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Giuseppe Merialdi
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 40127 Bologna, Italy

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Journal article
Published: 24 July 2021 in Animals
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In this study, internal organs (tongue, intestine, and spleen) of 23 free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) found dead between 2017 and 2019 were tested for Carnivore protoparvovirus 1, Canine adenovirus (CAdV), and Canine circovirus (CanineCV) using real-time PCR assays. Genetic characterisation of the identified viruses was carried out by amplification, sequencing, and analysis of the complete viral genome or informative viral genes. All the wolves tested positive for at least one of the DNA viruses screened, and 11/23 were coinfected. Carnivore protoparvoviruses were the most frequently detected viruses (21/23), followed by CanineCV (11/23) and CAdV (4/23). From the analysis of the partial VP2 gene of 13 carnivore protoparvoviruses, 12 were canine parvovirus type 2b, closely related to the strains detected in dogs and wild carnivores from Italy, and one was a feline panleukopenia-like virus. Of the four CAdV identified, two were CAdV-1 and two were CAdV-2. The complete genome of seven CanineCVs was sequenced and related to the CanineCV identified in dogs, wolves, and foxes worldwide. Close correlations emerged between the viruses identified in wolves and those circulating in domestic dogs. Further studies are needed to investigate if these pathogens may be potentially cross-transmitted between the two species.

ACS Style

Andrea Balboni; Lorenza Urbani; Mauro Delogu; Carmela Musto; Maria Fontana; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppe Lucifora; Alessia Terrusi; Francesco Dondi; Mara Battilani. Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus). Animals 2021, 11, 2198 .

AMA Style

Andrea Balboni, Lorenza Urbani, Mauro Delogu, Carmela Musto, Maria Fontana, Giuseppe Merialdi, Giuseppe Lucifora, Alessia Terrusi, Francesco Dondi, Mara Battilani. Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus). Animals. 2021; 11 (8):2198.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Balboni; Lorenza Urbani; Mauro Delogu; Carmela Musto; Maria Fontana; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppe Lucifora; Alessia Terrusi; Francesco Dondi; Mara Battilani. 2021. "Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus)." Animals 11, no. 8: 2198.

Journal article
Published: 26 March 2021 in Antibiotics
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We recently described the genetic antimicrobial resistance and virulence profile of a collection of 279 commensal E. coli of food-producing animal (FPA), pet, wildlife and human origin. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the role of commensal E. coli as reservoir of extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) virulence-associated genes (VAGs) or as potential ExPEC pathogens were evaluated. The most common phenotypic resistance was to tetracycline (76/279, 27.24%), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (73/279, 26.16%), streptomycin and sulfisoxazole (71/279, 25.45% both) among the overall collection. Poultry and rabbit were the sources mostly associated to AMR, with a significant resistance rate (p > 0.01) to quinolones, streptomycin, sulphonamides, tetracycline and, only for poultry, to ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Finally, rabbit was the source mostly associated to colistin resistance. Different pandemic (ST69/69*, ST95, ST131) and emerging (ST10/ST10*, ST23, ST58, ST117, ST405, ST648) ExPEC sequence types (STs) were identified among the collection, especially in poultry source. Both ST groups carried high number of ExPEC VAGs (pandemic ExPEC STs, mean = 8.92; emerging ExPEC STs, mean = 6.43) and showed phenotypic resistance to different antimicrobials (pandemic ExPEC STs, mean = 2.23; emerging ExPEC STs, mean = 2.43), suggesting their role as potential ExPEC pathogens. Variable phenotypic resistance and ExPEC VAG distribution was also observed in uncommon ExPEC lineages, suggesting commensal flora as a potential reservoir of virulence (mean = 3.80) and antimicrobial resistance (mean = 1.69) determinants.

ACS Style

Elisa Massella; Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Cameron Reid; Steven Djordjevic; Giuseppe Merialdi; Cristina Bacci; Laura Fiorentini; Paola Massi; Lia Bardasi; Silva Rubini; Federica Savini; Andrea Serraino; Silvia Piva. Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and ExPEC Virulence Potential in Commensal Escherichia coli of Multiple Sources. Antibiotics 2021, 10, 351 .

