Tab. 20.2 Sanità animale
Transcript
Tab. 20.2 Sanità animale
TAB. 20.2 - RICERCHE EFFETTUATE SANITA' ANIMALE Alborali° GL Pulizia e disinfezione degli allevamenti e dei mezzi di trasporto La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 161-174. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4232] Alborali° GL, Gradassi° M Biosicurezza negli allevamenti suini La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 47-62. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4234] Amadori° M, Farinacci M, Begni° B, Faita° R, Podavini ° D, Colitti M Effects of interferon-[alfa] on the inflammatory response of swine peripheral blood mononuclear cells J Interferon Cytokine Res. - Vol. 29 no 4 ( 2009). - p 241-247. - 35 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4135] Interferon-a (IFN-a) at low concentrations had been previously shown to control the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages. In the first part of this study, cultured swine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were supplemented with IFN-a at low/moderate concentrations, and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The expression of IFN-a, IFN- , IL-1ß, TNF-a, and IL-6 genes was determined by real-time PCR. IFN-a at low/moderate concentrations did not significantly reduce the expression of any cytokine gene under study, with clear trends though to a concentration-dependent reduction of IL-1ß gene expression and to a concentration-dependent increase of IFN- gene expression. In vivo, orally administered IFN-a was shown instead to modulate the inflammatory response to early weaning in uncultured PBMCs of specific pathogen-free piglets. As opposed to the in vitro model, the oral IFN-a treatment reduced after weaning the expression of the IFN- gene (P < 0.08) and increased that of the IL-1ß gene (P < 0.05). There was also a trend to a reduced expression of both IL-6 and TNF-a. The above modulation of cytokine genes expression and the greater daily mean weight gain of treated piglets highlight important regulatory properties of oral IFN-a in the response to the weaning stress. Amadori° M, Farinacci M, Colitti M Low-dose interferon-alpha treatment can modulate the stress of early weaning in pigs Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 1 p. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4148] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) at low concentrations had been previously shown to control in vitro the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Owing to the above, we wondered if a similar control action could be exerted by IFN-alpha in piglets during a natural stressing event like early weaning, characterized by a high proflogistic potential. To this purpose, four Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) littermate piglets were given human lyrnphoblastoid interferon-alpha for io days in a row in form of a freeze-dried preparation, mixed in the diet, starting on the day of early weaning at 21 days of age. The other four littermate piglets served as untreated controls; they received the same daily mass of placebo in a separate weaning cage. The expression of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 genes was determined in uncultured PBMC by real time PCR. Orally administered IFN-alpha was shown to reduce alter weaning the expression of the IFN-gamma gene (p<o.o8) and to increase that of the IL-i beta gene (p<o.o5). There was also a trend to a reduced expression of both IL-6 and TNF-alpha genes. Relatively to the day of weaning, endogenous IFN-alpha was demonstrated in sera and also PBMC of untreated, control piglets at day +3, as opposed to day -1. The above modulation of cytokine gene expression and the greater daily mean weight gain of IFN-treated piglets highlight important regulatory properties of ora] IFN-alpha treatment at weaning, which probably resemble those of the endogenous cytokine. A greater daily mean weight gain and significant changes in the time-course of the main inflammatory cytokines in sera were also shown in a field trial of oral, low-dose IFNalpha treatment at weaning. Amadori° M, Razzuoli° E, Farinacci M, Colitti M An oral, low-dose interferon-alpha treatment can modulate the stress of early weaning in pigs Annual meeting Epizone : November 19-20, 2009 Maisons - Alfort : Theme 5 / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 1 p. [Nr. Estr. 4162] Meeting Epizone : Maisons - Alfort : November 19-20, 2009) Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) at low concentrations had been previously shown to control in vitro the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages. Owing to the above, we wondered if a similar control action could be exerted by IFN-alpha in piglets during a natural stressing event like early weaning, characterized by a high proflogistic potential. To this purpose, four Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) littermate piglets were given human lyrnphoblastoid interferon-alpha for io days in a row in form of a freeze-dried preparation, mixed in the diet, starting on the day of early weaning at 21 days of age. The other four littermate piglets served as untreated controls; they received the same daily mass of placebo in a separate weaning cage. The expression of IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6 genes was determined in uncultured PBMC by real time PCR. Orally administered IFN-alpha was shown to reduce alter weaning the expression of the IFN-gamma gene (p<o.o8) and to increase that of the IL-i beta gene (p<o.o5). There was also a trend to a reduced expression of both IL-6 and TNF-alpha genes. Relatively to the day of weaning, endogenous IFN-alpha was demonstrated in sera and also PBMC of untreated, control piglets at day +3, as opposed to day -1. The above modulation of cytokine gene expression and the greater daily mean weight gain of IFN-treated piglets highlight important regulatory properties of ora] IFN-alpha treatment at weaning, which probably resemble those of the endogenous cytokine. A greater daily mean weight gain and significant changes in the time-course of the main inflammatory cytokines in sera were also shown in a field trial of oral, low-dose IFNalpha treatment at weaning. Amadori° M, Stefanon B, Sgorlon S, Farinacci M Immune system response to stress factors Ital J Anim Sci. - Vol. 8 suppl. 1 ( 2009). - p 287-299. 49 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4066] Questa rassegna prende in considerazione i meccanismi fondamentali della risposta da stress e il coinvolgimento del sistema immunitario in tale risposta. Viene altresì esaminato il legame critico tra risposta da stress e metabolismo energetico. I meccanismi effettoriali nella risposta da stress sono assai simili nel caso di stimoli stressanti di natura infettiva e non infettiva, quantunque differentemente modulati. I circuiti “Stimoli psico-sensitivi/risposta comportamentale” e “Stimoli antigenici/ risposta immunitaria” sono sotto-sistemi di un unico complesso integrato di regolazione omeostatica, atto a fornire condizioni ottimali per la sopravvivenza e l’adattamento dell’ospite all’ambiente. L’interazione tra il sistema immunitario ed il complesso stress/infiammazione ha portato nell’evoluzione filogenetica dei vertebrati allo sviluppo di una rete diversificata di citochine e chemochine. La risposta in citochine può manifestarsi in forme e gradi differenti dopo esposizione a stimoli infettivi e non infettivi. In questo ambito, le infezioni microbiche rappresentano semplicemente una categoria di eventi stressogeni che modulano la risposta in citochine verso una migliore funzionalità delle risposte immunitarie innata ed adattativa. La risposta a stimoli stressogeni (microbici e non) conduce ad una modifica del metabolismo che aumenta il consumo di energia, aminoacidi e micronutrienti. L’influsso di ciascun nutriente su diverse funzioni del sistema immunitario non è facile da definire; si stanno chiarendo tuttavia il ruolo di molti nutrienti nella risposta immunitaria ed i relativi mutamenti di fabbisogni, atti a supportare la risposta immunitaria in forma ottimale. Di conseguenza, una compromissione della risposta immunitaria può derivare da livelli di nutrienti al di sotto o al di sopra di questi fabbisogni modificati. This review highlights fundamental mechanisms of the stress response and important findings as to how the immune system is affected and affects, in turn, such a response. The crucial link between stress response and energy metabolism is dealt with as well. The effector mechanisms in the stress response are remarkably similar for both infectious and non–infectious stimuli, albeit differently modulated. “Psychosensitive stimuli/behavioural response” and “Antigenic stimuli/immune response” are indeed two subsystems of a unitary, integrated complex aimed at providing optimal conditions for the host’s survival and adaptation. The interaction between the immune system and the stress/inflammation complex has led to the development of a diversified network of cytokines and chemokines in vertebrate animals. The cytokine response can be mounted in different forms and extent by the host after exposure to both infectious and non-infectious stimuli. In this conceptual framework, microbial infections are just one category of stressing agents, which modulate the cytokine response for a better performance of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The response to infectious and non–infectious stress leads to a metabolic shift that enhances energy, amino acids and micronutrients consumption. The influence of each nutrient on different aspects of immune function is not easy to define, but it is becoming clear that many nutrients have defined roles in the immune response and, accordingly, their requirements are changed to support optimal immune function. Therefore, impairment of immune functions may arise from intakes of nutrients below or above these modified ranges of requirements. Angelucci G, Fenza A, Viale I, Rolesu S, Alborali° PL, Salati F Evolution of finfish culture and diseases in Sardinia, Italy 14th EAFP International Conference : Diseases of fish and shellfish : September 14-19, 2009 Prague / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - p 375 [Nr. Estr. 4407] EAFP International Conference (14th : Prague : September 14-19, 2009) Anguilla anguilla, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and, recently, meagre Argyrosomus regius are now reared in sea-cages and/or in land-based plants. In particular, the production of reared fish in Sardinia has increased from 300 t in 1994 to 1,000 tons in 2000 to about 3,000 tons in 2006 and, keeping the same production level until today, raised the highest place among sea-cages production in Italian aquaculture. During this period, the diseases showed a parallel increase together with the intensive production. Regarding bacterial diseases of marine fish during the period 2001-200a, the highest incidence of infections was caused by TenacibacuIum maritimurn responsible for marine flexibacteriosis; moreover, outbreaks of diseases caused by Vibrio spp., Photobacteriurn (Pasteurella) piscicida, and Schewanella (Pseudomonas) anguilliseptica occurred almost every year. In cultured ell, infection by Flexibacter colurnnaris, responsible for freshwater flexibacteriosis was the most often diagnosed bacterial disease. Among viral diseases, Viral Encephalopathy and Retinopathy (VER or VNN) of sea bass and Lymphocystis of sea bream were irregularly recorded. Regarding parasitic diseases, Arnyloodiniurn ocellaturn and Ceratornyxa sp. were constantly reported in marine fish. However, Atrispinum sp. caused heavy losses particularly in Sharp-snouted bream and, in the last years, Sparicotyle sp. infections hit cultured Gilthead sea bream and meagre with high mortalities. Moreover, Dactylogyrus sp. and Anguillicola sp. were constantly recorded in cultured eel. Archetti° I, Rota_Nodari° S, Guerra° O, Candotti° P Intervalli di riferimento dei parametri emocromocitometrici in suinetti svezzati e scrofe = Reference intervals of haematological parameters in weaned piglets and sows Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 314-319. - 22 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4081] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Arrigoni° N, Cammi° G, Belletti° GL Persistence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in field dried hay fertilized with bovine slurry from Map infected herds Proocedings of the 10th International Colloqium on Paratuberculosis : August 9-14 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota / [Minneapolis, Minnesota : s.l., 2009]. - p 172-175. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4306] International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (10th : Minneapolis, Minnesota : August 9-14, 2009) Objective: Use of Map contaminated slurry or manure to fertilize crop fields is generally considered a risk factor for the Map transmission, although data on survival of Map in crops are sparse. Therefore, the persistence of Map on crops fertilized during the autumn-winter period with slurry or manure coming from Map infected herds was studied. Methods: Ten Map infected herds with different prevalence levels of infection were selected. Culture and PCR tests were performed on environmental samples collected from the infected farms to assess the level of Map contamination. The same tests were performed on crop samples collected at three different time-points: (1) on fresh hay before harvesting; (2) on hay after field drying; (3) on dried hay at the beginning of its use for animal feeding Results: The environmental samples had massive presence of Map in the manure and slurry used to fertilize the fields. The tests performed on the fresh hay samples, collected before harvesting, showed a single positive result by PCR (10%) and were always negative by culture. The hay samples collected after field drying and at the beginning of their use for animal feeding were always negative in both culture and PCR. Conclusion: These results suggested that under the described conditions, the contamination risk for field dried hay, although possible, is of limited importance for the spreading of infection. On the other hand this must not be underestimated in uninfected herds purchasing forage. Bacci ML, Fantinati P, Alborali° GL, Zannoni A, Penazzi P, Bernardini C, Forni M, Ostanello F Multilevel approach to study boar fertility in commercial farm 60th Annual meeting of the european association for animal production : August 24th - 27th 2009 Barcelona Spain : book of abstracts no.15 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 452 [Nr. Estr. 4404] Annual meeting of the european association for animal production (60th : Barcelona, Spain : August 24th - 27th, 2009) Semen quality assessment represents a fundamental step for obtaining successful artificial insemination (AI) in pig industries, however the decline in boar fertility, non related to apparent causes, is a common and economically relevant problem. In commercial settings, the ejaculates were evaluated at collection, but traditional quality estimates are not able to foretell fertility outcome. New fertility parameters have been therefore studied in vitro (Popwell and Flowers, 2004; Turba et al., 2007) and compared with traditional ones. The present research aimed to study the causes of fertility decline in boars not bound to clinical signs of disease, utilizing various approaches: study of in vitro fertility with traditional and new parameters, study of in vivo fertility and study of health status of subjects. Therefore nine boars of proven fertility have been monitored for 5 months from March and sperm and blood samples have been repeatedly collected for seminal and serological evaluations. At this level we researched ADV, PRRSV, PCV2, SIV (H1N1, H2N1, H3N2) antibodies. In order to evaluate boar fertility we utilized in vitro (motility, viability, acrosome condition, mitochondrial membrane potential, etc.), as well as in vivo parameters (Farrowing Rate and Litter Size outcome of 230 Artificial Insemination). The low percentage (<5%) of damaged acrosome in an ejaculate significantly correlates with high LS. On the contrary no correlations have been found among seroconversions for PRRSV (2 boars) and for ADV (2 boars) and in vivo fertility as well as positivity for SIV (H1N2 strain) (4 boars). This research was supported by grants from Bologna University (RFO 60%). Bano L, Drigo I, Bonci M, Ferro T, Bacchin C, Guolo A, Marcon B, Merialdi° G, Agnoletti F Clostridium difficile survey in Italian piggeries using different diagnostic methods 6th Clostpath International Conference : Clostridia the impact of genomics on disease control : 12-23 October 2009 Roma / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 159 [Nr. Estr. 4299] Clostpath International Conference (6th : Roma : 12-23 October 2009) In order to investigate the role of Clostridium dfficile (CD) in swine enteritis outbreaks, 79 faecal samples, 30 intestinal contents and 12 rectal swabs avere collected in 31 different farms from pigs with an history of dian-hoea. Samples were stratified by growing phase (suckling, post-weaning, growing, fattening). Each sample was cultured in a selective medium for CD and the isolates were Mentified by a commercial biochemical panel kit and by means of a species-specific PCR. Each isolate was tested by multiplex PCR to reveal the presente of tcdA and tcdB genes éncoding for toxin A and toxin B respectively. The samples were screened for CD toxins A and B by usìng a commercial ELISA. 