molecular epidemiology in Poland. Poultry Science. 2019; 98 (12):6388-6392.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matteo Legnardi; Giovanni Franzo; Konstantinos C. Koutoulis; Marek Wiśniewski; Elena Catelli; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Mattia Cecchinato. 2019. "Vaccine or field strains: the jigsaw pattern of infectious bronchitis virus molecular epidemiology in Poland." Poultry Science 98, no. 12: 6388-6392.

Short communication
Published: 12 November 2019 in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
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Recently, a new genotype of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), named ITA, was detected in IBD‐vaccinated Italian broilers. Genome characterisation revealed ITA to be a genetically different IBDV, belonging to genogroup 6 according to a recently proposed IBDV classification. The currently available clinical data do not allow any definition of the degree of pathogenicity of the ITA‐IBDV isolates. In the present study, a pathogenicity trial was conducted by the oral inoculation of specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) chickens. Birds were housed in poultry isolators and inoculated at 35 days of age with an ITA‐IBDV isolate (35 birds) or a strain belonging to the G1a genogroup as a comparison (35 birds). Control birds (25 birds) were contextually mock‐inoculated with sterile water. Birds were observed daily for clinical signs and at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post‐inoculation (dpi) were bled for IBDV antibody detection. At 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 dpi, five birds from each of the inoculated groups, and three from the control group, were euthanised and subjected to a post‐mortem examination; the bursa:body weight and thymus:body weight ratios were calculated. Microscopic lesions of the bursa and thymus were scored on the basis of lymphoid necrosis and/or depletion or cortex atrophy, respectively. Both viruses induced a subclinical course of disease, as neither clinical signs nor mortality were recorded during the study, even in the presence of typical IBDV gross and microscopic lesions. Bursal damage, measured by the bursa:body weight ratio, was more noticeable and precocious after ITA‐IBDV inoculation. Histopathology scores of the bursa, indicative of rapid lymphoid depletion, confirmed the aggressiveness of the ITA‐IBDV strain in this organ. This study showed that, although the ITA‐IBDV strain tested causes infection with a subclinical course, it induces severe damage to lymphoid tissues. Therefore, its circulation in birds might be a threat for the poultry industry and may jeopardise the success of the production cycle.

ACS Style

Caterina Lupini; Viviana Felice; Flavio Silveira; Giulia Mescolini; Giacomo Berto; Valeria Listorti; Mattia Cecchinato; Elena Catelli. Comparative in vivo pathogenicity study of an ITA genotype isolate (G6) of infectious bursal disease virus. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2019, 67, 1025 -1031.

AMA Style

Caterina Lupini, Viviana Felice, Flavio Silveira, Giulia Mescolini, Giacomo Berto, Valeria Listorti, Mattia Cecchinato, Elena Catelli. Comparative in vivo pathogenicity study of an ITA genotype isolate (G6) of infectious bursal disease virus. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2019; 67 (2):1025-1031.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Caterina Lupini; Viviana Felice; Flavio Silveira; Giulia Mescolini; Giacomo Berto; Valeria Listorti; Mattia Cecchinato; Elena Catelli. 2019. "Comparative in vivo pathogenicity study of an ITA genotype isolate (G6) of infectious bursal disease virus." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 67, no. 2: 1025-1031.

Journal article
Published: 09 November 2019 in Veterinary Research
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Despite the fact that vaccine resistance has been typically considered a rare phenomenon, some episodes of vaccine failure have been reported with increasing frequency in intensively-raised livestock. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a widespread avian coronavirus, whose control relies mainly on extensive vaccine administration. Unfortunately, the continuous emergence of new vaccine-immunity escaping variants prompts the development of new vaccines. In the present work, a molecular epidemiology study was performed to evaluate the potential role of homologous vaccination in driving IBV evolution. This was undertaken by assessing IBV viral RNA sequences from the ORF encoding the S1 portion of viral surface glycoprotein (S) before and after the introduction of a new live vaccine on broiler farms in northern-Italy. The results of several biostatistics analyses consistently demonstrate the presence of a higher pressure in the post-vaccination period. Natural selection was detected essentially on sites located on the protein surface, within or nearby domains involved in viral attachment or related functions. This evidence strongly supports the action of vaccine-induced immunity in conditioning viral evolution, potentially leading to the emergence of new vaccine-escape variants. The great plasticity of rapidly-evolving RNA-viruses in response to human intervention, which extends beyond the poultry industry, is demonstrated, claiming further attention due to their relevance for animal and especially human health.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Mattia Cecchinato. Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction. Veterinary Research 2019, 50, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Matteo Legnardi, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Michele Drigo, Marco Martini, Mattia Cecchinato. Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction. Veterinary Research. 2019; 50 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Matteo Legnardi; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Michele Drigo; Marco Martini; Mattia Cecchinato. 2019. "Evolution of infectious bronchitis virus in the field after homologous vaccination introduction." Veterinary Research 50, no. 1: 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2019 in Poultry Science
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Respiratory diseases like infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) have been held accountable for major losses for poultry production. Nevertheless, scarce information was present dealing with the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of these infections in Greece and the efficacy of currently applied control strategies. To fill this gap, a specific epidemiological study was designed. A total of 106 broiler and layer farms, including 10 backyard and 96 commercial flocks, were sampled between March 2016 and May 2017, and the obtained tracheal swabs were tested for IBV and aMPV using RT-PCR based techniques followed by sequencing. For each farm, data regarding production type, flock features, clinical signs, and vaccination program were also recorded. Different associations between vaccination protocol, production type, animal category, birds density, age, presence of clinical signs, and IBV and/or aMPV infection were tested. Both IBV and aMPV field strain prevalence were proven high, approximately 20 and 30%, respectively, being the GI-19 lineage (14 out of 19; 73.6%) and B subtype (30 out of 30; 100%), the most commonly detected IBV and aMPV genetic types. Infection with IBV field strains was significantly associated with clinical sign presence (odds ratio = 8.55 [95CI = 2.17–42.90]). Remarkably, only the vaccination protocol involving a double vaccination at 1 D of age was proven protective against IBV-induced symptomatology, with the odds of developing disease being 4.14 [95CI = 1.34–14.51] times lower.