AMA Style

Elisa Massella, Federica Giacometti, Paolo Bonilauri, Cameron Reid, Steven Djordjevic, Giuseppe Merialdi, Cristina Bacci, Laura Fiorentini, Paola Massi, Lia Bardasi, Silva Rubini, Federica Savini, Andrea Serraino, Silvia Piva. Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and ExPEC Virulence Potential in Commensal Escherichia coli of Multiple Sources. Antibiotics. 2021; 10 (4):351.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elisa Massella; Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Cameron Reid; Steven Djordjevic; Giuseppe Merialdi; Cristina Bacci; Laura Fiorentini; Paola Massi; Lia Bardasi; Silva Rubini; Federica Savini; Andrea Serraino; Silvia Piva. 2021. "Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and ExPEC Virulence Potential in Commensal Escherichia coli of Multiple Sources." Antibiotics 10, no. 4: 351.

Journal article
Published: 16 October 2020 in Parasites & Vectors
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Background Domesticated and wild swine play an important role as reservoir hosts of Trichinella spp. and a source of infection for humans. Little is known about the survival of Trichinella larvae in muscles and the duration of anti-Trichinella antibodies in pigs with long-lasting infections. Methods Sixty pigs were divided into three groups of 20 animals and infected with 10,000 larvae of Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi or Trichinella pseudospiralis. Four pigs from each group were sacrificed at 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-infection (p.i.) and the number of larvae per gram (LPG) of muscles was calculated. Serum samples were tested by ELISA and western blot using excretory/secretory (ES) and crude antigens. Results Trichinella spiralis showed the highest infectivity and immunogenicity in pigs and larvae survived in pig muscles for up to 2 years p.i. In these pigs, the IgG level significantly increased at 30 days p.i. and reached a peak at about 60 days p.i., remaining stable until the end of the experiment. In T. britovi-infected pigs, LPG was about 70 times lower than for T. spiralis at 2 months p.i. and only very few infecting larvae were detected at 6 months p.i., whereas no larvae were detected at 12, 18 and 24 months p.i. At 6 months p.i., degenerated/calcified larvae and cysts were detected in the muscles by trichinoscopy and histology. The IgG pattern showed by T. britovi-infected pigs was similar to that of T. spiralis-infected pigs, although seroconversion occurred some days later. The larval burden of T. pseudospiralis was slightly greater than for T. britovi at 2 months p.i., but no larvae were detected at 6 and 12 months p.i. In T. pseudospiralis-infected pigs, seroconversion occurred slowly, as in T. britovi-infected pigs. The IgG level showed a significant drop at 6 months p.i. and declining to the cut-off value at 12 months p.i. Conclusions The longer survival of T. spiralis in pigs in comparison with the other two species highlights its exceptional dissemination potential. These results provide an explanation of the controversial data collected by parasitological and serological tools in the course of epidemiological investigations.

ACS Style

Edoardo Pozio; Giuseppe Merialdi; Elio Licata; Giacinto Della Casa; Massimo Fabiani; Marco Amati; Simona Cherchi; Mattia Ramini; Valerio Faeti; Maria Interisano; Alessandra Ludovisi; Gianluca Rugna; Gianluca Marucci; Daniele Tonanzi; Maria Angeles Gómez-Morales. Differences in larval survival and IgG response patterns in long-lasting infections by Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis in pigs. Parasites & Vectors 2020, 13, 1 -12.

AMA Style

Edoardo Pozio, Giuseppe Merialdi, Elio Licata, Giacinto Della Casa, Massimo Fabiani, Marco Amati, Simona Cherchi, Mattia Ramini, Valerio Faeti, Maria Interisano, Alessandra Ludovisi, Gianluca Rugna, Gianluca Marucci, Daniele Tonanzi, Maria Angeles Gómez-Morales. Differences in larval survival and IgG response patterns in long-lasting infections by Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis in pigs. Parasites & Vectors. 2020; 13 (1):1-12.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Edoardo Pozio; Giuseppe Merialdi; Elio Licata; Giacinto Della Casa; Massimo Fabiani; Marco Amati; Simona Cherchi; Mattia Ramini; Valerio Faeti; Maria Interisano; Alessandra Ludovisi; Gianluca Rugna; Gianluca Marucci; Daniele Tonanzi; Maria Angeles Gómez-Morales. 2020. "Differences in larval survival and IgG response patterns in long-lasting infections by Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis in pigs." Parasites & Vectors 13, no. 1: 1-12.