26 intestinal contents and 73 faecal samples were tested by Real-Time PCR to enumerate CD Colony Forming Units (CFU) per g of sample. CD was recovered from 27 samples and the highest prevalente was detected in suckling pigs (43.5%). Thirteen strains tested positive for both tcdA and tcdB genes, one strain was tcdA-Itcd6-, whereas 13 resulted tcdA-ItcdB+, 28 samples resulted positive by Real-Time PCR and the highest CD 2 3 amounts (10 -10 UFC) avere detected in samples that tested positive for toxins as well as at cultura) examination. Toxin A and/or B were detected in 21 of the 27 samples positíve for CD. This study highlights the involvement of CD in outbreaks of enteric disease in swine in Italian farms, irrespective of age, even though the highest prevalente was recorded in suckling pigs. Furthermore the enumeration of this enteric pathogen by Real-Time PCR coupled with ELISA toxin test provides a rapid and accurate tool far the diagnosis of clostridiosis caused by CD. Barbieri° I, Campagna D, Brocchi° E, Capucci° L Caratterizzazione strutturale della PrPSc associata a BSE e BASE mediante denaturazione III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 14 [Nr. Estr. 4256] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. Diversamente da quanto ritenuto per lungo tempo l'agente della Encefalopatia Spongiforme Bovina esiste in almeno tre forme distinte sulla base della mobilità elettroforetica e del profilo di glicosilazione della PrPSc denominate (Tipi C, L e H). Le differenze nel tempo di incubazione e nel profilo istolesivo riscontrate in seguito sia al passaggio in topi che all'inoculazione in bovini delle tre forme suggerisce che, come per le TSE umane, ciascun conformero possa essere portatore di informazioni specifiche che ne caratterizzano le proprietà biologiche e patogeniche. Al fine di comprenderne proprietà biochimiche ed eventuali differenze strutturali la PrPSc associata alla BSE (Tipo C) e quella associata alla BASE (Tipo L) sono state saggiate mediante trattamenti denaturanti in combinazione con l'uso di anticorpi monoclonali. Metodi. Aliquote di omogenati di tessuto cerebrale da animali affetti da BSE e BASE ad uno stadio terminale sono stati incubati con concentrazioni crescenti (1-6 M) di Guanidina (GdN-HCl) e a diversi valori di pH (3,5-7,5) per 2h a temperatura ambiente. I campioni trattati, dopo precipitazione con metanolo e proteolisi mediante proteinasi K, sono stati sottoposti a Western Blot con l'uso di anticorpi monoclonali prodotti verso epitopi diversi della proteina prionica. Risultati. Il trattamento con soluzioni di GdN-HCl, pH 7,5 a diverse concentrazioni ha portato ad una diminuzione del segnale sia della PrPSc di Tipo L che di Tipo C rispetto ai campioni di controllo non trattati indice di un aumentata sensibilità alla digestione da PK. In particolare la PrPSc di Tipo L è risultata maggiormente sensibile alla PK dopo trattamento con GdN-HCl 3,5 M, mentre la PrPSc di Tipo C è risultata resistente all'azione proteolitica a concentrazioni maggiori di GdN-HCl (4,5 M). Il trattamento con GdN-HCl 4M a pH crescenti da 3,5 a 7,5 ha, poi, mostrato che la stabilità alla PK di entrambe le forme di PrPSc è maggiore a pH acidi e diminuisce a pH nel range di neutralità. Conclusioni. I dati indicano che in condizioni denaturanti la struttura accociata alla PrPSc di Tipo C ha una stabilità maggiore di quella del tipo L. Pertanto il trattamento denaturante può essere usato quale ulteriore metodo per la differenziazione fra tipi diversi della PrPSc bovina. Inoltre le proprietà strutturali della PrPSc di entrambe le forme possono essere alterate anche da variazioni di pH. L'insieme dei dati supporta l'ipotesi che BSE e BASE siano patologie distinte perchè associate a molecole di PrPSc diverse per struttura e conformazione. Barigazzi° G, Chiapponi° C, Foni° E Influenza suina e inibizione dell'emoagglutinazione: comparazione dei risultati ottenuti utilizzando diverse varianti virali III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 16 [Nr. Estr. 4257] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. L'influenza suina è una patologia sostenuta da virus RNA appartenenti alla famiglia Orthomyxoviridae che provoca gravi danni economici sia per le dirette conseguenze della malattia polmonare che per la mancata produttività dell'allevamento. Il suino è infettato, nella quasi totalità dei casi, dai sottotipi H1N1, H3N2 e H1N2. La diagnosi sierologica di malattia, è teoricamente possibile utilizzando un doppio campione di siero, acuto e convalescente, tramite la tecnica di Inibizione dell'emoagglutinazione (HI), ma, a causa della variabilità antigenica dei ceppi circolanti, non sempre i risultati forniscono interpretazioni univoche. Scopo del presente lavoro è quello di valutare i titoli HI post infezione, utilizzando, in qualità di antigene per le prove, il sottotipo isolato dal focolaio rappresentato, sia dall'antigene standard di laboratorio utilizzato nella routine, che dal ceppo virale medesimo isolato nel focolaio d'infezione. Metodi. Fra il 2002 e il 2008, nell'ambito di progetti di sorveglianza epidemiologica per influenza suina, sono stati estrapolati 34 casi di infezione da virus influenza nei quali si era ottenuto l'isolamento virale e nei quali era stato possibile eseguire un campionamento di sieri convalescenti. Sono stati raccolti ed esaminati tramite HI 447 sieri. Risultati. Tutti i virus si sono dimostrati in grado di mettere in evidenza anticorpi, a diverse diluizioni ed in diverse prevalenze in ognuno dei casi esaminati. Sui 447 emosieri sui quali sono state eseguite le prove HI la variante "antigene di referenza" ha messo in evidenza il 53% di positività (=1:20) contro l'85% ottenuto con la variante virale "causale dell'infezione". Con test 2 la differenza tra i due tipi di prove è risultata altamente significativa (p<0,001). Valutando poi le risposte verso i singoli sottotipi, si è osservato rispettivamente per H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 una positività del 83%, 82% e 86% utilizzando il virus omologo e del 50%, 45% e 68% utilizzando il virus di referenza. Le differenze fra i test sono risultate significative (p<0,001 per H1N1, p<0,001 per H1N2 e p<0,05 per H3N2). Conclusioni. I risultati ottenuti nel presente lavoro, dimostrano le diverse capacità delle singole varianti a mettere in evidenza gli anticorpi inibenti l'emoagglutinazione. Questa capacità è significativamente più elevata per l'antigene isolato nel focolaio di infezione rispetto a quello routinariamente utilizzato e va tenuta nel dovuto conto nel momento in cui si devono valutare prove HI ad esito incerto o con basse prevalenza di positività. Battisti A, Franco A, Merialdi° G, Hasman H, Iurescia M , Lorenzetti R, Feltrin F, Zini M, Aarestrup FM Heterogeneity among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Italian pig finishing holdings Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 2009). - p. - 33 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4219] A survey for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in finishing pig holdings was carried out in Italy in 2008. MRSA isolates were characterised by spa-, MLST-, SCCmec- and antimicrobial susceptibility typing. A prevalence of 38% (45/118, 95% CI 29.4–46.9%) positive holdings was observed. Eleven different spa-types were found among 102 MRSA isolates, clustering in lineages associated with farm animals (ST398, ST9, ST(CC)97 in 36 holdings) and humans (ST1, 7 holdings). Nine (7.6%) holdings were positive for two, three or four different and unrelated spatypes in various combinations. ST398 was the most prevalent lineage (33 positive holdings). The most prevalent spa-type was t899 (ST398), detected in 22 positive holdings. Three novel spa-types (t4794 of ST9; t4795 of ST97; t4838 of ST398) were detected. Ten holdings were positive for spatype t1730, that proved to be a new single-locus variant of ST97, within the CC97 (ST1476). The most prevalent SCCmec was Type V (79 isolates), while Type IVb was found in 10 isolates. None of the isolates was positive for Panton-Valentine Leukocidin, while most of the t127 and t1730 isolates, one t4794, one t4795, and one t2922 were positive for LukE-LukD genes. All 64 antimicrobial susceptibility tested isolates were resistant to tetracyclines, with high resistance rates to trimethoprim (68.8%), erythromycin (60.9%), and ciprofloxacin (35.4%). All t127, ST1 isolates were resistant to tetracycline–ciprofloxacin–erythromycin. This survey provides the first report of MRSA ST1 and ST(CC)97 among pigs and the first report of MRSA ST9 from pigs in Europe. The presence of human-associated CA-MRSA (t127, ST1, SCCmec type V) in 6% holdings surveyed can represent an additional MRSA reservoir for infections in humans. Bellini R, Bonilauri° P, Angelini P, Albieri A, Ver onesi R, Calzolari° M, Dottori° M, Tamba° M, Venturi L, Venturelli C, Borrini B, Marti ni E Evidence of persistant activity of West Nile Virus in the Po plain area of Italy 5th International Congress of Vector Ecology : 11-16 October 2009 Delek, Antalya, Turkey : proceedings / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 194 [Nr. Estr. 4382] International Congress of Vector Ecology (5. : Delek, Antalya, Turkey : 11-16 October 2009) /testestr/4382en.doc. Bellini° S Concetti generali di biosicurezza negli allevamenti e fattori di rischio La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 1-8. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4235] Bellini° S, Alborali° L, Bonazza V, Avisani° D, Zanardi ° G Swine Vesicular Disease in Lombardy Region : pattern of spread in a high density pig area International Meeting on Emerging Diseases and Suveillance IMED : Vienna, Austria, February 1316, 2009 : Final Program / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 96 [Nr. Estr. 3927] International Meeting on Emerging Diseases and Suveillance : Vienna, Austria : February 13-16, 2009) Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is a vesicular condition of pigs induced by an Enterovirus. Although the disease is frequently mild in nature, il was included in List A of the OIE for the similarity of its lesions to those produced by Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Even though compare to FMD. SVD is considered moderately contagious morbidity is lower and the lesions less severe. In Europe in the last decade. SVD has been persistently reported in Italy and for this reason surveillance and eradication activities are in place. In the period 2006-2007 SVD Spread widely in the Italian Northern Regions. Lombardy. a densely populated pig area, was most affected and difficulties were encountered in eradicating the disease. Even though SVD is considered to be moderately contagious, the 2006-2007 epidemic in Lombardy was characterized by a rapid Spread of the condition: 53 outbreaks ,were detected and some 150.000 pigs were stamped out. To verify the Pattern of disease spread in high-density-pig areas and to highlight risk factors the epidemiological investigations were carried out in the outbreaks and evaluated. The outbreaks reported in the period may be grouped in two epidemic periods. During the first one SVD spread among the farms according to the typical pattern of transmission. In the second period. instead. the diseases showed an endemic trend in a small portion of the region on (27 km ) where the main risk factor for outbreaks, was proximty to a previous out-break. To achieve eradication in this area. It was necessary depopulate a group of pig farms, considered at risk of infection. Bellini° S, Alborali° L, Massirio I, Cinotti° S Evoluzione del comparto suinicolo in Italia: criticità e fattori di rischio = Biosecurity practices, pig-farming system, farm risk level, health status certification Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 5 ( 2009). - p 205-210. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4125] In Italia il settore dei suini è uno dei più importanti fra le produzioni zootecniche e assume rilevanza economica anche in considerazione del valore dell'industria di trasformazione. Buona parte del patrimonio suinicolo nazionale è concentrato in alcune regioni dell'Italia settentrionale dove, negli ultimi 10 anni, si è verificata un'intensificazione dell'allevamento del suino. Nella restante parte del territorio nazionale è invece prevalente un allevamento del suino meno specializzato, con indirizzi produttivi misti, spesso a carattere familiare. La coesistenza di realtà zootecniche diverse comporta la contemporanea presenza di modalità gestionali differenziate che determinano diverse scale di produzione, standard sanitari, standard di biosicurezza, input produttivi, esigenze di mercato e costi di produzione. Tutti fattori che direttamente o indirettamente condizionano il rischio potenziale di diffùsione delle malattie. Teoricamente l'applicazione di rigorose misure di prevenzione (biosicurezza) potrebbe modulare il rischio di introduzione e diffusione di malattie. I dati che emergono dal territorio sembrano però insufficieiti per fornire adeguate garanzie sanitarie al sistema. Tale inconveniente potrebbe essere superato attribuendo dei livelli di rischio alle aziende, da stabilire sulla base di parametri oggettivi verifìcabili in allevamento. Lo scambio di animali fra aree e aziende dello stesso status sanitario, caratterizzate dallo stesso livello di rischio e che utilizzano mezzi di trasporto dedicati, potrebbe fornire un elemento di garanzia per salvaguardare le esigenze economico-produttive e di mercato dei diversi contesti zootecnici. In Italy pig industry is one of the most important sectors in livestock husbandry, also as a consequence of the economic value of by-product production. Pig farming is mainly concentrated in Northern Regions where, over the past decade a significant increase in pig population has occurred. In the remaining Regions pig farming is less specialized and it is characterized by small-scale holdings mainly for self-consumption or for small-scale trade. The presence of different pig farming systems determines the coexistence of different: management systems, production scales, health and bio-security standards, market requirements and production costs; all these factors are considered relevant for diseases spreading. Theoretically the application of rigorous prevention measures (bio-security) may modulate the risk of disease diffusion but, data emerged during the surveillance and eradication campaigns, indicate that the bio-security measures applied are too weak to guarantee the status of the entire system. This inconvenience could be overcome throughout the assignment of different levels of risk, to be established throughout the collection of objective parameters on the holding. Trade between farms of the same level of risk and sure health standard could guarantee the status of the entire sector and safeguard the economic and market requirements of the different production systems. Bellini° S, Cordioli° P, Cinotti° S Malattia vescicolare del suino e criticità del comparto suinicolo Summa anim reddito. - Vol. 4 no 3 ( 2009). - p 31-35. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4131] Berneri° C Biosicurezza degli operatori sanitari e degli allevatori La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 213-232. - 18 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4231] Bertocchi° L Vacca da latte, la normativa e gli sviluppi futuri in Europa Inf Zootec. - Vol. 56 no 16 ( 2009). - p 48-51 [Nr. Estr. 4139] Bertocchi° L Il benessere bovino come fattore di miglioramento delle produzioni Atti 11° Congresso Nazionale SIVAR / [Cremona : Soc ieta' Italiana Veterinari per Animali da Reddito, 2009]. - p 8-11. - 8 rif bib [Nr. Estr. 4192] Congresso Nazionale Multisala SIVAR (11 : Cremona : 8-9 maggio 2009) Bertocchi° L, Cerioli° M Biosicurezza nell'allevamento bovino La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 21-46. - 37 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4195] Bertoletti° I, Bianchi° A, Caslini C, Milani F Sorveglianza sanitaria su caprioli (Capreolus capreolus) sottoposti a prelievo venatorio nella provincia di Sondrio (Italia) Atti del III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - 4290] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF (3 : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) Bianchi° A, Caslini C, Mattiello S Time budget assessment in captive Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) as a potential tool for predicting release success VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : Atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - 1 p. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4322] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6th : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) This aim of the presene study is to analyze daily activity rhythms of captive roe deer and to detect possible sources of variation inducing behavioural modifications. Roe deer that had been artificially reared by humans in a wildlife rehabilitation centre (n = 3) tended to be less reactive than roe deer reared into the wild froin their dams and delivered to the rehabilitation centre when already adult (n = 3). Centre bred deer spent significantly less time moving and alert, thus having more time to dedicate to feeding. These behavioural differences might probably be used to discriminate between "imprinted" and "wild' animals in rehabilitation centres, especially when the animal's origin is unknown. This would be useful for supporting decisional processes as to the release into the wild of those individuals. Bolzoni° G Esiti del monitoraggio dei produttori in Regione Lombardia Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 5 ( 2009). - p 223-227 [Nr. Estr. 4225] Bolzoni° G, Daminelli° P, Varisco° G Latte crudo : si, no. perche. Un tentativo di riflessione equilibrata Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 1 ( 2009). - p 4-9 [Nr. Estr. 3995] Bonardi S, Paris A, Bacci C, Bassi L, Boni E, Tagliabue° S, Brindani F Comparazione dei caratteri di virulenza tra stipiti di Yersinia enterocolitica isolati da suini macellati e da carni suine (Emilia-Romagna 2006-2008) V Workshop nazionale di epidemiologia veterinaria "L'epidemiologia veterinaria di fronte ai cambiamenti naturali e sociali che influenzano la salute" : Torino, 10-11 Dicembre 2009 / a cura di Gaia Scavia ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C13) p 25 [Nr. Estr. 4344] Workshop nazionale di epidemiologia veterinaria (5. : Torino : 10-11 Dicembre 2009) Boniotti° MB, Donati° C, Zanardi° G, Lollai S, Zano ni° M, Tagliabue° S, Avisani° D, Pacciarini° M Evaluation of MIRU-VNTR stability Fifth international M. bovis conference / [s.l. : s.n, 2009]. - p 116 ( 4295] International M. bovis conference (5th : Wellington, New Zeland : 25-28 August 2009) Spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR (mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat) typing has become a major method for genotyping of M. bovis isolates. Epidemiological investigations confirmed by the genetic profiles data can elucidate the sources of infection of new TB outbreaks. The genetic structure of MIRU-VNTR makes them subject to gain or loss repeats and confers them a genetic discrimination capacity. A source of variation can also be the reliability of locus amplification. However, in order to trace transmission chains over time it is necessary to use sufficiently stable genetic markers throughout the research period. Comparing genetic profiles you can sometimes find SLVs (Single locus Variations) or DLVs (Double locus Variations) but the significance of a single mutation has not yet been established nor if it's sufficient to say the isolates are different. In this study, we evaluated the stability of 19 MIRU-VNTR loti using a total of 79 isolates belonging to 2 outbreaks groups. The first group included 47 isolates coming from a small area of Sardinia, an Italian island of Mediterranean Sea. The isolates were collected over a period of 7 years from 36 cattle herds and from wild boars living in the sure area. A11 the isolates showed the sure Spoligotype and most of them showed the sure MIRU-VNTR profile. We found 5 SLVs in loti ETR B, ETR C, MIRU 16, MIRU 27 and 2 involving marker 3636, considered a hyper variable locus. None of the isolates showed a DLV. The second group includes 25 isolates mostly coming from the North of Italy. All the isolates showed a Spoligotype consistent with M.caprae and the sure MIRUVNTR profile except for an SLV involving MIRU 23 and for an unusual VNTR 3232 variability. In fact, PCR amplification of VNTR 3232 locus worked very badly in this group with results that were difficult to interpret. Moreover, this