ACS Style

Marianna Andreopoulou; Giovanni Franzo; Claudia M Tucciarone; Zoi Prentza; Konstantinos Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato; Ilias Chaligianni. Molecular epidemiology of infectious bronchitis virus and avian metapneumovirus in Greece. Poultry Science 2019, 98, 5374 -5384.

AMA Style

Marianna Andreopoulou, Giovanni Franzo, Claudia M Tucciarone, Zoi Prentza, Konstantinos Koutoulis, Mattia Cecchinato, Ilias Chaligianni. Molecular epidemiology of infectious bronchitis virus and avian metapneumovirus in Greece. Poultry Science. 2019; 98 (11):5374-5384.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Marianna Andreopoulou; Giovanni Franzo; Claudia M Tucciarone; Zoi Prentza; Konstantinos Koutoulis; Mattia Cecchinato; Ilias Chaligianni. 2019. "Molecular epidemiology of infectious bronchitis virus and avian metapneumovirus in Greece." Poultry Science 98, no. 11: 5374-5384.

Journal article
Published: 02 August 2019 in Scientific Reports
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After its first identification in 1978, canine parvovirus (CPV) has been recognized all around the world as a major threat for canine population health. This ssDNA virus is characterized by a high substitution rate and several genetic and phenotypic variants emerged over time. Overall, the definition of 3 main antigenic variants was established based on specific amino acid markers located in a precise capsid position. However, the detection of several minor variants and incongruence observed between the antigenic classification and phylogeny have posed doubts on the reliability of this scheme. At the same time, CPV heterogeneity has favored the hypothesis of a differential virulence among variants, although no robust and consistent demonstration has been provided yet. The present study rejects the antigenic variant concept and attempts to evaluate the association between CPV strain phylogeny, reconstructed using the whole information contained in the VP2 coding gene, and several clinical and hemato-biochemical parameters, assessed from 34 CPV infected dogs at admission. By using different statistical approaches, the results of the present study show an association between viral phylogeny and host parameters ascribable to immune system, coagulation profile, acute phase response and, more generally, to the overall picture of the animal response. Particularly, a strong and significant phylogenetic signal was proven for neutrophil count and WBC. Therefore, despite the limited sample size, a relation between viral phylogeny and disease severity has been observed for the first time, suggesting that CPV virulence is an inherited trait. The likely existence of clades with different virulence highlights once more the relevance of intensive epidemiological monitoring and research on CPV evolution to better understand the virulence determinants, their epidemiology and develop adequate countermeasures.

ACS Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Sira Casagrande; Marco Caldin; Martí Cortey; Tommaso Furlanello; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Giovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Sira Casagrande, Marco Caldin, Martí Cortey, Tommaso Furlanello, Matteo Legnardi, Mattia Cecchinato, Michele Drigo. Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giovanni Franzo; Claudia Maria Tucciarone; Sira Casagrande; Marco Caldin; Martí Cortey; Tommaso Furlanello; Matteo Legnardi; Mattia Cecchinato; Michele Drigo. 2019. "Canine parvovirus (CPV) phylogeny is associated with disease severity." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 1-8.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2019 in Poultry Science
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Marek's disease (MD) is an important lymphoproliferative disease of chickens, caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). Outbreaks are commonly reported in commercial flocks, but also in backyard chickens. Whereas the molecular characteristics of GaHV-2 strains from the commercial poultry sector have been reported, no recent data are available for the rural sector. To fill this gap, 19 GaHV-2 strains detected in 19 Italian backyard chicken flocks during suspected MD outbreaks were molecularly characterized through an analysis of the meq gene, the major GaHV-2 oncogene. The number of four consecutive prolines (PPPP) within the proline-rich repeats of the Meq transactivation domain, the proline content, and the presence of amino acid (aa) substitutions were determined. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Maximum Likelihood method. Sequence analysis revealed a heterogeneous population of GaHV-2 strains circulating in Italian backyard flocks. Seven strains, detected from birds affected by classical MD, showed a unique meq isoform of 418 aa with a very high number of PPPP motifs. Molecular and clinical features are suggestive of a low oncogenic potential of these strains. The remaining 12 strains, detected from flocks experiencing acute MD, transient paralysis, or sudden death, had shorter Meq protein isoforms (298 or 339 aa) with a lower number of PPPP motifs and point mutations interrupting PPPP. These features allow us to assert the high virulence of these strains. These findings reveal the circulation of low- and high-virulence GaHV-2 strains in the Italian rural sector.