Journal article
Published: 17 October 2019 in Meat Science
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This study investigates the microbiological conditions before maturation of wild boar meat (Sus scrofa) processed in approved game handling establishments in Italy. Fillets and legquarters of 37 carcasses were tested to assess Aerobic Colony Count (ACC), Enterobacteriaceae Count (EC) and Salmonella presence. Salmonella was never found and mean values of ACC and EC were 4.67 ± 1.78 SD and 2.60 ± 1.58 SD log CFU/cm2, respectively. Both ACC and EC increased with time between evisceration and skinning, were significantly higher in fillets and when meat was processed by untrained operators. ACC also increased with boars' weight and when carcasses were cleaned with running potable water. Based on limits set by EU Regulation No 1441/2007 for pork meat, most legquarters resulted satisfactory or acceptable (59% for ACC and 70% for EC), while most fillets were unsatisfactory (76% ACC, 78% EC). Results show that the wild game meat supply chain can be a safe process when handling practices reported in European and National regulations are met.

ACS Style

Francesca Orsoni; Claudia Romeo; Nicola Ferrari; Lia Bardasi; Giuseppe Merialdi; Roberto Barbani. Factors affecting the microbiological load of Italian hunted wild boar meat (Sus scrofa). Meat Science 2019, 160, 107967 .

AMA Style

Francesca Orsoni, Claudia Romeo, Nicola Ferrari, Lia Bardasi, Giuseppe Merialdi, Roberto Barbani. Factors affecting the microbiological load of Italian hunted wild boar meat (Sus scrofa). Meat Science. 2019; 160 ():107967.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Orsoni; Claudia Romeo; Nicola Ferrari; Lia Bardasi; Giuseppe Merialdi; Roberto Barbani. 2019. "Factors affecting the microbiological load of Italian hunted wild boar meat (Sus scrofa)." Meat Science 160, no. : 107967.

Journal article
Published: 25 July 2019 in Toxins
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Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an ornamental plant common in tropical and sub-tropical regions that is becoming increasingly widespread, even in temperate regions. Oleander poisoning may occur in animals and humans. The main active components contained in the plant are cardiac glycosides belonging to the class of cardenolides that are toxic to many species, from human to insects. This work describes a case of oleander poisoning that occurred on a small cattle farm and resulted in the fatality of all six resident animals. Furthermore, the investigation of the poisonous agent is described, with particular focus on the characterization of the oleandrin toxin that was recovered from the forage and rumen contents. The innovation of this study is the first description of the detection and quantification of the oleandrin toxin by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) in rumen.

ACS Style

Silva Rubini; Sabina Strano Rossi; Serena Mestria; Sara Odoardi; Sara Chendi; Andrea Poli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppina Andreoli; Paolo Frisoni; Rosa Maria Gaudio; Anna Baldisserotto; Piergiacomo Buso; Stefano Manfredini; Guido Govoni; Stefania Barbieri; Cinzia Centelleghe; Giorgia Corazzola; Sandro Mazzariol; Carlo Alessandro Locatelli; Poli; Buso. A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm: A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen. Toxins 2019, 11, 442 .

AMA Style

Silva Rubini, Sabina Strano Rossi, Serena Mestria, Sara Odoardi, Sara Chendi, Andrea Poli, Giuseppe Merialdi, Giuseppina Andreoli, Paolo Frisoni, Rosa Maria Gaudio, Anna Baldisserotto, Piergiacomo Buso, Stefano Manfredini, Guido Govoni, Stefania Barbieri, Cinzia Centelleghe, Giorgia Corazzola, Sandro Mazzariol, Carlo Alessandro Locatelli, Poli, Buso. A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm: A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen. Toxins. 2019; 11 (8):442.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silva Rubini; Sabina Strano Rossi; Serena Mestria; Sara Odoardi; Sara Chendi; Andrea Poli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Giuseppina Andreoli; Paolo Frisoni; Rosa Maria Gaudio; Anna Baldisserotto; Piergiacomo Buso; Stefano Manfredini; Guido Govoni; Stefania Barbieri; Cinzia Centelleghe; Giorgia Corazzola; Sandro Mazzariol; Carlo Alessandro Locatelli; Poli; Buso. 2019. "A Probable Fatal Case of Oleander (Nerium oleander) Poisoning on a Cattle Farm: A New Method of Detection and Quantification of the Oleandrin Toxin in Rumen." Toxins 11, no. 8: 442.