group was compared with 6 unrelated isolates with a very similar genetic profile. These isolates always showed DLVs. Our results suggest that when in a locus the number of repeats is high its amplification is unreliable and it's necessary the exclusion of this locus during epidemiology investigations. In conclusion, most of the markers considered in this study showed high stability and the presence of a single locus variation was not significant to exclude correlation among the isolates. Boniotti° MB, Goria M, Loda° D, Garrone A, Benedett o A, Mondo A, Tisato E, Zanoni° M, Zoppi S, Dondo A, Tagliabue° S, Bonora S, Zanardi° G, Pacciarini° L Molecular typing of mycobacterium bovis strains isolated in Italy from 2000 to 2006 and evaluation of variable-number tandem repeats for geographically optimized genotyping J Clin Microbiol. - Vol. 47 no 3 ( 2009). - p 636-644. - 36 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4123] Spoligotyping and exact tandem repeat (ETR) analysis of Mycobacterium bovis and M. caprae isolated strains has been routinely carried out in Italy since 2000 to obtain a database of genetic profiles and support traditional epidemiological investigations. In this study, we characterized 1,503 M. bovis and 57 M. caprae isolates obtained from 2000 to 2006 in 747 cattle herds mainly located in northern Italy. We identified 81 spoligotypes and 113 ETR profiles, while the combination of spoligotyping/ETR analysis differentiated 228 genotypes, with genotypic diversity indices of 0.70 (spoligotyping), 0.94 (ETR-A to -E typing), and 0.97 (spoligotyping/ETR-A to -E typing), respectively. Despite the high degree of resolution obtained, the spoligotyping/ETR methods were not discriminative enough in the case of genotypes characterized by the combination of SB0120, the predominant spoligotype in Italy, with the most common ETR profiles. To obtain a more informative subset of typing loci, 24 mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) markers were evaluated by analyzing a panel of 100 epidemiologically unrelated SB0120 isolates. The panel was differentiated into 89 profiles with an overall genotypic diversity of 0.987 that could be also achieved by using a minimal group of 13 loci: ETR-A, -B, and -E; MIRU 26 and 40; and VNTR 2163a, 2163b, 3155, 1612, 4052, 1895, 3232, and 3336. The allelic diversity index and the stability of single loci was evaluated to provide the most discriminative genotyping method for locally prevalent strains. Bosi P, Merialdi° G, Bardasi° L, Scandurra S, Vecchi M, Ferro P, Messori S, Nisi I, Casini L, Trevisi P Effetto della somministrazione di tre diversi antibiotici sull’ecologia intestinale e su alcuni parametri produttivi di suinetti in svezzamento: dati preliminari = Effect of three different antibiotics on commensal intestinal microflora and on some productive traits: preliminar report Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 219-228. - 15 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4086] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) E’ stato condotto uno studio sperimentale al fi ne di valutare l’impatto della somministrazione orale di tre diversi antibiotici sulla composizione della fl ora intestinale e su alcuni parametri produttivi in suinetti in svezzamento. Settantadue suinetti appena svezzati provenienti da una allevamento convenzionale sono stati inclusi nello studio che e stato condotto presso una struttura di stabulazione sperimentale. I suinetti sono stati divisi casualmente in 4 gruppi da 18 soggetti cadauno ed assegnati a 4 diverse diete: dieta da svezzamento convenzionale priva di antibiotici (controllo, C), dieta con inclusione di tilmicosina (T), dieta con inclusione di amoxicillina (A), dieta con inclusione di doxiciclina (D). La prova ha avuto una durata complessiva di quattro settimane, di cui tre di trattamento. Durante la prova ed al termine della stessa sono stati misurati parametri produttivi quali incremento ponderale giornaliero (IPG), assunzione di alimento (AI) e indice di conversione dell’alimento (ICA). Sono stati inoltre prelevati settimanalmente campioni di feci per valutare la concentrazione di enterobatteri e lattobacilli. I soggetti che hanno ricevuto una dieta addizionata con antibiotico hanno mostrato un IPG e AI signifi cativamente superiore al gruppo di controllo, senza modifi care il parametro ICA. In media i tre antibiotici non hanno infl uenzato la concentrazione di lattobacilli, che pero e stata maggiore con D e T rispetto ad A. Invece la concentrazione di Enterobatteri e stata fortemente ridotta nel gruppo alimentato con la dieta supplementata con tilmicosina. An in vivo experiment was performed to study the eff ect of three diff erent antibiotics on intestinal microfl ora composition and on some productive parameters and in weaned piglets. Seventy-two newly weaned conventional piglets were included and randomly assigned to 4 diff erent diets: conventional weaning diet with no antibiotics (C), diet with tilmicosin supplementation (T), diet with amoxicillin supplementation (A) and diet with doxiciclin supplementation (D). Th e experiment had an overall duration of 4 weeks. Antibiotics were added to diets for 3 weeks. During the experiment and at its end, data about average daily gain (ADG) , feed intake (FI), and feed to gain ratio (FGR) were recorded. Fecal samples were collected weekly for Enterobacteriaceae and lactobacilli. Th e groups receiving an antibiotic supplemented diet had signifi cantly 220 higher ADG and FI values, without any impact on FGR. Lactobacilli concentration did not result averagely impaired by antibiotics, but D and T increased it, as compared with A. Conversely Enterobacteriaceae were strongly reduced by the tilmicosin added diet. Brookes MB, Irvine RM, NunezN, Clifford D, Essen S, Brown JH, Van_Reeth K, Kuntz-Simon G, Loeffen L, Foni° E, Larsen L, Matrosovich M, Bublot M, Maldonado J, Beer M, Cattoli G Influenza A (H1N1) infection in pigs Vet Rec. - Vol. 164 no 24 ( 2009). - p760-761. - 2 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4275] Brookes S, Nunez A, Clifford D, Essen S, Irvine R, Van_Reeth K, Untz-Simon G, Loeffen W,, Foni° E, Larsen L, Matrosovich M, Bublot M , Garcia J, Beer M, Cattoli G, Brown I Infection dynamics of the current novel swine-like' human influenza A/H1N1 in pigs: A/California/07/09 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 42 - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4168] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) Calzolari° M, Bonilauri° P, Bellini R, Maioli G, Def ilippo F, Albieri A, Barbieri° I, Tamba° M, Martini E, Angelini° P, Dottori° M Evidence of circulation of Usutu virus in mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) 5th International Congress of Vector Ecology : 11-16 October 2009 Delek - Antalya - Turkey : Proceedings / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 169 [Nr. Estr. 4315] International Congress of Vector Ecology (5. : Delek - Antalya - Turkey : 11-16 October 2009) /testestr/4315en.doc. Calzolari° M, Bonilauri° P, Bellini R, Veronesi R, Pi lani R, Defilippo° F, Caimi M, Parco V, Fedeli P, Barbieri° I, Maioli° G, Lelli° D, Lavazza° A, Cordioli° P, Dottori° M Arboviral surveillance program on mosquitoes from "valli di Comacchio" and "parco lombardo della valle del Ticino" (Northern Italy) Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey : Programme and Abstract / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4151] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Background Recently Italy was involved in two important outbreaks of human arbovirus diseases (chikungunya and West Nile). In 2oo8 a preliminary surveillance program in two Italian wetlands to check the presence of arboviruses in mosquitoes was activated. In this abstract the preliminary results of this program are presented. Methods Mosquitoes were collected with C02 traps in areas with high density of mosquitoes near Comacchio (Emilia-Romagna region) and in the Ticino River Park (Lombardia region) in the mosquito season (July-October). Mosquitoes were pooled according to date, location and species. For simultaneous detection of arbovirus causing most important human and animai disease the pools obtained were tested with 3 screening PCR for the Flavivirus, Alphavirus and Bunyavirus genus. The amplified fragments were sequenced and analyzed using the Mega 4 program. Virus isolation was carried out on the same pools analyzeci with PCR by celi culture (Vero and C61C36 cells) and embryonated eggs. Results Wetested a total of 31.861 mosquitoes (369 pools), 16.156 (203 pools) from Comacchio and 15.705 (166 pools) from the Ticino River Park. The mosquitoes tested belong to the species Anopheles maculipennis, Aedes vexans, Ae cinereus, Ae albopictus, Ochlerotatus caspius, O geniculatus, O detrirtus, Culex pipiens and Cx modestus. The most abundant species were Cx pipiens (43,2%), O caspius (25,9%), Ae vexans (13,3%), An maculipennis (2,8%). 2 pools of O caspius, captured near Comacchio on July 23rd resulted positive for the presence of Flavivirus RNA in screening PCR, i pool of 0 caspius captured in Lido di Spina (near Comacchio), on JUIy 25th and 1 pool of An maculipennis captured in Ticino Park on August 22nd resulted positive in the Bunyavirus screening PCR. The isolation of viruses produced negative results in alt the samples tested. In BLAST analysis the sequence of the positive amplified fragment from Ticino Park showed maximum homology (95%) with Batai virus (GB:AB257762). The sequence of Bunyavirus from Lido di Spina showed maximum homology (99%) with Marituba virus (GB:AY613923), it also showed a good homology (970/0) with Tahyna virus (GB:U47142). The 2 pools of O. caspius positive for Flavivirus showed light similarity (less than 8o%) with Cx Flavivirus (CuFV) isolated from Cx pipiens in Japan. Conclusion Bunyavirus positive PCR found and sequenced in An maculipennis captured in Tirino Park is probably to ascribe to the presence of a Batai virus, first isolated in 196o from this species of mosquito and not associated with human disease. The sequence of Bunyavirus obtained form Lido di Spina shows a very high homology with a virus (Marituba virus) first isolated in Amazon region in Brazil in the 6os. The second hìghest homology obtained in BLAST analysis is with Tahyna, a virus mainly isolated from Aedes and Ochlerotatus species that caused influenzalike symptoms in humans in Europe. The isolation of the virus failed, therefore a fina) classificatlon of this positive PCR was impossible; however the presence of Tahyna virus is more probable than the presence of Marituba virus in pooled mosquitoes. The detected flaviviruses probably belong to a group of virus that are present only in mosquitoes species, so this virus does not represent a risk for human and animal populations. These positive PCR detections demonstrate that a wide range of arboviruses causing human and animal diseases couid be detected by our surveillance program even in the absence of human or animai disease outbreaks. Calzolari° M, Bonilauri° P, Defilippo° F, Maioli G, Bellini R, Veronesi R, Albieri A, Angelini P, Barbieri° I, Lelli° D, Lavazza° A, Tamba° M, Sambri V, Dottori° M West Nile Virus surveillance in mosquitoes in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) The 5th European Mosquito Control Association Workshop EMCA : Monday 9th March Friday 13th March 2009 Turin, Italy / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4314] European Mosquito Control Association (5th : Turin, Italy : Monday 9th March Friday 13th March 2009) An the summer 2008 a large epidemic of West Nile Fever (WN) occurred in three different Regions of Northern Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardia), causing 32 diagnosed cases in horses and 4 in humans. An active entomologica surveillance plan was started by the Emilia-Romagna Surveillance Group on Vectorial Disease in 2007. In the 2008 season a total of 78 stations were aestivated by C02 baited traps in Bologna and Ferrara provinces, 40 stations historically operating for mosquito density monitoring and 38 stations specifically positioned after the first evidence of disease in equine. Mosquitoes were pooled according to date, location and species, grinded manually and tested with Flavivirus genus RT-PCR and with WNV Real Time PCR. In total 38791 mosquitoes were analyzed, most of them belonging to the species Culex pipiens, Ochlerotatus caspius, Aedes albopictus and Aedes vexans. Two pools of Cx. pipiens (one collected in Cona, Ferrara province, on September 23`h, and the other collected in Argelato, Bologna province, on September 3 0th) resulted positive in PCR for the presence of RNA belonging to the Flavivirus genus and also for the presence of WNV. Virus isolation was attempted starting from the two PCR positive pools by using different cells culture (Vero, Bhk21, Rk13, C6/C36) and by inoculation of SPF chicken embryonated eggs but no WNV grown was obtained. The sequence of the amplified fragments (part of NS5 gene) obtained from of the two positive pools were identical and BLAST analysis showed a highest similarity with two isolates from the same outbreak in Emilia-Romagna one from magpie (Pica pica) (100% homology, FJ472945) and one from human (99% homology, FJ472946). For a more accurate molecular characterization of WNV the complete sequence of the viral genome was required and that was possible only with an appropriate amount of viral RNA. As the isolation of virus in PCR positive pooled mosquitoes failed the determination of the whole genome sequence of the virus was precluded. Nevertheless the partial sequences obtained supported the specificity WN-PCR detections and were sufficient to preliminarily classify "V strains as belonging to lineage I. Direct detection of WN from mosquito vector is a rare event and confirms the high viral activity in the survey area. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) per 1000 mosquitoes obtained by grouping weekly homogeneous samples together results 0.69 (CI 0.043.37) for the week of first positivity (22/09-28/09) and 1.82 (CI 0.11-8.82) for the week of the second one (29/09-04/10) . Cammi° G, Arrigoni° N, Agnelli° E, Capra D, Bellett i° GL Campylobacter jejuni nel latte di massa destinato alla vendita diretta: indagine in allevamento = Campylobacter jejuni in the bulk milk for direct sale: dairy herd investigation Buiatria. - Vol. 4 no 2 ( 2009). - p 11-16. - 21 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4348] Il lavoro descrive le indagini effettuate in un allevamento di 60 vacche in lattazione, in seguito all'isolamento di Campylobacter jejuni dal latte di massa, destinato alla vendita diretta tramite erogatore automatico. Il microrganismo è stato isolato dal latte di un quarto di una bovina in lattazione, colpita da un'infezione sub-acuta a carattere persistente. C. jejuni è stato messo in evidenza anche nel contenuto intestinale di 2/24 (8%) bovine ed in 1/4 campioni di lettiera. La separazione del latte della vacca infetta ha permesso di eliminare la presenza del microrganismo nel latte di massa, dimostrando che la fonte di contaminazione era l'escrezione diretta piuttosto che la contaminazione fecale. La mastite da C. jejuni, pur non essendo frequente nel bovino, deve essere considerata una possibile fonte di contaminazione diretta del latte crudo. Nel caso descritto, la terapia mirata ha determinato la remissione completa della sintomatologia, nonché la negatività batteriologica. We describe the investigation undertaken in a dairy herd composed of 60 lactating cows, where Campylobacter jejuni was isolated in bulk milk produced for direct sale using an automatic dispenser. The microorganism was isolated from one quarter of a cow with a chronie subacute mastitis. We also found C. jejuni in faeccs from 2 out of 24 (8%) cows and in 1 out of 4 straw bedding sample. When the milk of the infected cow was excluded from the collection, the contamination of the bulk milk ceased, showing that direct milk excretion was the source of the C. jejuni rather than faccal contamination during milking process. C. jejuni mastitis, although rare, must be considered as a possible source of milk contamination. In the described case, a specific therapy was able to determine both the clinical and bacteriological cure. Campitelli L, Spagnolo D, Facchini M, De_Marco MA, Delogu M, Foni° E, Chiapponi° C, Moreno° A, Terregino C, Capua I, Dona telli I Studio molecolare ed evolutivo di virus influenzali H1N1 di lineaggio euroasiatico, isolati in Italia (1995-2006) da uccelli acquatici selvatici e domestici, e confronto con virus dello stesso sottotipo circolanti in suini in Italia III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 25 [Nr. Estr. 4251] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. Nel periodo 1995-2006, nel corso di programmi di sorveglianza virologica in Italia centrale e del Nord, sono stati isolati ceppi di influenza aviaria di sottotipo H1N1 da uccelli acquatici selvatici e domestici. 13 di questi ceppi sono stati caratterizzati geneticamente, e confrontati con ceppi dello stesso sottotipo isolati da suini di allevamenti italiani. Obiettivi. a) definire le caratteristiche molecolari ed evolutive della popolazione di virus H1N1 aviari del lineaggio Eurasiatico; b) valutare le relazioni filogenetiche di questi ceppi con quelli di ceppi suini che circolano regolarmente negli allevamenti suini, e con virus umani; c) valutare le dinamiche di persistenza/variazione di virus aviari H1N1 nel serbatoio naturale in stagioni successive. Metodi. Tamponi cloacali sono stati raccolti da uccelli selvatici e domestici, inoculati in uova embrionate di pollo e i liquidi allantoidei positivi per influenza sono stati tipizzati sierologicamente. L'RNA di 13 isolati aviari H1N1 e di 7 ceppi suini è stato estratto, sottoposto a trascrizione inversa, PCR e sequenziamento. Le sequenze degli 8 segmenti di ciascun virus sono state utilizzate per l'analisi filogenetica. Risultati. L'analisi filogenetica del gene HA mostra che tutti i ceppi aviari italiani sono più simili ad alcuni ceppi del Giappone, formando due subclades minori, nettamente distinti dal lineaggio dei virus suini italiani. Quest'ultima evidenza si conferma anche nel resto del genoma. Inoltre, in ognuno dei geni interni, i virus si dividono in 3 o più clusters distinti e diversi tra loro. Conclusioni. Questo lavoro rappresenta la prima caratterizzazione estensiva di virus H1N1 aviari eurasiatici, importante anche perché permette di definire meglio i rapporti di derivazione del virus H1N1 umano di origine aviaria responsabile della pandemia del 1918. I dati dimostrano che l'HA dell'H1 aviaria forma un gruppo filogeneticamente molto ben 26 distinto sia dai ceppi aviari americani che dai ceppi suini e umani. Relativamente ai restanti geni, per effetto dello scambio di virus legato alle migrazioni degli uccelli selvatici, le costellazioni geniche di questi virus differiscono tra di loro sia da un anno all'altro, sia nello stesso anno. Infine, nessuna trasmissione interspecie sembra essersi verificata tra ceppi aviari e suini italiani. Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S Ricostruzione chirugica funzionale in scrofa colpita da morsicatura della vulva durante la lattazione = Surgical and functional surgery in a lactating sow affected by vulva biting Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 345-348. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4080] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) In un allevamento a ciclo chiuso di 300 scrofe, una scrofa granparentale di razza Large White in sala parto e stata colpita da cannibalismo della vulva da parte dei suinetti Le lesioni dovute al cannibalismo avevano determinato una alterazione anatomica che consisteva nella perdita della maggior parte delle labbra vulvari e successiva chiusura della rima vulvare risultante in un orifi zio pari a soli circa 2 mm. Il danno anatomico aveva conseguenze anche di tipo funzionale: la scrofa mostrava una alterazione del normale comportamento di minzione, con la comparsa di pollachiuria. Per ripristinare condizioni di benessere e consentire un parto naturale, la scrofa e stata sottoposta con successo ad un intervento chirurgico di ampliamento della rima vulvare. In a farrow to finish herd with 300 breeding sows, a granparent Large White sow had her vulva bitten by her piglets in the farrowing crate. The cannibalism induced anatomical changes consisting in a loss of most of the vulva's labias and a subsequent closure of the interglacial sulks resulting in a reduction of the opening to about only 3 mm. The anatomical changes had functional consequences resulting in: an abnormal urinating behaviour, consisting in pollakiuria In order to re-establish a welfare condition and to allow a natural farrowing, the animal underwent successfully a plastic surgery to enlarge the interlabial solcus. Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S Somministrazione di paglia mediante dispenser in suini a coda lunga e a coda corta : valutazione del cannibalismo della coda e delle orecchie = Straw administration bydispenser in long and tail docked pigs : evaluation of tail and ear biting Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 350-359. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4079] Meeting annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) In un sito due di suini commerciali e stata valutata l’influenza della paglia sull’insorgenza delle lesioni da morsicatura delle orecchie e della coda. Trecentotrentasei suini a cui era stata asportata la coda a due giorni di vita e 314 suini cui la coda era stata lasciata integra sono stati suddivisi in 4 sottogruppi: gruppo A con somministrazione di paglia (coda lunga), gruppo B senza somministrazione di paglia (coda lunga), gruppo C con somministrazione di paglia (coda corta), gruppo D senza somministrazione di paglia (coda corta). La paglia e stata somministrata dal giorno T0 (giorno di svezzamento: 28 giorni di vita) al giorno T47, mentre da T48 a T71 ai suini non e stata somministrata paglia. Le lesioni da morsicatura sono state osservate a T47 e T71. La somministrazione di paglia e stata in grado di ridurre l’insorgenza della morsicatura nel gruppo A rispetto al gruppo B (p<0.05) finche e stata somministrata. Dopo la rimozione della paglia la prevalenza di suini con lesioni di morsicatura alla coda a T71 non differiva significativamente tra il gruppo A e il B. Nei gruppi C e D non vi erano differenze significative nella prevalenza delle lesioni a T47, mentre a T71 era maggiore la prevalenza dei suini con lesioni nel gruppo D rispetto al gruppo C (p<0.05). Nei suini del gruppo D le lesioni all’apice delle orecchie erano signifiativamente piu elevate rispetto ai gruppi B e C sia a T47 che a T71 (p<0.05). The influence of straw on tail and ear biting in pigs was evaluated in a site 2 commercial farm. 336 pigs tail docked at 2 days of age and 314 pigs not taildocked were divided in 4 groups: group A (straw administered, long tail); group B (no straw, long tail); group C (straw administered, tail docked); group D (no straw, long tail). Straw was given between D0 (day of weaning: 28 days of life) and D47 but not between D48 and D71. Ear and tail lesions were recorded at day 47 and 71. Straw significantly reduced tail lesions in group A compared to group B (p<0.05) while it was administered. After the removal of the straw, the prevalence of tail lesions at T71 did not differ between group A and B. Groups C and D did not differ significantly at T47, while at T71 the prevalence of pigs with tail lesions was higher in group D compared to group C (p<0.05). Lesions at the apex of the ear were significantly higher in group D compared to group B and C both at D47 and D71 (p<0.05). Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S Malattie puerperali, perinatali e sindromi disgalattiche dela scrofa Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 143-170. - 73 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4103] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S Reconstruccion quirurgica funcional en una cerda mordida en la vulva durante la lactacion = Surgical and functional surgery in a lactating sow affected by vulva biting Suis. - Vol. 62 ( 2009). - p 40-43. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4312] Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S, Amadei A Edilizia & benessere animale Suinicoltore. - Vol. 16 suppl 1 ( 2009). - p 21-28 [Nr. Estr. 4211] Candotti° P, Rota_Nodari° S, Razzuoli° E, Dotti° S, A madori° M Verifica degli effetti flogistici dello svezzamento precoce nel suinetto e loro modulazione mediante somministrazione di interferon-alfa = Assessment of the inflammatory response to early weaning in piglets: impact of an oral interferon-alpha treatment Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 293-299. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4082] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Canelli° E, Barbieri° I, Moreno° A, Sozzi° E, Lelli° D, Guercio A, Cordioli° P Prevalenza del sottotipo BHV-1.1 tra i ceppi di BHV-1 isolati dal 2002 in Nord Italia III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 28 [Nr. Estr. 4253] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) L'Herpesvirus Bovino tipo 1 (BHV-1) è un DNA-virus che ha come ospite primario il bovino, nel quale è responsabile di patologie respiratorie e genitali e di forme meno frequenti, come cheratocongiuntiviti ed aborti. Il BHV-1 comprende due sottotipi: 1.1 (IBR-like), responsabile soprattutto della forma respiratoria; 1.2 (IPV/IPB-like), associato più frequentemente a quella genitale e ulteriormente suddiviso in 1.2a e b. Per valutare la prevalenza dei due sottotipi, sono stati analizzati cinquanta ceppi isolati dal 2002. Di questi, quarantatre provenivano da campioni del Nord Italia e sette dalla provincia di Palermo; quarantasette sono stati isolati dall'apparato respiratorio, uno da tamponi congiuntivali e due da tamponi vaginali. La tipizzazione è stata condotta utilizzando una reazione di Immunoperossidasi (IPMA) con due differenti pannelli di Anticorpi Monoclonali (MAbs), precedentemente prodotti e identificati come specifici per il solo tipo 1 del BHV. Il primo pannello (1C11;4G8) è risultato specifico per il sottotipo 1.1, mentre l'altro (1D6;2B10) è in grado di riconoscere entrambi i sottotipi. Tutti i ceppi analizzati in IPMA sono risultati BHV-1.1 (46/50), tranne quattro 1.2 (4/50), isolati da tre campioni respiratori e da un tampone genitale provenienti dalla provincia di Palermo. Contemporaneamente è stata eseguita la caratterizzazione genomica dei ceppi. Per la PCR sono stati utilizzati primer per le regioni genomiche codificanti per la gI e per la gD. Gli amplificati sono stati sequenziati e le sequenze ottenute confrontate con quelle di ceppi di referenza o disponibili in GenBank. In entrambe le analisi genomiche gli isolati si sono raggruppati principalmente con il ceppo Colorado, di referenza per il BHV-1.1, con alte percentuali di omologia (98,8-100%), mentre quattro si sono clusterizzati come 1.2, confermando i dati ottenuti in IPMA. Questi risultati indicano il BHV-1.1 come prevalente nel Nord Italia e sono in accordo con quelli di precedenti studi condotti nella stessa area geografica su ceppi isolati nel periodo 1980-2001 e con altre pubblicazioni che individuano il BHV-1.1 come preponderante dagli anni '80 in numerosi Paesi, con poche eccezioni, come Australia e Nuova Zelanda. Inoltre, l'analisi genetica rimarca l'alto grado di omologia per le glicoproteine analizzate tra i ceppi appartenenti allo stesso sottotipo. In conclusione, i risultati ottenuti, che indicano la prevalenza del BHV-1.1 e la presenza di ceppi BHV1.2 associati a patologia respiratoria, rafforzano l'ipotesi secondo la quale il sottotipo non sarebbe strettamente legato alla sintomatologia clinica, ma rifletterebbe l'epidemiologia virale. Dimostrano inoltre la specificità dei MAbs testati per i sottotipi del BHV-1 e potrebbero quindi costituire una base per identificare target più specifici e strumenti efficienti per la diagnosi delle malattie BHV-1associate. Canelli° E, Lavazza° A, Barbieri° I, Moreno° AM, Sozzi° E, Lelli° D, Cordioli° P Prevalence of subtypes 1.1 and 1.2 within BHV1 strains isolated since 2002 in Northern Italy: antigenic characterization and genetic analysis 3th ESVV Veterinary Herpesvirus Symposium, April 22-24, 2009 Greifswald - Insel Riems / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - 3961] ESVV Veterinary Herpesvirus Symposium (3th : Greifswald - Insel Riems : April 22-24, 2009) Bovine herpes virus type 1 (BHV-1) is wídespread and it causes respiratory and reproductive diseases? in cattle, but also other less frequent clinical signs. BHV-1 can be classified into two main subtypes: 1.1 is responsible for the respiratory disease and 1.2 that is mainly associated with genital infections and further divided into 1.2 a and b. During a seven years period, BHV-1 strains were mostly isolated from respiratory samples, out of the overall number of samples obtained from either genital or respiratory tracts of bovines from Northern Italy herds submitted to routine laboratory examination. Thereafter, 45 BHV-1 isolates were antigenically and genetically characterized and the prevalence of the two subtypes in the analyzed area was evatuated. BHV-1 strains isolated were typed by using an immunoperoxidase reaction (IP) based on two different panels of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), previously developed and identified as specific only for the BHV-1 type. The MAbs panel 1 (1C11; 4G8) is specific for the sole BHV-1.1 subtype, while the other panel (1D6; 2610; 2133) detects both subtypes. The IP showed that al[ analyzed strains were BHV-1.1. Genomic characterization of the strains was done by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The amplification reaction was made with a pair of primers targeting the gl encoding gene. PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with others from representative reference and field strains. Consequently, the Northern Italian isolates were grouped with the Colorado reference strain of BHV-1.1 and showed high percentages of homology (higher than 99.4%). The genetic data were in total agreement with the IP results and underlined that the BHV-1.1 subtype was prevalent in the analyzed area. These findings correlated well with the results of previous studies conducted in the same area on strains isolated in the 80-90s and in other countries (Ireland and UK), but they differed from those obtained in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover the genetic analysis remarked that the gl showed a high degree of DNA homology among BHV-1 strains and that there were no genomic variations in the gl region during the years. In conclusion, the obtained data could help in finding out more correct targets for the improvement of BHV-1 diagnosis and for the development of more specific vaccines that can be efficiently applied in controt programs. Canelli° E, Luppi° A, Barbieri° I, Sozzi° E, Lelli° D , Cordioli° P Phylogenetic characterization of bovine viral diarrohea virus (BVDV) strains isolated in Northern Italy during the last decade 14th International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians : 18-20 June Madrid : Abstract / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - p 121. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4176] International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (14 : Madrid : 18-20 June) Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is the causative agent of bovine viral diarrhoea-mucosa) disease (BVDMD) and fit is responsible for considerable economic losses in cattle industry all over the world. On a genetic basis, two different genotypes, BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, are distinguished. Genetic typing of BVDVs is usually based on the genetic diversity of the 5'UTR, NprO and E2 genomic regions. So far, 15 distinct subgroups within BVDV-1, and 2 within BVDV-2 have been detected [2,3]. Here the results of the genetic analysis are reported, based on the partial amplification of the 5'UTR and NprO regions, performed to characterize the BVDV strains isolated in Northern Italy between 1999 and 2008. Genetic relationships of these strains and eventual temporal) and geographical distributions of the prevailing subtypes were also assessed. Material & Methods 128 samples collected during the 1999-2008 period from different cattle farms located in Northern Italy were submitted to the laboratory for routinely virological analysis and tested BVDV positive. Total RNA was extracted directly from the original samples; retro transcription and amplification reactions were performed in a one-step PCR system. The primer pairs used were BE–B2 [1;5] and B32-B31 [7] for the 5'UTR and NprO analysis, respectively. The Npr° analysis was carried out on fifty of the strains in order to confirm the assessment based on the 5'UTR analysis. Following amplification, PCR products of the expected size were purified and sequenced in an automated sequencer using the sure PCR primers. The sequences obtained were aligned with those of representative strains present in GenBank and phylogenetically analyzed. Results Out of the 128 samples analysed 124 were typed as BVDV-1 and 4 as BVDV-2.On the basis of sequence analysis of the 5'UTR region, eight BVDV-1 subtypes and two BVDV-2 subtypes were detected. Within BVDV-1, the overall branching pattern showed that the Northern Italy strains principally clustered into subgroups 1 e (36 strains) and 1 b (51 strains). strains of the BVDV-1 b subgroup formed and ho mogeneous group with an homology value with a median of 97%, while in the BVDV-1 e cluster, at least two divergent groups (homology lower than 92%)were identified. Other strains grouped as BVDV-1 a, d, f, h, g and k (6, 9, 7, 6, 2 and 2 strains respectively). The two strains belonging to BVDV-1 k were compared with strains identified from Switzerland demonstrating an identity of roughly 95%. Following the 5'UTR region analysis, a small group of 5 strains was genetically lowly correlated to all the other subgroups within BVDV-1, but the NprO analysis demonstrated that one belonged to 1 g subgroup, and the others four formed a distinct cluster close to subgroup f. The sequence analysis of the NpfO region of the remaining strains confirmed the results obtained analysing the 5'UTR region. BVDV-2 strains were a II typed as belonging to subgroup b, except for one that fell within subgroup a. Overall, from a first analysis, no interesting correlation was observed regarding the geographical origin of the samples or the year of isolation and their phylogenetic clustering. Discussion &Conclusione Northern Italy, and particularly the Lombardia and Emilia Romagna regions, are highly representative of the Italian situation, with about 37% of all national cattle population heritage. This study confirms the high heterogeneity level of BVDV strains circulating in Italy. Almost all of the strains (1241128, 96,9%) were assigned to the BVDV-1 genotype (8 subgroups), while only four (41128, 3,1 %) to BVDV-2 genotype (2 subgroups). BVDV-1 strains mostly belonged to two main subgroups (1b and 1e}. The high prevalent for BVDV-1 b subgroup is similar to that reported in other European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and fortifies the hypothesis that this subgroup has an European origin. It was showed that group 1 e could be further divided into at least two clusters, confirming the high variability within this subgroup, already described for Spanish [6] and German strains [4]. We also detected two strains belonging to the subgroup 1 k, until I now described only in Switzerland [5], but no evident epidemiological correlation with those strains has been found. A single group was found to be divergent from all others, and from Npr° analysis f it was considered as forming a separate cluster within subgroup 1 f. Regarding BVDV 2, the low number of isolates agrees with data from other Europeans countries, thus confirming that this genotype has a low importance at least in Europe. The high genetic heterogeneity of BVDVs circulating in Italy is probably linked to the importation of large numbers of potentially infected cattle from other European countries, in association with the Jack of systematic disease control measures. Therefore, phylogenetic studies on circulating strains may contribute to a deeper understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of BVDV infections, and may represent the first step for the development of efficient diagnosis and control strategies. Canelli° E, Luppi° A, Lavazza° A, Sandri C, Magnone W, Pascotto E, Gelmetti° D, Cordioli° P Description of an encefalomiocarditis virus outbreak in an Italian zoo: pathological presentation and diagnostic course 14th International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians : 18-20 June Madrid : Abstract / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - p 223. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4177] International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (14 : Madrid : 18-20 June) Encephalomiocarditis virus (EMCV) is a Cardiovirus belonging to the Picornaviridae family and is worldwide recognized as a pathogen mainly in pigs, but also in non-human primates and in a variety of other wild and domestic animals. Several fatal outbreaks of EMCV involving different species were described in zoos in Australia and USA [1:6]. Rodents are probably the natural host and reservoir of the virus, and may spread the infection to susceptible animals by contaminating feed or water. This work describes the development, lesions and diagnostic course of an outbreak of EMC affecting primates of an Italian zoo. Material ~ Methods The Natura Viva zoo in Bussolengo (Verona, Italy) houses various primates, and hosts the most relevant captive lemur population in Italy. From October 2006 to March 2007, a third of the entire lemur population - a Black lemur (Eulemur macaco macaco), three ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur Gatta), nine red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegate rubra), two white-fronted lemurs (Eulemur albifrons), two Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) and two common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) -lied without showing any apparent clinical sign. The epidemiological investigation revealed nothing significant, but an increased number of rats inside the zoo and deratization procedures in progress. Post mortem examination was performed and selected internal organs (including lung, heart, small and gross intestine, kidneys, liver, brain and spleen) were sampled for diagnostic investigation. For histopathology, portion of the different organs were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin and 5 pm-thick sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a biotin-streptavidin method employing the 3E5 EMCV monoclonal antibody (mAb) produced by IZSLER. Parasitologicalanti bacteriological exams were performed using standard methods. Toxicological examination was focused to detect rodenticidals. For virological analysis, the different organs were homogenised in MEM-A, clarified and inoculated on VERO and BHK21 cells. Some rats were also captured and sampled for virological examination. Results In all cases the clinical presentation was sudden death without any evident symptoms or external lesions. At necropsy, the main lesions were in the cardiorespiratory system: cardiomegaly and grey-white necrotic foci of the myocardium, accumulation of excessive fluid in the body cavities (hydrothorax and ascite ), hydropericardium and severe pulmonary oedema. Histologically, hydropic degeneration with focal areas of necrosis and different degrees of lymphocytes and neutrofilic granulocytes interstitial infiltrations were observed in the myocardium. Degenerated myocardial fibres were hypertrophic, with eosinophilic and amorphous cytoplasm and elongated nuclei showing with clumped chromatin or pyknosis. Examination of the small and gross intestine, kidneys, liver and spleen ditty not show any specific changes. Using immunohistochemistry, EMCV immunopositive myocardiocites were observed in all cases; distribution and intensity of the staining were in accordance with the severity of the histological lesions. All the other organs tested negative. No significant bacteria or parasite were identified from any of the animals and toxicological investigations were all negative; but viral cytopathic effect was detected at 24-72h post-inoculation of pathological tissues on both VERO and BHK21 cells. The isolated virus was identified as EMCV by using both a mAb-based sandwich ELISA and immunoelectronmicroscopy. All sampled rats resulted negative at viral isolation. Discussion & Conclusions This report describes an outbreak of ECMV occurring in zoo's captive primates in Italy and confirms the risk that this virus poses for such animals and their high susceptibility to the infection [1;2;4;5;7]. Thus, in our opinion EMCV should always be included in differential diagnosis when sudden death of primates without any evident symptoms occurs, in particular when myocarditis with myocardial degeneration is reported. Even if ECMV was not isolated from captured rats, rodents should be considered an important risk factor for EMCV infection and their potential role in spreading the virus calls for a regular and adequate application of rodent control programs in zoos. In this case, a rodent control plan was strengthened involving all food storage sites and food preparation areas. Unfortunately, to avoid dangerous stress to the animals it was not possible to verify their serological status. Further investigations will be necessary to asses if, as it has been previously suggested [6], immunity may not be protective against later exposure to this virus. Finally, considering the zoonotic nature of ECMV, these finding are nevertheless of public concern. Canelli° E, Tittarelli° C, Barbieri° I, Cerutti G, Pennelli° D, Lavazza° A Identificazione e caratterizzazione genetica di astrovirus aviari XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 29 -30. - 6 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4115] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Astroviruses are non-enveloped SRVs. In this study we analyzed 318 samples of intestinal content conferred to the laboratory since 2008. The samples were analyzed firstly by negative staining electron microscopy (nsEM) and 68 samples were found positive for entero-like or astro-like viruses. All these samples were analyzed with RT-PCR, searching for astrovirus RNA, and, if positive, sequenced and genetically analyzed. Primers used for PCR and sequencing target ORF1b. The obtained data demonstrate that this gene presents a certain genetic variability, even among astroviruses of the same species. Carra° E, Taddei R, Barbieri° I, Botti° G, Tranqui llo° V, Iori° A, Gibelli° L, Cerioli° M, Cavadini° P, Gelmetti° D, Pongolini° S, Capucci° L Evaluation of three rapid diagnostic tests used in bovine spongiform encephalopathy monitoring in Italy J Vet Diagn Investig. - Vol. 21 no 6 ( 2009). - p 830-836. - 16 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4129] In 2001, a compulsory active surveillance system was started in the European Union to assess the prevalence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the cattle population. The aim of the current study was to report on the field performances of 3 rapid tests: a Western blot (WB), a chemiluminescence enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and an immunochromatographic assay, routinely used at 3 laboratories of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Lombardia and Emilia Romagna, over 8 years of BSE monitoring activity. A total of 2,802,866 samples from slaughtered animals and 202,453 samples from fallen stock were tested by 1 of 3 tests. Positive results of the rapid tests were confirmed by histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry, and confirmatory WB. The field performances (i.e., initial reactive and false-positive rates) and practical aspects regarding resources and applicability of the tests to high-throughput routine testing laboratories were evaluated. The 3 tests proved to be reliable tools when applied to slaughtered samples, showing no or very low false-positive rates (<1 per 100,000 negative samples tested) and low retesting frequencies (0.02–0.26%). When samples from fallen stock were analyzed, performances of the immunochromatographic assay, and especially the chemiluminescence ELISA, were negatively affected, resulting in higher false-positive and retesting rates. On the other hand, both tests are less expensive, much easier to use, provide more rapid results, and adapt well to application in routine laboratories as compared with WB. In the authors' experience, the immunochromatographic assay was a good compromise between performance and convenience. Carra° E, Taddei° R, Barbieri° I, Botti° G, Tranqui llo° V, Iori A, Gibelli L, Cerioli° M, Cavadini° P, Gelmetti° D, Pongolini° S, Capucci° L Valutazione di tre-test rapidi impiegati nella sorveglianza attiva dell'encefalopatia spongiforme bovina su tre milioni d'animali III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 30 [Nr. Estr. 4258] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. L'Encefalopatia Spongiforme Bovina (BSE) appartiene alla categoria delle malattie da prioni ed è causa di degenerazione neurologica a decorso fatale nei bovini domestici. A partire dal 2001 in Italia come nel resto dell'Unione Europea (UE) è stato avviato un Sistema di Sorveglianza Attiva della BSE basato sull'impiego di test rapidi al fine di stimare la prevalenza della malattia nella popolazione bovina adulta. Nel corso di 8 anni di monitoraggio nei tre laboratori dell'Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia-Romagna sono stati impiegati tre test rapidi validati ed autorizzati dalla UE. Obiettivi. Analizzare e valutare: 1) le performance di laboratorio (frequenza di campioni da ripetere e proporzione di campioni falsi positivi); 2) i principali aspetti pratici (risorse impiegate e adattabilità alla routine) dei tre test rapidi utilizzati. Metodi. Dal 2001 al 2008, 2.802.866 campioni provenienti da bovini macellati e 202.453 campioni provenienti da bovini morti sono stati sottoposti ad analisi con uno dei tre test: Check Western (WB), Check LIA (ELISA) e Check PrioSTRIP (ICA) della ditta Prionics AG, basati su differenti metodiche rispettivamente: Western Blot, ELISA in chemiluminescenza e immunocromatografia. I campioni risultati positivi ai test rapidi venivano inviati al Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le TSE per la conferma diagnostica mediante le metodiche ufficiali. Risultati. Nell'analisi dei campioni provenienti da animali macellati la proporzione di falsi positivi risultava nulla per il WB e l'ICA, mentre era inferiore a 1 caso su 100.000 campioni negativi per l'ELISA. La frequenza di campioni da sottoporre a ripetizione variava da 0,02% a 0,26% rispettivamente per l'ICA e l'ELISA. Nell'analisi dei campioni provenienti da animali morti con il WB nessun caso di falsa positività era emerso, mentre l'ELISA e l'ICA mostravano 84,30 e 8,48 casi su 100.000 campioni negativi. Inoltre l'ELISA mostrava la maggior frequenza di campioni da ripetere e l'ICA la minore. Dal punto di vista pratico sia il test ELISA che, soprattutto l'ICA, rispetto al WB, hanno richiesto un minor impegno di risorse, sono risultati più facili nell'impiego consentendo l'emissione dei risultati in tempi minori e rivelandosi facilmente adattabili all'utilizzo nella routine di laboratorio. Conclusioni. Dai nostri risultati è emerso che la qualità del campione è un fattore che può influenzare notevolmente le performance dei test rapidi. Nell'esperienza dell'IZSLER, il test immunocromatografico (ICA) ha mostrato di essere il giusto compromesso tra buone prestazioni di laboratorio e convenienza economica e di tempo. Catalani E, Amadori° M, Vitali A, Bernabucci U, Nard one A, Lacetera N Heat shock proteins 72, immunological and metabolic parameters in peri-parturient dairy cows 3rd European Veterinary Immunology Workshop (EVIW) : 10th - 13th September 2009, Berlin, Germany : Programme & book of abstract / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 1 p. [Nr. Estr. 4165] European Veterinary Immunology Workshop (3th : Berlin, Germany : 10th - 13th September 2009) The present study was aimed at assessing whether the peri-parturient period is associated with changes of intracellular (IC) or plasma inducible heat shock proteins (Hsp) 72 kQa, and to establish the relationships between Hsp72, immunological and metabolic parameters in high yielding dairy cows. The study was carried out in a commercial dairy unit on 3S Hoistein cows. Three, two and one week before the expected calving date, and one, two, three, four and five weeks alter calving, the body condition score (BCS) of cows was established, and individual blood samples were taken to measure peripheral blood mononuclear ceil (PBMC) concentrations of Hsp72, proliferation of PBMC stimulated with Iipopoiysaccharide (LPS), and plasma concentrations of Hsp72, glucose and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). After calving, the IC and plasma concentrations of Hsp72, and plasma NEFA increased significantly, whereas significantly overvalues were detected for BCS, plasma glucose and proliferative response of PBMC to IPS. Furthermore, several significant correlations were found among thee parameters. The time-course of IC and plasma Hsp72 during the peri-parturient period has not been described before either in dairy cows or in other species. Conversely, immunological and metabolic changes recorded in this study are in line with previous findings referred to peri-parturient dairy cows. Further studies are needed to ascertain possible cause and effect relationships between changes of Hsp72, immune and metabolic parameters, in dairy cows around calving.. Cerioli° M, Lavazza° A Controllo delle condizioni ambientali, delle matrici alimentari e dell'acqua di bevanda Atti delle Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC 2009 : Forlì 2-3 Aprile 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 133-134 [Nr. Estr. 4414] Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC : Forlì : 2-3 Aprile 2009) Cerioli° M, Nassuato° C, Archetti° IL, Tittarelli° C, Brivio R, Lavazza° A Encefalozoonosi del coniglio in allevamenti della Lombardia: prevalenza sierologica e parametri di clinica clinica Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 4 ( 2009). - p 10-14 [Nr. Estr. 4197] Cesari V, Toschi I, Grilli G, Ferrazzi V, Pisoni A, Cerioli° M, Lavazza° A, Brivio R Management e benessere dell'allevamento cunicolo Managment e benessere dell'allevamento cunicolo : quaderni della ricerca n. 101 Luglio 2009 / [Milano : Regione Lombardia, 2009]. - (Quaderni della ricerca ; 101) p 1-80 [Nr. Estr. 4333] Chiapponi° C, Zanni° I°, Garbarino° C°, Barigazzi° G, Foni° E Utilizzo della linea cellulare CACO-2 nell'isolamento del virus dell'influenza suina: confronto con metodiche standard = Evaluation of the CACO-2 cell line for isolation of swine influenza virus compared to standard methods XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 112-113. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4106] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) During a swine influenza virus (SIV) monitoring programme, 111 samples were submitted to virus isolation using embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), MDCK cells and CACO-2 cells and 67 SIVs were isolated. The use of CACO-2 cells was able to isolate 100% of H1N1 and H1N2 subtypes, while the isolation rate for H3N2 was 52%. ECE showed to be able to isolate H1N1 in 41%, H1N2 in 9% and H3N2 in 100% of the cases. MDCK cells permitted SIV isolation in 52% of H1N1, 6% of H1N2 and 42% of H3N2. Chiapponi° C, Zanni° I, Garbarino° C, Barigazzi° G, F oni° E Evaluation of the CACO-2 cell line for isolation of swine influenza virus compared to standard methods 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 186 - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4169] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) During a swine influenza virus (SIV) monitoring programme, 104 samples were submitted to virus isolation using embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), MDCK cells and CACO-2 cells and 60 SIVs were isolated. The use of CACO-2 cells was able to isolate 100% of H1N1 and H1N2 subtypes, while the isolation rate for H3N2 was 50%. ECE showed to be able to isolate H1N1 in 44%, H1N2 in 11% and H3N2 in 100% of the cases. MDCK cells permitted SIV isolation in 56% of H1N1, 3.5% of H1N2 and 38% of H3N2. Chiari° M, Lanfranchi P, Zanoni°M, Alborali° L, Salo gni°C, Tittarelli° C, Tagliabue° S, Fabbi° M, Lavazza° A Applicazione di un piano di monitoraggio sanitario della Lepre Europea (Lepus europeaus) in provincia di Brescia Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 3 ( 2009). - p 9-12. [Nr. Estr. 4062] Chiari° M, Lanfranchi° P, Zanoni° MG. Alborali° L, S alogni° C, Tittarelli° C, Tagliabue° S, Fabbi° M, Lavazza° A Application of a surveillance program in Wild European Brown Hares (Lepus europeaus) in Brescia province, North Italy VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : Atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 137 [Nr. Estr. 4263] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6 : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) European brown bare (Lepus europeaus) is a game animal that undergoes to specific hunting management and restocking programs. The progressive decreasing in Europe of bare densities and the occurrence of epidemic diseases (e.g. European Brown Hare Syndrome caused by a calicivirus) impose the application of surveillance programs. This study focuses on the epidemiology of EBHS and other bacterial and viral diseases in selected populations of free-living brown hares in Brescia, a province of North Italy. Either serological (antibodies against EBHS, Brucella sp, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira interrogans) as well as post mortem examination and bacteriological, virological and parasitological analysis were carried out depending on the state (alive, shot or found dead) and origin (free hunting or restocking areas) of animals. Chiari° M, Zanoni° MG, Alborali° L, Salogni° C, Tit tarelli C, Tagliabue° S, Fabbi° M, Capucci° L, Lavazza° A Application of a surveillance Program in Wild European Brown Hares (Lepus europeaus) in Brescia province, North Italy Atti del III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 14 [Nr. Estr. 4262] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF (3 : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) European brown hare is a game animal that undergoes to specific hunting management and restocking programs. The progressive declining of the stability of hares’ populations in Europe has been associated, among the other causes, to the occurrence of European Brown Hare Syndrome (EBHS). In mid ’90, the serological checking of hares captured in closed zones (named ZRC), used for restocking of free-hunting areas, represented the first application of a sanitary program. On hunting season 2006-07, a more completed sanitary surveillance was adopted in Brescia Province. In addition to the control of hares captured in ZRC, both the causes of death in free-living dead hares were determined and the internal organs of hares shot during hunting were gathered and examined. Post-mortem examination and bacteriological, virological and parasitological analysis as well as serological tests for EBHS, Brucella sp, Francisella tularensis, Leptospira interrogans antibodies were carried out. Two types of serum sampling were used i.e. blood on paper from open wound (shot hares) and liquid in the heart cavities (dead hares). In addition to the 252 sera taken in 7 different ZRC and the hares (31 carcasses and 150 shot) examined during 3 hunting season, 464 sera taken from hares captured in ZRC during non-consecutive hunting seasons were examined. Laboratory results indicate that EBHS is endemic in Brescia province and it is sporadically but constantly detected (diagnosed in 5 dead and 1 shot hares). A high seroprevalence with low level of mortality was found especially in high density areas. Other diseases including zoonosis (brucellosis and tularemia) were never detected, but Toxoplasma gondi was sporadically identified. The most common observed diseases were pseudotubercolosis, pasteurellosis and parasitic infestations (coccidiosis, verminosis). The results of this study firstly suggest that the deterministic model explaining the natural diffusion of EBHS could fit in the study areas: where densities were higher, the virus could circulate stimulating hares immunity. Then, it should be pointed that the application of surveillance programs is useful to ascertain the health status of hares and represents an important part of that integrated hunting management based on the use of animals produced on site within closed controlled zones for the restocking of hunting areas.. Chiari° M, Zanoni° MG, D’Incau° M, Salogni° C, Albo rali° B Isolation of Salmonella spp. in wild boars (sus scrofa) from