ACS Style

Giulia Mescolini; Caterina Lupini; Viviana Felice; Alessandro Guerrini; Flavio Silveira; Mattia Cecchinato; Elena Catelli. Molecular characterization of the meq gene of Marek's disease viruses detected in unvaccinated backyard chickens reveals the circulation of low- and high-virulence strains. Poultry Science 2019, 98, 3130 -3137.

AMA Style

Giulia Mescolini, Caterina Lupini, Viviana Felice, Alessandro Guerrini, Flavio Silveira, Mattia Cecchinato, Elena Catelli. Molecular characterization of the meq gene of Marek's disease viruses detected in unvaccinated backyard chickens reveals the circulation of low- and high-virulence strains. Poultry Science. 2019; 98 (8):3130-3137.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giulia Mescolini; Caterina Lupini; Viviana Felice; Alessandro Guerrini; Flavio Silveira; Mattia Cecchinato; Elena Catelli. 2019. "Molecular characterization of the meq gene of Marek's disease viruses detected in unvaccinated backyard chickens reveals the circulation of low- and high-virulence strains." Poultry Science 98, no. 8: 3130-3137.

Journal article
Published: 18 June 2019 in Veterinary Microbiology
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Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) of the ITA genotype (G6) was shown to have peculiar molecular characteristics and, despite a subclinical course, aggressiveness towards lymphoid tissues after experimental infection of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare with a Classical IBDV strain, ITA IBDV distribution and persistence in various tissues (bursa of Fabricious, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, caecal tonsils, Harderian gland, kidney, liver and proventriculus), its cloacal shedding and the involvement of gut TLR-3 in duodenum tissues. The 35-day-old SPF chickens were experimentally infected and sampled up to 28 days post infection (dpi) for IBDV detection and TLR-3 quantification by qRT-PCR. The ITA IBDV strain was detected in lymphoid and most non-lymphoid tissues up to the end of the trial, with higher loads compared to the Classical IBDV. Most of those differences were found during the first 2 weeks post-infection. Notably, bone marrow and caecal tonsils presented higher viral loads until 28 dpi, allowing to speculate that these organs may serve as non-bursal lymphoid tissues supporting virus replication. Differences in relative TLR-3 gene expression between ITA IBDV-infected birds and Classical-IBDV infected ones were observed at 4, 14 and 21 dpi, being initially higher in Classical group and later in ITA group. Our results provide new insights into IBDV pathogenesis showing that IBDV of ITA genotype leads to a high and persistent viral load in lymphoid tissues and to a delayed antiviral response.

ACS Style

Flavio Silveira; Viviana Felice; Giovanni Franzo; Giulia Mescolini; Elena Catelli; Mattia Cecchinato; Giacomo Berto; Valeria Listorti; Caterina Lupini. Inoculation of specific pathogen-free chickens with an infectious bursal disease virus of the ITA genotype (G6) leads to a high and persistent viral load in lymphoid tissues and to a delayed antiviral response. Veterinary Microbiology 2019, 235, 136 -142.

AMA Style

Flavio Silveira, Viviana Felice, Giovanni Franzo, Giulia Mescolini, Elena Catelli, Mattia Cecchinato, Giacomo Berto, Valeria Listorti, Caterina Lupini. Inoculation of specific pathogen-free chickens with an infectious bursal disease virus of the ITA genotype (G6) leads to a high and persistent viral load in lymphoid tissues and to a delayed antiviral response. Veterinary Microbiology. 2019; 235 ():136-142.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Flavio Silveira; Viviana Felice; Giovanni Franzo; Giulia Mescolini; Elena Catelli; Mattia Cecchinato; Giacomo Berto; Valeria Listorti; Caterina Lupini. 2019. "Inoculation of specific pathogen-free chickens with an infectious bursal disease virus of the ITA genotype (G6) leads to a high and persistent viral load in lymphoid tissues and to a delayed antiviral response." Veterinary Microbiology 235, no. : 136-142.