Research article
Published: 01 June 2017 in Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases
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Human leishmaniasis is an emerging problem in Italy and is on the increase in the Emilia–Romagna region, northeastern part of the country. Nevertheless, studies dealing with the molecular characterization of Leishmania spp. circulating in these areas are limited. In the present work, we explored the genetic polymorphism of Leishmania isolates from 28 cases of canine leishmaniasis and three cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which occurred in 2013–2014 in the Emilia–Romagna region. The characterization was carried out in comparison with nine human isolates of Leishmania from other VL endemic Italian regions and two reference strains. Nucleic acid from 31 Leishmania-positive phlebotomine sandfly pools, sampled in 2012–2013 in the Emilia–Romagna region, were also evaluated. DNA amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 and of a repetitive nuclear region on chromosome 31 were carried out for genotyping. Two size polymorphic targets were also analyzed by PCR, the cpb E/F-gene and the k26-gene. Altogether, the analysis showed the circulation of different Leishmania infantum genotypes in the Emilia–Romagna region: two genotypes found in dogs from public kennels were similar to VL isolates from other Italian regions, whereas a third genotype was detected in VL cases of the Emilia–Romagna region and in all but one of the sandfly pools. The combined molecular tools applied in this study can constitute a helpful support for parasite tracking (e.g., in outbreak investigations) and for a better understanding of the epidemiological evolution of leishmaniasis in northeastern Italy.

ACS Style

Gianluca Rugna; Elena Carra; Francesco Corpus; Mattia Calzolari; Daniela Salvatore; Romeo Bellini; Antonietta Di Francesco; Erica Franceschini; Antonella Bruno; Giovanni Poglayen; Stefania Varani; Fabrizio Vitale; Giuseppe Merialdi. Distinct Leishmania infantum Strains Circulate in Humans and Dogs in the Emilia–Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 2017, 17, 409 -415.

AMA Style

Gianluca Rugna, Elena Carra, Francesco Corpus, Mattia Calzolari, Daniela Salvatore, Romeo Bellini, Antonietta Di Francesco, Erica Franceschini, Antonella Bruno, Giovanni Poglayen, Stefania Varani, Fabrizio Vitale, Giuseppe Merialdi. Distinct Leishmania infantum Strains Circulate in Humans and Dogs in the Emilia–Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. 2017; 17 (6):409-415.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gianluca Rugna; Elena Carra; Francesco Corpus; Mattia Calzolari; Daniela Salvatore; Romeo Bellini; Antonietta Di Francesco; Erica Franceschini; Antonella Bruno; Giovanni Poglayen; Stefania Varani; Fabrizio Vitale; Giuseppe Merialdi. 2017. "Distinct Leishmania infantum Strains Circulate in Humans and Dogs in the Emilia–Romagna Region, Northeastern Italy." Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases 17, no. 6: 409-415.

Journal article
Published: 19 April 2016 in Italian Journal of Food Safety
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The objective of this study was to investigate Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in the industrially manufactured Italian Parma ham. The study focuses on the Parma ham production phase identified as maximum risk to C. botulinum proliferation, i.e. the transition from cold phase (salting and resting) to a phase carried out at temperature between 15 and 23°C (drying). A preliminary in vitro test was carried out in order to verify the capability of 6 C. botulinum strains (1 type A, 4 type B, and 1 type E strains) to grow in conditions of temperature, pH and NaCl concentration comparable to those of the beginning stage of ham drying. Five C. botulinum strains grew at 20°C and pH 6, four strains produced toxin when inoculated at a concentration equal to 103 cfu/mL at NaCl concentration of 4%, while when the inoculum concentration was 10 cfu/mL, NaCl concentration of 3% resulted the toxin-genesis limiting factor. An experimental contamination with a mixture of the 5 C. botulinum strains selected by the preliminary in vitro test was performed on 9 thighs inoculated at the end of the resting phase. The study was designed to evaluate the potential growth and toxin production in extremely favourable conditions for the bacterium. Type B proteolytic C. botulinum toxin was produced after 14 days of incubation at 20°C in 2 thighs characterised by high weight, low number of days of resting and anomalous physiochemical characteristics [one for very low NaCl concentration (1.59%), the other for elevated pH (6.27) and both for high water activity values (>0.970)]. The results of this research confirm that the cold resting step is a critical phase in the production process of Parma ham for the investigated hazard. Based on the present study, the long resting phase adopted in the manufacturing of Parma ham is proven effective to prevent the growth of C. botulinum, an event which could not otherwise be excluded if the hams were processed under less stringent technological conditions.

ACS Style

Giuseppe Merialdi; Mattia Ramini; Giovanni Parolari; Silvana Barbuti; Maria Angela Frustoli; Roberta Taddei; Stefano Pongolini; Paolo Ardigò; Paolo Cozzolino. Study on Potential Clostridium Botulinum Growth and Toxin Production in Parma Ham. Italian Journal of Food Safety 2016, 5, 1 .

AMA Style

Giuseppe Merialdi, Mattia Ramini, Giovanni Parolari, Silvana Barbuti, Maria Angela Frustoli, Roberta Taddei, Stefano Pongolini, Paolo Ardigò, Paolo Cozzolino. Study on Potential Clostridium Botulinum Growth and Toxin Production in Parma Ham. Italian Journal of Food Safety. 2016; 5 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Merialdi; Mattia Ramini; Giovanni Parolari; Silvana Barbuti; Maria Angela Frustoli; Roberta Taddei; Stefano Pongolini; Paolo Ardigò; Paolo Cozzolino. 2016. "Study on Potential Clostridium Botulinum Growth and Toxin Production in Parma Ham." Italian Journal of Food Safety 5, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2015 in Preventive Veterinary Medicine
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A quantitative risk assessment (RA) model was developed to describe the risk of campylobacteriosis linked to consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. Exposure assessment was based on the official microbiological records of raw milk samples from vending machines monitored by the regional Veterinary Authorities from 2008 to 2011, microbial growth during storage, destruction experiments, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, consumption preference and age of consumers. The differential risk considered milk handled under regulation conditions (4°C throughout all phases) and the worst time-temperature field handling conditions detected. Two separate RA models were developed, one for the consumption of boiled milk and the other for the consumption of raw milk, and two different dose-response (D-R) relationships were considered. The RA model predicted no human campylobacteriosis cases per year either in the best (4°C) storage conditions or in the case of thermal abuse in case of boiling raw milk, whereas in case of raw milk consumption the annual estimated campylobacteriosis cases depend on the dose-response relationships used in the model (D-R I or D-R II), the milk time-temperature storage conditions, consumer behaviour and age of consumers, namely young (with two cut-off values of ≤5 or ≤6 years old for the sensitive population) versus adult consumers. The annual estimated cases for young consumers using D-R II for the sensitive population (≤5 years old) ranged between 1013.7/100,000 population and 8110.3/100,000 population and for adult consumers using D-R I between 79.4/100,000 population and 333.1/100,000 population. Quantification of the risks associated with raw milk consumption is necessary from a public health perspective and the proposed RA model represents a useful and flexible tool to perform future RAs based on local consumer habits to support decision-making on safety policies. Further educational programmes for raw milk consumers or potential raw milk consumers are required to encourage consumers to boil milk to reduce the associated risk of illness.

ACS Style

Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Simonetta Amatiste; Norma Arrigoni; Manila Bianchi; Marina Nadia Losio; Stefano Bilei; Giuseppe Cascone; Damiano Comin; Paolo Daminelli; Lucia Decastelli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Renzo Mioni; Angelo Peli; Annalisa Petruzzelli; Franco Tonucci; Silvia Piva; Andrea Serraino. Human campylobacteriosis related to the consumption of raw milk sold by vending machines in Italy: Quantitative risk assessment based on official controls over four years. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 2015, 121, 151 -158.

AMA Style

Federica Giacometti, Paolo Bonilauri, Simonetta Amatiste, Norma Arrigoni, Manila Bianchi, Marina Nadia Losio, Stefano Bilei, Giuseppe Cascone, Damiano Comin, Paolo Daminelli, Lucia Decastelli, Giuseppe Merialdi, Renzo Mioni, Angelo Peli, Annalisa Petruzzelli, Franco Tonucci, Silvia Piva, Andrea Serraino. Human campylobacteriosis related to the consumption of raw milk sold by vending machines in Italy: Quantitative risk assessment based on official controls over four years. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 2015; 121 (1-2):151-158.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Simonetta Amatiste; Norma Arrigoni; Manila Bianchi; Marina Nadia Losio; Stefano Bilei; Giuseppe Cascone; Damiano Comin; Paolo Daminelli; Lucia Decastelli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Renzo Mioni; Angelo Peli; Annalisa Petruzzelli; Franco Tonucci; Silvia Piva; Andrea Serraino. 2015. "Human campylobacteriosis related to the consumption of raw milk sold by vending machines in Italy: Quantitative risk assessment based on official controls over four years." Preventive Veterinary Medicine 121, no. 1-2: 151-158.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2015 in Journal of Food Protection
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Factors affecting the fecal shedding of thermophilic Campylobacter in Italian dairy farms were investigated in a 12-month longitudinal study performed on a dairy farm authorized to sell raw milk in Italy. Fifty animals were randomly selected from 140 adult and young animals, and fecal samples were collected six times at 2-month intervals. At each sampling time, three trough water samples and two trough feed samples also were collected for both adult and young animals. Samples were analyzed with real-time PCR assay and culture examination. Overall, 33 samples (9.7%) were positive for thermophilic Campylobacter by real-time PCR: 26 (9.2%) of 280 fecal samples, 6 (16.6%) of 36 water samples, and 1 (4.2%) of 24 feed samples. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 6 of 280 samples; no other Campylobacter species was isolated. A higher (but not significantly) number of positive fecal samples were found in younger animals (11.33 versus 6.92% of adult animals), and a significantly higher number of positive water samples were collected from the water troughs of young animals. A distinct temporal trend was observed during the study period for both cows and calves, with two prevalence peaks between November and December and between May and July. Several factors such as calving, housing practices, herd size, management practices forcing together a higher number of animals, and variations in feed or water sources (previously reported as a cause of temporal variation in different farming conditions) were excluded as the cause of the two seasonal peaks in this study. The factors affecting the seasonality of Campylobacter shedding in the dairy herds remain unclear and warrant further investigation. The results of the present study indicate that special attention should be paid to farm hygiene management on farms authorized to produce and sell raw milk, with increased surveillance by the authorities at certain times of the year.

ACS Style

Giuseppe Merialdi; Federica Giacometti; Lia Bardasi; Laura Stancampiano; Roberta Taddei; Patrizia Serratore; Andrea Serraino. Fecal Shedding of Thermophilic Campylobacter in a Dairy Herd Producing Raw Milk for Direct Human Consumption. Journal of Food Protection 2015, 78, 579 -584.

AMA Style

Giuseppe Merialdi, Federica Giacometti, Lia Bardasi, Laura Stancampiano, Roberta Taddei, Patrizia Serratore, Andrea Serraino. Fecal Shedding of Thermophilic Campylobacter in a Dairy Herd Producing Raw Milk for Direct Human Consumption. Journal of Food Protection. 2015; 78 (3):579-584.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giuseppe Merialdi; Federica Giacometti; Lia Bardasi; Laura Stancampiano; Roberta Taddei; Patrizia Serratore; Andrea Serraino. 2015. "Fecal Shedding of Thermophilic Campylobacter in a Dairy Herd Producing Raw Milk for Direct Human Consumption." Journal of Food Protection 78, no. 3: 579-584.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2015 in Journal of Food Protection
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Two quantitative risk assessment (RA) models were developed to describe the risk of salmonellosis and listeriosis linked to consumption of raw milk sold in vending machines in Italy. Exposure assessment considered the official microbiological records monitoring raw milk samples from vending machines performed by the regional veterinary authorities from 2008 to 2011, microbial growth during storage, destruction experiments, consumption frequency of raw milk, serving size, and consumption preference. Two separate RA models were developed: one for the consumption of boiled milk and the other for the consumption of raw milk. The RA models predicted no human listeriosis cases per year either in the best or worst storage conditions and with or without boiling raw milk, whereas the annual estimated cases of salmonellosis depend on the dose-response relationships used in the model, the milk storage conditions, and consumer behavior in relation to boiling raw milk or not. For example, the estimated salmonellosis cases ranged from no expected cases, assuming that the entire population boiled milk before consumption, to a maximum of 980,128 cases, assuming that the entire population drank raw milk without boiling, in the worst milk storage conditions, and with the lowest dose-response model. The findings of this study clearly show how consumer behavior could affect the probability and number of salmonellosis cases and in general, the risk of illness. Hence, the proposed RA models emphasize yet again that boiling milk before drinking is a simple yet effective tool to protect consumers against the risk of illness inherent in the consumption of raw milk. The models may also offer risk managers a useful tool to identify or implement appropriate measures to control the risk of acquiring foodborne pathogens. Quantification of the risks associated with raw milk consumption is necessary from a public health perspective.

ACS Style

Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Sabrina Albonetti; Simonetta Amatiste; Norma Arrigoni; Manila Bianchi; Barbara Bertasi; Stefano Bilei; Giuseppe Bolzoni; Giuseppe Cascone; Damiano Comin; Paolo Daminelli; Lucia Decastelli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Renzo Mioni; Angelo Peli; Annalisa Petruzzelli; Franco Tonucci; Elisabetta Bonerba; Andrea Serraino. Quantitative Risk Assessment of Human Salmonellosis and Listeriosis Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk in Italy. Journal of Food Protection 2015, 78, 13 -21.

AMA Style

Federica Giacometti, Paolo Bonilauri, Sabrina Albonetti, Simonetta Amatiste, Norma Arrigoni, Manila Bianchi, Barbara Bertasi, Stefano Bilei, Giuseppe Bolzoni, Giuseppe Cascone, Damiano Comin, Paolo Daminelli, Lucia Decastelli, Giuseppe Merialdi, Renzo Mioni, Angelo Peli, Annalisa Petruzzelli, Franco Tonucci, Elisabetta Bonerba, Andrea Serraino. Quantitative Risk Assessment of Human Salmonellosis and Listeriosis Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk in Italy. Journal of Food Protection. 2015; 78 (1):13-21.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Federica Giacometti; Paolo Bonilauri; Sabrina Albonetti; Simonetta Amatiste; Norma Arrigoni; Manila Bianchi; Barbara Bertasi; Stefano Bilei; Giuseppe Bolzoni; Giuseppe Cascone; Damiano Comin; Paolo Daminelli; Lucia Decastelli; Giuseppe Merialdi; Renzo Mioni; Angelo Peli; Annalisa Petruzzelli; Franco Tonucci; Elisabetta Bonerba; Andrea Serraino. 2015. "Quantitative Risk Assessment of Human Salmonellosis and Listeriosis Related to the Consumption of Raw Milk in Italy." Journal of Food Protection 78, no. 1: 13-21.

Book chapter
Published: 11 August 2014 in Trends in game meat hygiene
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ACS Style

Gianluca Rugna; Paolo Bonilauri; Chiara Garbarino; Elio Licata; Marco Tamba; Giuseppe Merialdi. 9. Monitoring zoonotic diseases in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) population of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy). Trends in game meat hygiene 2014, 145 -150.

AMA Style

Gianluca Rugna, Paolo Bonilauri, Chiara Garbarino, Elio Licata, Marco Tamba, Giuseppe Merialdi. 9. Monitoring zoonotic diseases in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) population of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy). Trends in game meat hygiene. 2014; ():145-150.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gianluca Rugna; Paolo Bonilauri; Chiara Garbarino; Elio Licata; Marco Tamba; Giuseppe Merialdi. 2014. "9. Monitoring zoonotic diseases in the wild boar (Sus scrofa) population of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy)." Trends in game meat hygiene , no. : 145-150.

Journal article
Published: 01 October 2013 in Journal of Wildlife Diseases
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Francesco Defilippo; Andrea Luppi; Giulia Maioli; Dario Marzi; Maria Cristina Fontana; Federica Paoli; Paolo Bonilauri; Michele Dottori; Giuseppe Merialdi. Outbreak of Type C Botulism in Birds and Mammals in the Emilia Romagna Region, Northern Italy. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 2013, 49, 1042 -1046.

AMA Style

Francesco Defilippo, Andrea Luppi, Giulia Maioli, Dario Marzi, Maria Cristina Fontana, Federica Paoli, Paolo Bonilauri, Michele Dottori, Giuseppe Merialdi. Outbreak of Type C Botulism in Birds and Mammals in the Emilia Romagna Region, Northern Italy. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 2013; 49 (4):1042-1046.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesco Defilippo; Andrea Luppi; Giulia Maioli; Dario Marzi; Maria Cristina Fontana; Federica Paoli; Paolo Bonilauri; Michele Dottori; Giuseppe Merialdi. 2013. "Outbreak of Type C Botulism in Birds and Mammals in the Emilia Romagna Region, Northern Italy." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 49, no. 4: 1042-1046.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2013 in Research in Veterinary Science
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The aim of the study is to better understand MRSA environmental contamination in pig holdings in relation to the productive phase and the application of environmental cleaning and disinfection practices (C&D). This study was carried out on six herds. Dust samples from farrowing crates, weaning boxes, growing and finishing pens were collected from each herd environment prior to and after C&D and cultured for MRSA. Ten samples were collected at the end of each productive phase with the animals present and 10 additional samples were collected after C&D, prior to introduction of a new stock. The proportion of positive samples prior to C&D was lower in fattening than in other phases. The proportion of positive samples prior to and after C&D was 121/240 (50%) and 46/240 (19%) respectively. In the mixed effects logistic regression analysis it was shown not only that both productive phase and C&D were associated with the probability of having a positive sample but also that the C&D effect was different in the different productive phases. In particular the effect of C&D was stronger in farrowing crates than in the other productive phases. The results of this study show that, although current practices of cleaning and disinfection reduce MRSA environmental contamination, they are likely to be inadequate to the elimination of the microorganism. However, a strict application of hygienic protocols can lead to a marked reduction of MRSA environmental contamination.

ACS Style

G. Merialdi; E. Galletti; S. Guazzetti; C. Rosignoli; G. Alborali; Antonio Battisti; A. Franco; Paolo Bonilauri; Gianluca Rugna; Paolo Martelli. Environmental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination in pig herds in relation to the productive phase and application of cleaning and disinfection. Research in Veterinary Science 2013, 94, 425 -427.

AMA Style

G. Merialdi, E. Galletti, S. Guazzetti, C. Rosignoli, G. Alborali, Antonio Battisti, A. Franco, Paolo Bonilauri, Gianluca Rugna, Paolo Martelli. Environmental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination in pig herds in relation to the productive phase and application of cleaning and disinfection. Research in Veterinary Science. 2013; 94 (3):425-427.

Chicago/Turabian Style

G. Merialdi; E. Galletti; S. Guazzetti; C. Rosignoli; G. Alborali; Antonio Battisti; A. Franco; Paolo Bonilauri; Gianluca Rugna; Paolo Martelli. 2013. "Environmental methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination in pig herds in relation to the productive phase and application of cleaning and disinfection." Research in Veterinary Science 94, no. 3: 425-427.

Journal article
Published: 30 March 2004 in Microbiologia Medica
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Serotype, haemolytic activity and CAMP reaction of 466 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae (269 of human origin and 197 of bovine origin) isolated in the North of Italy (Lombardia, Emilia) were evaluated.The presence of the rare serotype VII was recorded in 3 human strains and in 1 bovine isolates. In human strains serotype III (32%) was the most common followed by serotypes Ia (17.1%),V (13.8%), II (9.7%), Ib (3.7%), IV (3%),VII (1.1%); 19.6% of strains resulted nontypeable. Between bovine strains the most abundant was serotype IV (22.3%), followed by Ib and III (5.6%), II (5.1%), Ia (3.6%),V (3%) and VII (0.5%), a large number was nontypeable (54.3%). Stains belonging to serotype of VI or VIII were not observed. 43 strains were anhemolytic (15 of humane origin and 28 bovine origin) and 5 strains were CAMP-negative (2 humane and 3 bovine).

ACS Style

Mattia Calzolari; Alessandra Polese; Paolo Bonilauri; Giuseppe Merialdi; Lidia Ricci; Anna Nanetti; Massimo Confalonieri; Michele Dottori. Caratterizzazione fenotipica di ceppi di Streptococcus agalactiae (streptococco di gruppo B) di origine umana e bovina isolati nel Nord Italia. Microbiologia Medica 2004, 19, 1 .

AMA Style

Mattia Calzolari, Alessandra Polese, Paolo Bonilauri, Giuseppe Merialdi, Lidia Ricci, Anna Nanetti, Massimo Confalonieri, Michele Dottori. Caratterizzazione fenotipica di ceppi di Streptococcus agalactiae (streptococco di gruppo B) di origine umana e bovina isolati nel Nord Italia. Microbiologia Medica. 2004; 19 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mattia Calzolari; Alessandra Polese; Paolo Bonilauri; Giuseppe Merialdi; Lidia Ricci; Anna Nanetti; Massimo Confalonieri; Michele Dottori. 2004. "Caratterizzazione fenotipica di ceppi di Streptococcus agalactiae (streptococco di gruppo B) di origine umana e bovina isolati nel Nord Italia." Microbiologia Medica 19, no. 1: 1.