Northern Italy III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 : atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - 4408] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna (3. : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) The health status of wildlife is a common concern of different stakeholders: the veterinary and public services for the increasing number of infectious diseases and zoonosis, shared between wildlife and domestic animals; the public administrators for management reasons; and the hunters for a direct interest in hunter-harvesting. Since 1997 a health monitoring on wildlife in Brescia Province has been applied with the informal cooperation of the hunters’ associations. Starting on hunting season 2006-07, an agreement with the common aim to a better understanding of health and disease in free-ranging wildlife was officially established between the veterinary services, the public administrators and the hunter associations. The faeces and viscera collected by the hunters during three hunting seasons (starting on 2006-07) were delivered to the Brescia laboratory for a full set of diagnostic examinations. In particular, Salmonella was isolated by faeces following the methods reported in “Annex D ISO 6579:2002”, mandatory in the implementation of Salmonella monitoring and control plan for primary productions. This method was applied in parallel with home-made isolation procedure based on an enrichment phase (Rappaport-Vassiliadis Broth) and plating (Hecktoen enteric agar). Salmonella identification was performed using biochemical tests and serotyping. Isolated strains of S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis were also phagetyped. From 1228 investigated samples, 292 strains of salmonella were isolated. The results revealed a significant prevalence of isolations of serotypes pathogenic to humans as well as serotypes not considered pathogenic. Figures on serotypes isolated from wild boars do not reflect prevalence data on the isolates in domestic species in our territory. The most frequently detected salmonella were serotypes Coeln, Ball and Thyphimurium of S. enterica ssp. enterica. Other isolates, less frequently detected, belong to S. enterica ssp. diarizonae and S. enterica ssp. houtenae, which are usually found only in cold-blooded animals. Over 50% of S. thyphimurium isolates were phagotyped as DT104. Salmonella typhimurium, a potential risk to human health, is sporadically but constantly detected in wild boar population. This aspect, in conjunction with the large size of population of wild boars in Brescia province and the increasing numbers of hunters specialized on this species, make the veterinary inspection and laboratory control of hunted wild boars an absolute need in the future hunting seasons. Circella E, Pennelli° D, Tagliabue° S, Ceruti R., Gi ovanardi D, Camarda A Geni di virulenza in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli nel tacchino = Virulence-associated genes in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli of turkey Atti della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare 2009 : XLVIII convegno annuale 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 57-62. - 7 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4157] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) In questa ricerca, 50 stipiti di E. coli isolati da tacchini affetti da colibacillosi (APEC) e 15 E. coli provenienti dal contenuto intestinale di soggetti sani (AFEC) sono stati caratterizzati e sottoposti alla ricerca di 8 differenti geni di virulenza. Gli stipiti APEC sono inoltre stati sierotipizzati al fine di evidenziare i sierotipi piu frequentemente associati alla malattia. Tra questi, O78 e risultato il sierotipo di gran lunga prevalente. I geni di patogenicita ricercati sono risultati fortemente associati agli stipiti patogeni rispetto a E. coli di origine fecale. Considerando il sierotipo di appartenenza, la totalita di O78 testati presentava i geni legati ai sistemi di acquisizione del ferro ed una elevata percentuale risultava tsh e cva/cvi positiva, confermando il potenziale ruolo di tali geni nella patogenicita di tali sierotipi. Il riscontro tuttavia di uno stipite non tipizzabile sierologicamente e munito di tutti gli 8 geni di virulenza ricercati pone l’attenzione sull’importanza di eff ettuare una completa e accurata caratterizzazione dell’isolato per poterne valutare l’effettivo potenziale patogeno. 50 Escherichia coli (APEC-Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli) strains and 15 E. coli (AFEC-Avian Faecal Escherichia coli) from turkeys aff ected by colibacillosis and from healthy turkeys were tested for the presence of eight diff erent virulence-associated genes. Besides, APEC were serotyped. O78 has been the most detected serotyped. The presence of the tested virulence genes was prevalently related to the APEC isolates. With reference to serogroup, all the tested O78 resulted iss and irp2 positive. Besides, tsh e cva/cvi were respectively present in 88.9 and 83.3 % of O78. Nevertheless, the fi nding of a not typeable strains equipped with all the eight tested virulence genes among the APEC isolates suggest the importance of a careful and complete characterisation of the isolate to evaluate the real potential pathogenic attitude of the bacterium. Circella E, Pennelli D, Tagliabue° S, Ceruti R, Giova nardi D, Camarda A Geni di virulenza in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli nel tacchino = Virulence - associated genes in Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli of turkey Ital J Anim Sci. - Vol. 8 no 4 ( 2009). - p 775-779. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4384] In questa ricerca, 50 stipiti di E. coli isolati da tacchini affetti da colibacillosi (APEC) e 15 E. coli provenienti dal contenuto intestinale di soggetti sani (AFEC) sono stati caratterizzati e sottoposti alla ricerca di 8 differenti geni di virulenza. Gli stipiti APEC sono inoltre stati sierotipizzati al fine di evidenziare i sierotipi più frequentemente associati alla malattia. Tra questi, O78 è risultato il sierotipo di gran lunga prevalente. I geni di patogenicità ricercati sono risultati fortemente associati agli stipiti patogeni rispetto a E. coli di origine fecale. Considerando il sierotipo di appartenenza, la totalità di O78 testati presentava i geni legati ai sistemi di acquisizione del ferro ed una elevata percentuale risultava tsh e cva/cvi positiva, confermando il potenziale ruolo di tali geni nella patogenicità di tali sierotipi. Il riscontro tuttavia di uno stipite non tipizzabile sierologicamente e munito di tutti gli 8 geni di virulenza ricercati pone l’attenzione sull’importanza di effettuare una completa e accurata caratterizzazione dell’isolato per poterne valutare l’effettivo potenziale patogeno. 50 Escherichia coli (APEC-Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli) strains and 15 E. coli (AFEC-Avian Faecal Escherichia coli) from turkeys affected by colibacillosis and from healthy turkeys were tested for the presence of eight different virulence-associated genes. Besides, APEC were serotyped. O78 has been the most detected serotyped. The presence of the tested virulence genes was prevalently related to the APEC isolates. With reference to serogroup, all the tested O78 resulted iss and irp2 positive. Besides, the e cva/cvi were respectively present in 88.9 and 83.3% of O78. Nevertheless, the finding of a not type able strains equipped with all the eight tested virulence genes among the APEC isolates suggest the importance of a careful and complete characterisation of the isolate to evaluate the real potential pathogenic attitude of the bacterium. Cordioli° P, Lavazza° A Approccio di laboratorio alla diagnosi virale III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 3 [Nr. Estr. 4252] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) L'approccio metodologico in diagnostica virologica riconosce sostanzialmente due opzioni; infatti, fermo restando la necessità di conoscere l'anamnesi e i dati clinici-epidemiologici ed anatomopatologici di un focolaio di malattia, in funzione della tipologia di campionamento eseguito si può: 1) attuare una dimostrazione diretta del virus, dell'antigene virale e/o del suo genoma; 2) ricercare gli anticorpi specifici verso un determinato antigene virale. 1.1. Dimostrazione diretta del virus. I virus possono essere evidenziati in modo diretto: a) senza ricorrere alla coltura dell'antigene; b) mediante rivelazione dell'attività patogena con coltura dell'antigene in vitro (colture cellulari o uova embrionate) o in vivo (riproduzione su specie sensibile). Tra i metodi di evidenziazione diretta di un virus vi sono quelli basati sul riconoscimento delle caratteristiche morfologiche (es. microscopia elettronica), quelli che si basano sulle caratteristiche antigeniche delle particelle virali (es. metodi immunoenzimatici come l'ELISA, l'immunofluorescenza, l'immunoperossidasi, l'immunodiffusione, ed altri basati sulle proprietà biologiche dei virus come la fissazione del complemento e l'emoagglutinazione) ed infine quelli che identificano le caratteristiche del genoma (es. PCR). 1.1.1. La Microscopia Elettronica. A partire dagli anni '60-'70 la Microscopia Elettronica ha contribuito a caratterizzare come nuovi virus un elevato numero d'isolati cresciuti in vitro (colture cellulari e uova embrionate). Da allora in poi la microscopia elettronica e soprattutto le tecniche di colorazione negativa sono state largamente utilizzate a scopo diagnostico, anche se non in indagini di screening su elevati numeri di campioni, per le quali meglio si adattano altri metodi diagnostici. Le tecniche di ME in colorazione negativa sono di facile e rapida esecuzione dando la possibilità di ottenere indicazioni diagnostiche anche quando manca un sospetto e pertanto si ritiene che non potranno mai essere sostituite completamente da altre tecniche ad ampio spettro quali ad esempio la multiplex PCR. L'osservazione non condizionata "open view - a largo spettro" del ME permette di identificare qualsiasi agente in un campione diagnostico, compresi quelli inizialmente non sospettati dal clinico. Questo vantaggio rende il ME un sistema diagnostico di tipo catch-all, in grado di svelare anche ciò che non è inizialmente ipotizzato. L'altro vantaggio della ME diagnostica è che si tratta di una tecnica rapida e diretta, che è indipendente dall'uso di reagenti antigene-specifici. Oltre alla rapidità d'esecuzione, la ME permette di evidenziare virus che non possono essere isolati per impossibilità ad adattarli a sistemi in vitro, o identificati tramite altri metodi diagnostici per carenza di reagenti diagnostici; è, inoltre, in grado di svelare infezioni miste ed evidenziare particelle che non sono in grado di replicare in quanto si sono gia formati degli immunocomplessi. 1.1.2. Metodi immunoenzimatici. Come ricordato in precedenza, l'Enzime Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) è una tecnica immunoenzimatica di evidenziazione diretta 4 di virus, al pari di altri metodi quali Immunofluorescenza, Immuno-perossidasi, Immunodiffusione, che sfruttano le proprietà antigeniche dei virus. Sono tecniche basate sulla rivelazione antigene-anticorpo mediante l'uso di anticorpi coniugati con fluorocromi o enzimi. La differenza tra loro risiede principalmente nella facilità di esecuzione, e nella capacità di processare numerosi campioni simultaneamente. Sono metodi facili, poco costosi, che possono essere usati anche in campo. La sensibilità dei kit immunodiagnostici è relativamente bassa: sono necessarie 104/105 DIE50 di virus per avere un risultato positivo. La specificità è generalmente buona. 1.1.3. Rilevazione del genoma virale. Il test della Polimerase Chain Reaction è stato descritto in tempi relativamente recenti nel 1987/1988 ed in brevissimo tempo, con diverse varianti, è divenuto il metodo più utilizzato nei vari laboratori di diagnosi virologica sia in campo umano che veterinario. Il classico test PCR convenzionale basato sulla evidenziazione del prodotto dell'amplificazione in gel di agar attraverso elettroforesi è stato sostituito da PCR Real-Time nelle sue molteplici varianti: Taq-Man, molecular beacon, Dye-labelled Oligonucleotide Ligation (DOL), Primer-Probe Energy Transfer System (PriProET). Attraverso questi metodi e a seconda delle porzioni di genoma che vengono amplificate si possono evidenziare famiglie virali, specie e/o varianti. 1.2. Evidenziazione del virus mediante isolamento su colture cellulari o uova embrionate. L'isolamento virale può essere fatto su uova embrionate inoculate per varie vie (sacco vitellino, membrana amniotica, allantoidea o corion-allantoidea), oppure su colture cellulari primarie o linee continue. Se da un lato tali metodi permettono di isolare agenti presenti a basso titolo e quindi di poter disporre di elevate quantità di antigene per successive applicazioni (es. produzione di reagenti, caratterizzazione antigenica e molecolare ecc.) dall'altro si rivelano spesso di non facile esecuzione, per le difficoltà di crescita o assoluta impossibilità di crescita in vitro degli agenti virali, oltre che dispendiosi in termini di tempo di esecuzione e costi vivi connessi. 2. Dimostrazione indiretta di virus: test sierologici. In questo caso si tratta principalmente dell'esecuzione di esami sierologici che mirano ad evidenziare gli anticorpi indotti dall'eventuale agente di infezione/malattia e le finalità sono pertanto la verifica della sieroprevalenza in una popolazione e/o la definizione di caratteri epidemiologici (es. vettore, serbatoio). Le prove sierologiche permettono di evidenziare nel siero di sangue la presenza di anticorpi specifici nei confronti dei diversi virus, ovvero di provare indirettamente l'avvenuto contatto dell'ospite con un determinato agente virale. Le metodiche sierologiche classiche di Agar-Gel-Immunodiffusione (AGID) e inibizione dell'Emoagglutinazione (HI) sono state sostituite da metodiche più rapide e standardizzabili quali l'ELISA. 3. Considerazioni e Conclusioni. In relazione alla scelta e prelievo dei campioni, va rilevato che il prelievo andrebbe sempre eseguito ad inizio sintomatologia in quanto in tale fase la concentrazione virale negli organi, secreti ed escreti è massima e vi è scarsa presenza di anticorpi sia locali che circolanti. Il campione deve essere corredato da notizie anamnestiche, conferito al laboratorio nel più breve tempo possibile o conservato correttamente. Costarelli S, Bissini C, Faccenda L, Grazioli S°, Mariott i C, Marchi S, Scoccia E, Sensi M, Maresca C Malattia vescicolare del suino: epidemia in Umbria e Marche 2008-2009 XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p122-123. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4105] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Over the past 15 years, in Umbria and Marche Region (Centre of Italy), swine herds registered a progressive reduction in terms of numbers and, especially in Umbria, a consistent variation of production typologies. Many breeding herds were converted into weaning, or fattening units; others were organized as “multisite” accomodations. This led to a significant improvement of their health status but, on the other hand, to an increase of critical animals handling. In October 2008, many Swine Vesicular Disease outbreaks interested both regions. The aim of this work is to describe the epidemiological situation and the activities carried out during the epidemic period. De_Bernardis° F, Finazzi° G, Daminelli° P, Bertolassi° R , Boni° P, Bonometti° E, Boni° P Comportamento di microrganismi patogeni nel salame piacentino DOP artificialmente contaminato VII workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia Sistema di sorveglianza delle infezioni enteriche Infezioni trasmesse da alimenti e acqua : diagnostica ed epidemiologia : 4-5 novembre 2009 Roma / a cura di I Luzzi... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C10) p 30 [Nr. Estr. 4271] Workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia (7 : Roma : 4-5 novembre 2009) Introduzione. Il Salame Piacentino DOP è un salume tradizionale ottenuto dalla fermentazione lattica di carne suina trita. Secondo quanto prescritto dai recenti regolamenti (Reg. 2073/2005/CE e Reg. 1441/2007/CE) il produttore ha la responsabilità di fornire elementi utili a prevedere il comportamento di microrganismi potenzialmente patogeni che accidentalmente potrebbero venire in contatto con il prodotto. Per tale motivo è stato allestito un challenge test, al fine di verificare se il normale processo di produzione e di stagionatura del prodotto sia in grado di contrastare efficacemente L. monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium ed E. coli O157:H7. Metodi. L'impasto del salame è stato suddiviso in cinque aliquote opportunamente identificate: una utilizzata come controllo negativo, tre contaminate con una miscela di ceppi di ognuno dei 3 patogeni, e una contaminata con L. monocytogenes e addizionata con un innesto di S. Carnosus. Dopo insacco e legatura i salami sono stati sottoposti ad asciugatura e stagionatura protratta fino a 90 giorni. Oltre che sull'impasto (tø) per verificare il livello di contaminazione iniziale sono stati effettuati 9 campioni durante le fasi di stagionatura per valutare l'andamento dei patogeni, dei lattobacilli mesofili, e le variazioni del pH e dell'Aw. Risultati. I Lattobacilli mesofili rappresentano la microflora dominante, hanno uno sviluppo rapido durante l'asciugatura raggiungendo un valore di plateau pari a 9 log UFC/g sia nel salame controllo che in quelli contaminati. Sia nel lotto contaminato con Salmonella Typhimurium che in quello con E. coli O157:H7 si evidenzia un graduale e lineare decremento dei patogeni pari a circa 4 logaritmi dopo 60 giorni, che diventano 5-6 prolungando la stagionatura di un ulteriore mese. In entrambi i lotti di salame contaminati con Listeria monocytogenes, con e senza l'aggiunta dell'innesto, non si osserva una diminuzione significativa del patogeno. Dopo 90 giorni la riduzione è quantificabile in meno di 1 valore logaritmico. Discussione. Si può affermare che il normale processo tecnologico di stagionatura del Salame Piacentino DOP è in grado di contrastare efficacemente Salmonella Typhimurium ed E. coli O157:H7, mentre L. monocytogenes si mantiene ad una concentrazione molto vicina a quella di contaminazione. L'aggiunta di popolazioni di S. Carnosus non ha dato risultati significativi, tuttavia l'eventuale uso di altre flore starter che abbiano un maggiore effetto di competizione sia diretta che indiretta nei confronti di Listeria, può essere considerato un valido strumento per diminuire il rischio dato dalla presenza accidentale di tale patogeno. De_Nadai° V, Finazzi° G, Daminelli° P, Bertolassi° R, B oni° P Comportamento di microrganismi patogeni nella lavorazione e stagionatura del formaggio bagòss = Behavioural dynamics of several pathogen microorganisms during processing and ripening of Bagòss cheese VII workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia Sistema di sorveglianza delle infezioni enteriche Infezioni trasmesse da alimenti e acqua : diagnostica ed epidemiologia : 4-5 novembre 2009 Roma / a cura di I Luzzi... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C10) p 32 [Nr. Estr. 4272] Workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia (7 : Roma : 4-5 novembre 2009) Introduzione. La valorizzazione dei prodotti tradizionali italiani e la possibilità di estendere la loro commercializzazione al mercato internazionale è subordinata alla necessità che i produttori forniscano garanzie scientificamente sostenibili a tutela del consumatore in merito alla sicurezza degli alimenti. A tal scopo è stato allestito un challenge test per valutare il comportamento dei microrganismi Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 e Staph. aureus durante la trasformazione e stagionatura del Bagòss, formaggio a latte crudo e lunga stagionatura tipico della zona di Bagolino (Provincia di Brescia). Metodi. Una miscela costituita da 3 diversi ceppi per ciascuno dei microrganismi patogeni considerati è stata aggiunta al latte crudo prima della trasformazione in formaggio effettuata presso il Laboratorio di Trasformazioni Alimentari del Reparto di Microbiologia dell'IZSLER. Sono stati eseguiti prelievi sul latte immediatamente dopo la contaminazione e durante tutte le fasi di lavorazione e stagionatura del prodotto. Su ciascun campione sono stati effettuati determinazione di pH, Aw e numerazione delle flore lattiche e dei patogeni artificialmente addizionati. Risultati. Durante tutto il processo di produzione e stagionatura del Bagòss si evidenzia la presenza di elevate concentrazioni di flore lattiche, popolazioni in grado di provocare un abbassamento del pH della matrice alimentare e di esercitare un'azione di competizione nei confronti dei microrganismi patogeni. I valori relativi all'attività dell'acqua dimostrano una graduale diminuzione durante tutto il periodo di stagionatura. La combinazione di tali fattori determina l'eliminazione di Salmonella, E. coli e Stafilococchi e il decremento di 4-5 log della concentrazione di Listeria nel corso della stagionatura, che prevede durata minima pari a 12 mesi secondo la metodologia tradizionale. Conclusioni. I dati sperimentali ottenuti analizzando il comportamento dei patogeni artificialmente aggiunti al latte prima della lavorazione permettono di conoscere l'andamento di tali microrganismi nel caso di ipotetiche contaminazioni naturali. Le fasi di cottura della cagliata e successivo riposo sotto siero non sono risultate sufficienti a determinare una riduzione significativa della concentrazione dei patogeni considerati. È invece la stagionatura che grazie all'azione combinata di cambiamenti dello stato chimicofisico del prodotto associati alla presenza di elevate concentrazioni di flore lattiche assicura il loro abbattimento. La metodologia tradizionale di produzione del Bagòss si può pertanto considerare idonea a garantire la sicurezza di tale prodotto nel caso di eventuali contaminazioni da parte dei più comuni microrganismi patogeni coinvolti in episodi di tossinfezioni alimentari. Decaro N, Campolo M, Mari V, Desario C, Colaianni ML, Di_Trani L, Cordioli° P, Buonavoglia C A candidate modified-live bovine coronavirus vaccine: safety and immunogenicity evaluation New microbiol. - Vol. 32 ( 2009). - p 109-113. - 14 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4140] A modified-live vaccine against the respiratory form of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) infection was developed by progressive attenuation of a respiratory strain (438/06-TN). The vaccine was found to be safe as four colostrum-deprived newborn calves remained healthy after oronasal administration of ten doses of the vaccine. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was assessed by intramuscular injection of one vaccine dose to 30 BCoV-antibody negative 2-3-month-old calves. At 30 days postvaccination, all vaccinated calves displayed high antibody titres against BCoV. Sequence analysis of the S gene of wild-type and cell-adapted 438/06-TN strain detected 10 nucleotide changes, 9 of which were nonsynonymous. Decaro N, Mari V, Campolo M, Lorusso A, Camero M, Elia G, Martella V, Cordioli° P, Enjuanes L, Buonavoglia C Recombinant canine coronaviruses related to transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine are circulating in dogs J Virol. - Vol. 83 no 3 ( 2009). - p 1532-1537. - 28 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4185] Four canine coronavirus type II (CCoV-II) strains were identified in the guts and internal organs of pups which had died of acute gastroenteritis. The CCoV-II strains were strictly related to porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) in the N-terminal domain of the spike protein, whereas in the other parts of the genome, a higher genetic relatedness to recent CCoV-II isolates was observed. Experimental infection of dogs with a TGEV-like isolate induced mild gastroenteritis without any systemic involvement. By virus neutralization tests, antigenic differences between reference and TGEV-like CCoVs were found. Our data support the potential recombinant origin of the TGEV-like CCoVs. Defilippo° F, Caimi M, Calzolari° M, Bonilauri° P, P arco V, Fedeli P, Barbieri° I, Maioli° G, Lelli° D, Lavazza° A, Fabbi° M, Dottori° M Arboviral surveillance program on mosquitoes from "parco lombardo della valle del Ticino" (Northern Italy) The 5th European Mosquito Control Association Workshop EMCA : Monday 9th March Friday 13th March 2009 Turin, Italy / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4313] European Mosquito Control Association (5th : Turin, Italy : Monday 9th March Friday 13th March 2009) Recently, Italv was involved in two important outbreaks of mosquitoborne diseases; chikungunya and West Nile. In 2008 a preliminary surveillance program in Ticino River Park to check the presene of arboviruses in mosquitoes was conducted. From 11 July 2008 to 17 October 2008, a total of 15,732 specimen belonging mainly to species Aedes vexans (24%), Culex pipiens (22%) and Anopheles maculipennis (4%) were collected. Of this, 14,232 mosquitoes (114 pools) belonging to the species Ae. vexans, Cx. pipiens, An. maculipennis and Ochlerotatus caspius vere tested with PCR. One pool of An. maculipennis was positive for the presence of a Bunyavirus. The BLAST analysis shows the sequence of the amplified fragment to have a maximum homology (95%) with BATAI virus (GeneBank: AB257762). Virus isolation was attempted using celi culture (Vero, Bhk21, Rkl3, C6/C36) and embryonated eggs but no positive results were obtained. Defilippo° F, Calzolari° M, Mascali ZS, Venturelli C, Angelini P, Dottori° M Studi preliminari sulla popolazione di Aedes albopictus dell'Emilia Romagna XXII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia, 15 - 18 Giugno 2009 Ancona : proceedings / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 252 [Nr. Estr. 4309] Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia (22. : Ancona : 15 - 18 Giugno 2009) Aedes albopictus, comunemente nota come Zanzara tigre, è stata segnalata in Emilia Romagna a partire dai primi anni '90 e da allora si è progressivamente diffusa in tutta l'area regionale. La sua presenza massiccia sul territorio rappresenta un problema rilevante per la salute pubblica, infatti è un vettore competente di almeno 22 arbovirus (vettore dimostrato nel recente focolaio di Chikungunya apparso nell'estate 2007 nel territorio della provincia di' Ravenna). Nel presente lavoro si riportano e si commentano i dati relativi ai tempi di sviluppo di questo dittero. La sperimentazione è avvenuta presso il Laboratorio di Entomologia dell'Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (Sez. di Reggio Emilia), presso il quale sono state fatte pervenire 30 ovitrappole (solo bacchetta di masonite in essa contenuta) per ogni città capoluogo della nostra regione. Il periodo di campionamento è compreso tra il 18 Agosto 2008 e il 18 Settembre 2008, nell'ambito del Piano Regionale per il Monitoraggio della Zanzara tigre. Le uova così campionate sono state fatte schiudere e per ogni capoluogo sono state allevate fino allo stadio adulto dalle 300 alle 600 larve (in base alla percentuale di schiusa), prelevando dalle 10 alle 20 larve al I stadio per ovitrappola. Per ogni allevamento si è misurata la percentuale di sfarfallamento, la durata della fase larvale e pupale, la sex-ratio. Ogni dato è stato messo in relazione con le temperature registrate in laboratorio e con la durata media del giorno. La temperatura ambientale è stata misurata attraverso DATA-LOGGER (Mod. TESTO 175-H1). Dall'analisi dei dati ottenuti abbiamo notato come le variazioni nei tempi di sfarfallamento non sono legate al luogo di provenienza delle uova ma fondamentalmente alla temperatura media giornaliera alla quale le larve sono state allevate. Infatti, abbiamo individuato un "range" termico (30-25° C) i n cui tutti gli esemplari presentano il medesimo tempo di sfarfallamento (5-7g). Al di sotto di tale valore il completamento del loro ciclo di sviluppo subisce un significativo rallentamento (dai 3g ai 4g) L'analisi della percentuale di femmine sfarfallate e la percentuale di mortalità sembra non essere influenzata dalla variazione termica registrata. Defilippo° F, Gatti F, Cucurachi N Calliphoridae caratterizzanti l'entomofauna cadaverica, tre anni di sperimentazione all'universita di Parma XXII Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia, 15 - 18 Giugno 2009 Ancona : proceedings / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 250 [Nr. Estr. 4311] Congresso Nazionale Italiano di Entomologia (22. : Ancona : 15 - 18 Giugno 2009) A partire dal 2005 presso il Museo di Storia Naturale e il Dipartimento di Medicina Legale dell'Università di Parma, si sono intrapresi studi di entomologia forense volti alla conoscenza dell'entomofauna cadaverica caratterizzante la nostra area geografica. La nostra attenzione si è focalizzata soprattutto sui Ditteri necrofagi della famiglia dei Calliphoridae essendo loro i primi ad arrivare sul cadavere e a rappresentare, perciò, un ottimo strumento per il calcolo del PMI (PostMortem Interval). La popolazione di questa famiglia di ditteri varia considerevolmente secondo la regione, la stagione, la topografia, e la vegetazione delle aree di studio. Questo lavoro, quindi, vuole portare un piccolo contributo alla conoscenza dei Calliphoridae del tfj-tcric parmense andando a evidenziare le specie più attive in diversi momenti climatici. I campionamenti sono avvenuti utilizzando, come attrattivo, delle carcasse di maiale di peso pari a circa 15 Kg ciascuno, poste all'interno di trappole Malaise. La cattura è durata fino al raggiungimento, da parte delle carcasse, della fase -scheletrica. La temperatura ambiente è stata misurata con l'ausilio di Data-logger (Mod. Tempstick(L e Mod. Keller H, C, W CellaLog®) posizionati in prossimità delle carcasse. Alla fine dei tre anni di osservazione abbiamo potuto notare una significativa variazione nella composizione in specie dei Calliphoridae catturati. Le specie, che si distinguono per numerosità di esemplari catturati, sono L. caesar, L. sericata e L. ampullacea, mentre altre specie come Calliphora vicina, Calliphora vomitoria, e Chrysomia albiceps sono stati presenti in misura minore. L'abbondanza in esemplari catturati di alcune specie a scapito di altre trova spiegazione nelle diverse temperature medie ambientali registrate. Dell'Anna° S, Rugna° G, Galletti° G, Tassinari M, Tam ba° M Focolaio di West Nile Disease in Emilia-Romagna, 2008 : indagine sulla sieroprevalenza negli equidi III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 41 [Nr. Estr. 4259] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. La West Nile Disease (WND) è una zoonosi trasmessa da zanzare causata da un flavivirus (WNV), endemica nel Bacino del Mediterraneo. Gli uccelli sono i principali ospiti del WNV, mentre l'uomo e il cavallo possono infettarsi e talvolta manifestare sintomatologia clinica, ma vengono considerati ospiti a fondo cieco. Dal 2002 in Italia, in seguito al primo focolaio di WND verificatosi nel 1998, è stato attivato uno specifico piano nazionale di sorveglianza. Nell'estate del 2008 il WNV si è nuovamente manifestato determinando casi clinici nei cavalli e nell'uomo. Per valutare l'estensione del fenomeno sono state organizzate attività straordinarie di sorveglianza nell'area coinvolta dalla circolazione virale. In questo lavoro vengono presentati i risultati della sorveglianza sierologica svolta sugli Equidi in Emilia-Romagna. Metodi. Nell'area a rischio, comprendente i comuni delle province di Modena, Bologna, Ferrara e Ravenna a Nord della Via Emilia (SS9), nel periodo settembre-dicembre 2008 i campioni prelevati per il piano di sorveglianza dell'Anemia Infettiva Equina sono stati testati anche per WND con metodica ELISA. I campioni non negativi sono stati inviati per la conferma al CESME di Teramo. Nelle aziende con almeno una positività sierologica confermata (titolo SN=1:10), è stata effettuata l'indagine epidemiologica con censimento e prelievo di tutti gli equidi presenti. Di ogni animale esaminato sono state raccolte le principali informazioni anagrafiche. Sono stati calcolati i livelli di prevalenza in base alla provincia, alla specie, al sesso e all'età (sono state individuate 4 classi in base all'anno di nascita: 2008, 2007, 2006 e prima del 2006) degli equidi presenti. È stato usato il test chiquadro per valutare eventuali differenze di prevalenza tra i gruppi. Risultati. Sono stati esaminati complessivamente 2.045 Equidi (1.910 cavalli, 123 asini, 11 bardotti, 1 mulo). Sono risultati positivi 499 Equidi (484 cavalli, 15 asini) con una prevalenza complessiva del 24,4% (CI95%: 22,6-26,3). La prevalenza nell'asino (12,2%; CI95%: 7,0-19,3) è risultata significativamente inferiore rispetto alla prevalenza nel cavallo (25,3%; CI95%: 23,4-27,4) ( 2=10,78, p<0,01). La prevalenza nelle province è risultata rispettivamente: 47,2% a Ferrara (CI95%: 43,551,0), 16,4% a Bologna (CI95%: 13,9-19,2), 10,7% a Modena (CI95%: 7,5-14,6), 4% a Ravenna (CI95%: 1,9- 7,2). Le differenze riscontrate tra le province sono risultate statisticamente significative ( 2=14,72, p<0,01). Nella provincia di Ferrara, che ha presentato il livello di prevalenza più elevato, sono state valutate le prevalenze tra le classi d'età considerate. Non sono state osservate differenze significative. Conclusioni. I livelli di prevalenza osservati nell'area a rischio differiscono tra le province. In provincia di Ferrara la prevalenza rilevata risulta più elevata e confrontabile con quella registrata nel 1998 nel Padule di Fucecchio (38%). Nelle altre Province invece la prevalenza risulta più bassa, confrontabile con quella rilevata nel 2000 in Camargue (8,9%). Sebbene alcune sieropositività siano state riscontrate nell'autunno 2007 e primavera 2008 in cavalli della provincia di Ferrara, i valori di sieroprevalenza e i risultati delle indagini epidemiologiche fanno supporre una introduzione recente del virus WN. Donati° C, Tittarelli° C, Boniotti° MB, Perugini G, Capucci° L, Lavazza° A Rilevamento del virus apatogeno Rabbit calicivirus tramite RT-PCR in allevamenti italiani III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 53 [Nr. Estr. 4260] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. La presenza di popolazioni di conigli sieropositivi per RHDV (Rabbit Haemorragic Disease Virus) ma senza sintomi clinici o mortalità, ha portato nel 1996 all'identificazione del virus apatogeno RCV (Rabbit Calicivirus) appartenente alla famiglia Caliciviridae, genere lagovirus. RCV è un virus ad RNA con filamento singolo, polarità positiva e caratterizzato da un'unica proteina capsidica (VP60). Il virus si localizza prevalentemente a livello intestinale a differenza della variante patogena RHDV che replica nel fegato, da cui diffonde nei diversi organi (milza, polmone, rene ecc). La risposta immunitaria indotta da RCV, conferisce protezione nei confronti di RHDV ed interferisce nella diagnosi sierologica. Recentemente, in Inghilterra, Irlanda e Australia sono stati identificati virus apatogeni con diversi livelli di omologia con l'isolato italiano dimostrando un notevole grado di evoluzione e diffusione di questi virus. Scopo del lavoro. 1) sviluppare metodi molecolari che permettono di rilevare in modo specifico il virus; 2) valutare il livello di evoluzione che questi virus sviluppano nel tempo. Metodi. Sono stati valutati un pannello di reazioni RT-PCR con primer degenerati e primer specifici e una reazione RT-PCR Real-Time quantitativa. Sono stati analizzati sieri e feci di conigli sierologicamente positivi a 35, 42 e 50 giorni di vita. Infine sono stati testati 30 campioni di feci provenienti da 18 allevamenti di Lombardia, Veneto e Marche, selezionati nel corso di una concomitante indagine sieropidemiologica. Risultati. RCV è rilevabile nelle feci a partire dal 42° giorno di vita tramite RT-PCR, mentre i campioni di siero raramente risultano positivi con questa tecnica. Dei 30 campioni analizzati tramite RT-PCR, 16 sono risultati positivi. Per ogni allevamento positivo è stato sequenziato un frammento di 112 bp e di 5 campioni è stato sequenziato un frammento di 530 bp appartenenti alla VP60. È stata valutata la variabilità genetica dei ceppi e confrontata con le sequenze dei virus correlati (RHDV, EBHS). Conclusioni. Tramite RT-PCR e RT-PCR Real-Time è possibile rilevare la presenza del virus apatogeno RCV nonostante il basso titolo virale. L'analisi di sequenza indica una forte variabilità di sequenza tra i vari ceppi circolanti tale da rendere difficile la standardizzazione di una PCR che utilizzi primer specifici. Il confronto delle sequenze ottenute con quelle in banca dati indica la coesistenza sul nostro territorio di ceppi evolutivamente distanti.. Donati M, Di_Francesco A, Baldelli R, Magnino° S, P ignanelli SI, Shurdhi A, Delucca F, Cevenini R In vitro detection of neutralizing antibodies to Chlamydia suis in pig sera Vet Rec. - Vol. 164 ( 2009). - p 173-174. - 13 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4207] Donati M, Laroucau K, Storni E, Mazzeo C, Magnino° S , Di_Francesco A, Baldelli R, Ceglie L, Renzi° M, Cevenini R Serological response to pgp3 protein in animal and human chlamydial infections Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 135 ( 2009). - p 181-185. - 19 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 3925] Specific antibodies to plasmid-encoded protein pgp3 are known to be encountered in human Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis infections. In order to verify whether antibodies to this protein could be developed in animals infected with plasmid-carrying chlamydial strains, 454 animai sera were examined using a home-made pgp3 protein ELISA and Western blots (WB) of recombinant pgp3 protein from Chlamydophila (Cp.) psittaci. Likewise, 50 human sera were tested by ELISA and WB of recombinant pgp3 from C. trachomatis. The reactivity against pgp3 protein was compared to the reactivity against chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs) detected by microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test. The presente of pgp3-specific antibodies was demonstrated in most ducks and pigeons with Cp. psittaci infection detected by MIF, as well as in the majority of symptomatic cats and pigs infected with Cp. felis and C. suis, respectively, which reacted at high titres to Cp. felis and C. suis EBs by MIF. Moreover, most of the sera collected from patients with C. trachomatis cultureconfirmed infection and seropositive to C. trachomatis by MIF, presented antibodies dpecific to C trachomatis pgp3 recombinant protein. Therefore, pgp3 protein could be a useful marker of chlamydial infections in animals, as well as in humans. Dotti° S, Villa° R, Candotti° P, Lombardo° T, Vinco ° LJ, Ferrari° M Valutazione della risposta umorale e cellulo-mediata in suini Duroc dopo infezione sperimentale con il virus della Porcine respiratory and Reproductive syndrome (PRRSV) = Humoral and cell-mediated response evaluation in Duroc pigs after experimental infection with Porcine respiratory and Reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) Atti Soc Ital Sci Vet. - Vol. 63 ( 2009). - cdrom p 123-125. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4396] Convegno Nazionale della Societa' Italiana delle Scienze Veterinarie (SISVET) (63 : Udine : 16-18 Settembre 2009) La Sindrome Respiratoria e Riproduttiva del Suino (PRRS) è, da alcuni anni, oggetto di ricerche mediante infezioni sperimentali e indagini di campo, al fine di comprendere la patogenesi del virus e la sua interazione con l’ospite. Infatti, le misure di management sanitario e le strategie vaccinali tramite l’utilizzo di vaccini vivi attenuati e spenti, non si sono dimostrate, sino ad ora, sufficienti a contenere le notevoli perdite economiche che si verificano quando un allevamento si infetta. In ragione di quanto riportato, la maggiore conoscenza del meccanismo patogenetico e della risposta immunitaria sembrano essere i punti più importanti per contrastare l’azione del virus, che può determinare sia una sintomatologia respiratoria (suini all’ingrasso) sia una sintomatologia riproduttiva (scrofe in gestazione). I sintomi respiratori, quali: ipertermia, abbattimento del sensorio, dispnea e dimagramento non sono patognomonici; mentre le problematiche a carico dell’apparato riproduttore femminile sono caratterizzate da: aborto, aumento dei nati morti, diminuzione nel numero dei nati, ritorni in estro. In entrambi i casi, vi sono sempre ingenti perdite economiche che si quantificano non solo con la presenza di soggetti di scarto in allevamento che non raggiungeranno mai il peso di macellazione, ma anche con un aumento delle spese di interventi medicali (mangimi medicati e somministrazioni di farmaci per via parenterale), impiego di manodopera e, quindi, maggiori spese di gestione aziendale. Un ulteriore aspetto, non ancora completamente delineato e spesso trascurato, riguarda le caratteristiche genetiche dei suini ed il loro eventuale ruolo sulla sensibilità nei confronti di questa infezione. Al fine di poter valutare questo aspetto, si è voluta effettuare un’analisi comparativa di tre linee genetiche pure (Large White, Landrace e Duroc) nei confronti del virus della PRRS. In particolare, l’indagine riportata nel presente lavoro riguarda l’infezione sperimentale di suini Duroc sottoposti ad indagine cliniche, virologiche ed immunologiche. The Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) is one of the most studied virus in swine pathology. At now, the knowledges about the real interaction virus-host are not clear and incomplete; moreover, there are a lot of problems to reduce the economic losses in growing either in nursery phase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility to PRRSV infection of a purebreed pig line, Duroc, based on clinical, virological and immunological investigations. Ten 30 days old PRRS-free pigs were infected with an Italian strain of PRRSV, BS/114/2000; others two animals were housed in a separate unit as control group. The blood of all animals were collected every week and they were killed after 70 days. This experiment is the latest step of a project that aims to investigate the possible different susceptibility between Large White, Landrace and Duroc purebreed lines to the PRRS virus. Ducatez MF, Moreno_Martin° A, Ademola A. Owoade AA, O latoye IO, Alkali BR, Maikano I, Chantal J, Snoeck JS, Sausy A, Cordioli° P, Mul ler CP Characterization of a new genotype and serotype of infectious bronchitis virus in Western Africa J Gen Virol. - Vol. 90 ( 2009). - p 2679-2685. - 42 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4212] Between 2002 and 2007, more than 1000 chickens from commercial farms, live bird markets and backyard farms in Nigeria and Niger were tested for the presence of the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) genome. Phylogenetic analysis of full-length sequences of the spike 1 (S1) gene revealed a new genotype of IBV that we refer to as ‘IBADAN’. The minimum genetic distance to the closest ‘non-IBADAN’ strains (UK/7/93 at the nucleotide level; H120 and M41 at the amino acid level) reached 24 and 32 % at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. The full genome of the IBADAN reference strain (NGA/A116E7/2006) had a genetic distance of 9.7–16.4 % at the nucleotide level with all available fully sequenced strains. As IBV S1 plays a major role in antigenicity, the antigenic relatedness of NGA/A116E7/2006 was compared with strains of other serotypes. NGA/A116E7/2006 did not cross-react with antisera against IT02, M41, D274, Connecticut or 793/B strains in virus neutralization assays. NGA/A116E7/2006 cross-reacted with the QX-like strain ITA/90254/2005 but only to a low level (antigenic relatedness of 33 %), suggesting that IBADAN also represents a new serotype. A comparison of S1 sequences identified several amino acids that may play a role in IBV antigenicity. Despite the absence of obvious clinical signs in poultry infected by IBADAN strains, it is important to test the cross-protection of current vaccine strains. Eldin P, Papon L, Oteiza A, Brocchi° E, Lawson TG, Mech ti N TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is required to mediate antiviral activity against encephalomyocarditis virus J Gen Virol. - Vol. 90 ( 2009). - p 536-545. - 44 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4324] The interferon (IFN) system is a major effector of the innate immunity that allows time for the subsequent establishment of an adaptive immune response against a wide-range of pathogens. Their diverse biological actions are thought to be mediated by the products of specific but usually overlapping sets of cellular genes induced in the target cells. Ubiquitin ligase members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family have emerged as IFN-induced proteins involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. In this report, we provide evidence that TRIM22 is a functional E3 ubiquitin ligase that is also ubiquitinated itself. We demonstrate that TRIM22 expression leads to a viral protection of HeLa cells against encephalomyocarditis virus infections. This effect is dependent upon its E3 ubiquitinating activity, since no antiviral effect was observed in cells expressing a TRIM22deletion mutant defective in ubiquitinating activity. Consistent with this, TRIM22 interacts with the viral 3C protease (3CPRO) and mediates its ubiquitination. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity represents a new antiviral pathway induced by IFN against picornaviruses. Faccini° S, Rosignoli° C, Franzini° G, Nigrelli° AD Studio preliminare sull’importanza del metodo d’estrazione del DNA per la titolazione di PCV2 con Real-Time PCR = Preliminary evaluation of importance of DNA extraction method for PCV2 quantitative Real-Time PCR data Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 243-248. - 12 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4084] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) La Real-Time PCR quantitativa è un importante strumento sia per lo studio di PCV2 che per la diagnosi di patologie ad esso correlate. L’estrazione di DNA da campioni clinici è una fase preanalitica d’importanza critica. Resa, ripetibilità, purezza, efficacia nella rimozione degli inibitori influiscono infatti sui risultati ottenibili con la Real-Time PCR quantitativa. Si presenta una preliminare valutazione dell’effetto di sistemi d’estrazione diversi sull’analisi quantitativa di due delle principali tipologie di campioni clinici: sieri e linfonodi. Quest’ultimi in particolare risultano essere i più problematici per la presenza d’inibitori. Quantitative Real-Time PCR has become an important tool for PCV2 research and clinical diagnosis. DNA extraction from clinical samples is unquestionably a very critical pre-analytical step. Yield, repeatability, purity, and removal of PCR inhibitors undoubtedly affect quantitative Real-Time PCR results and performances. This study is a first evaluation of how extraction method influences PCV2 quantification in two of the most important clinical samples: serum and lymph node. The latter results to need particular attention due to frequent presence of PCR inhibitors in DNA extracts. Ferrari° M, Renzi° S, Cornali M, Sesso L, Carlin S Le cellule staminali mesenchimali (CSM) e la loro applicazione terapeutica in ambito veterinario Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 5 ( 2009). - p 4-8 [Nr. Estr. 4116] Ferris NP, Nordengrahn A, Hutchings GH, Reid SM, King DP, Ebert K, Paton DJ, Kristersson T, Brocchi° E, Grazioli° S, Merza M Development and laboratory validation of a lateral flow device for the detection of foot-andmouth disease virus in clinical samples J Virol Methods. - Vol. 155 ( 2009). - p. 10-17. - 21 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4323] A lateral flow device (LFD) for the detection of all seven serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) was developed using a monoclonal antibody (Mab 1F10) shown to be pan-reactive to FMDV strains of each serotype by ELISA. The performance of the LFD was evaluated in the laboratory on suspensions of vesicular epithelia (304 positive and 1003 negative samples) from suspected cases of vesicular disease collected from 86 countries between 1965 and 2008 and negative samples collected from healthy animals. The diagnostic sensitivity of the LFD for FMDV was similar at 84% compared to 85% obtained by the reference method of antigen ELISA, and the diagnostic specificity of the LFD was approximately 99% compared to 99.9% for the ELISA. The device recognized FMDV strains of wide diversity of all seven serotypes but weaker reactions were often evident with those of type SAT 2, several viruses of which were not detected. Reactions with the viruses of swine vesicular disease and vesicular stomatitis that produce clinically indistinguishable syndromes in pigs and cattle, did not occur. The test procedure was simple and rapid, and typically provided a result within 1–10 min of sample addition. Simple homogenizers that could be used in field conditions for preparing epithelial suspensions were demonstrated to be effective for LFD application. These data illustrate the potential for the LFD to be used next to the animal in the pen-side diagnosis of FMD and for providing rapid and objective support to veterinarians in their clinical judgment of the disease. Formato G, Giacomelli A, Nisi F, Bassi° S, Pongolini° S , Carra° E, Saccares S Sanitization of european foulbrood through different beekeeping pratices 41st "Apimondia" International Apicultural Congress : The bee, sentinel of the environment : 15-20 September 2009 Montepellier (France) / [Montepellier : s.l., 2009]. - 4282] "Apimondia" International Apicultural Congress (41th : Montepellier (France) : 15-20 September 2009) Franco A, Merialdi° G, Iurescia M, Feltrin F, Lorenzett i R, Zini M, Amoruso R, Buccella C, Bassoli O, Cito G, Cuoghi G, De_Bassa A, Floriani E, Perrone V, Razzini P, Liuzzo G, Battisti A Staphylococcus aureus meticillino-resistente (MRSA) : survey al macello su allevamenti suini italiani = Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): survey at slaughter among holdings from Italy Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 208-211. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4087] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Nel corso del 2008, e stato condotto uno studio trasversale in suini con lo scopo di stimare la prevalenza di Staphylococcus aureus meticillino-resistente (MRSA) negli allevamenti da carne, attraverso il campionamento di gruppi di animali avviati al macello, e caratterizzarne gli isolati presenti. E’ stata riscontrata una prevalenza tra gli allevamenti del 38% (CI 29-47%, 95% CL). Dati preliminari sulla caratterizzazione molecolare degli isolati suggeriscono eterogeneita tra MRSA circolanti negli allevamenti, all’interno del complesso clonale 398. I risultati dimostranoche cloni di MRSA hanno trovato una nicchia ecologica negli allevamenti suini italiani, analogamente a quanto osservato in alcune altre aree europee ed extraeuropee. A survey to estimate the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among holdings of fattening pigs was conducted in Italy in 2008. Herds were selected by a random sampling procedure and sampled at differentslaughterhouses of northern and central Italy. Nasal swabs from batches ofanimals from each holding enrolled were randomly sampled (double-stage samplingtechnique). Suspect isolates from pooled primary cultures were cloned and subsequentlyscreened by PCR for species identifi cation and for the mecA gene. Positiveisolates were submitted to spa-typing and SCCmec typing, according to internationalconsensus protocols. Among the herds surveyed (n=118), a prevalence of 38%was estimated (CI 29-47%, 95% CL). Th e Italian pig isolates showed heterogeneity. Gaffuri° A, Boniotti° B, Sacchi° C, Bertoletti° I, Z anoni° MG, Pacciarini M Tuberculosis control program in wildlife in Italy: strategies and results Fifth international M. bovis conference / [s.l. : s.n, 2009]. - p 126 ( 4297] International M. bovis conference (5th : Wellington, New Zeland : 25-28 August 2009) The presence of the tuberculosis infection in wildlife is a common concern in many countries; monitoring control programs have been implemented worldwide to study its epidemiology in freeliving animals and to prevent inter-species transmission. Our study describes the tuberculosis control program, that we carried out in Northern Italy and its results. In this region most of herds have been officially TB free for the last 5 years but the high density of wild ungulates led us to assess the eventual presence of a TB wildlife reservoir. Since the end of 90's we have controlled wild boar population by inspection of head lymph nodes followed by cultural and biological molecular tests on the samples showing lesions consistent with Tb infection. In the last two years we have also monitored foxes, roe deer and red deer, other wild species susceptible of TB that share the sure habitat with wild boar. The samples were collected by the hunters or official veterinaries during the hunting season. In the last ten years we examined 4200 wild boar, 152 roe deer, 208 red deer and 53 fox lymph nodes. We found macroscopic lesions consistent with T13 in 333 wild boar lymph nodes; 170 sample were identified as M. microti and 10 as M. bovis by PCR (IS6110 and RPFLP Gyr13) but we isolated only 20 M. microti and 4 M. bovis strains. The isolated M. bovis strains have different genetic profiles to those found in recent T13 outbreaks occurring in cattle in the same area. We didn't find any macroscopic lesions in the lymph nodes of the other species tested, but 1 roe deer were identified by PCR as M. microti, 5 red deer were identified by PCR as M. bovis ( 3) and M. microti (2) and 2 fox, were identified by PCR as M. bovis. As we were unable to isolate those M. bovis strains, we could not perform molecular typing to assess any correlation with outbreaks in livestock. The results of the control program show that M. bovis is seldom detected in wildlife and does not represent a risk for domestic animals, while M. microti is often present in tuberculosis-like lesions. Galletti° E, Merialdi° G, Antonelli A, Brini E, Fusa ro L, Sarli G, Fontana° MC, Martelli P Su un caso di porpora trombocitopenica isoimmune in suinetti neonati = Isoimmune thrombocytopenia in neonatal piglets: a case report Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 192-198. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4090] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Galmozzi G, Muraro M, Vandoni S, Bonfanti M, Faccini° S , Rosignoli° C, Sgoifo_Rossi CA Schemi di intervento nelle forme respiratorie dei bovini da ristallo = Treatment regimes of respiratory disease in newly received feedlot cattle Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 6 ( 2009). - p 257-266.- 29 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4380] Sono stati condotti 4 studi per verificare l'efficacia della Gamitromicina nella prevenzione e terapia della patologia respirato-ria (BRD_) del bovino da ristallo. La Gamitromicina è caratterizzata da assorbimento rapido e rapida distribuzione nei tessuti sede d'infiammazione, il polmone in particolare. In tre studi si è verificata l'efficacia in prevenzione e nello specifico verso un gruppo non trattato (studio 1), uno trattato con ossitetraciclina long acting (studio 2) e uno trattato con tulatromicina (studio 3). Si sono inoltre confrontate le risposte in terapia di Gamitromicina e tulatromicina (studio 4). In tutti gli studi sono sta-ti valutati la morbilità, la mortalità, l'insuccesso terapeutico e l'incidenza di animali problema (spostamenti nel reparto infermeria) nei 14 giorni successivi al trattamento. In più, negli studi 1 e 3, è stato misurato l'incremento ponderale dei primi 30 giorni. Il trattamento con Gamitromicina ha ridotto significativamente la morbilità da BRD dell'86%, 86% e 35% rispetto al controllo negli studi 1, 2 e 3 rispettivamente. La percentuale di animali problema è stata significativamente inferiore nel gruppo Gamitromicina rispetto al controllo nello studio 2. Nello studio 4, l'insuccesso terapeutico nel corso dei 14 giornì dal primo intervento è stato del 30,8% per il gruppo Gamitromicina, in cui non si sono segnalati animali problema, e del 81,8% per il gruppo tulatromicina dove invece l'incidenza di animali problema è stata del 27,7% (differenze significative). L'incremento ponderale è stato significativamente inferiore nel gruppo controllo nello studio I. Nel complesso, questi studi contribuiscono a definire l'impatto economico della BRD e confermano l'efficacia della Gamitromicina nel trattamento e nella prevenzione della patologia. Four trials were carried out to investigate the efficiency of gamithromycin in beef cattle's bovine respiratory disease (BRD) prevention and therapy. The gamithromycin is characterized by fast absorption and distribution to target tissue, notably the lung. Three studies were conducted on the preventive efficacy using an untreated control (trial 1), a long-acting oxytetracycline formulation (trial 2) and tulathromycin (trial 3). The responses of tulathromycin and Gamithromycin were compared in the therapeutic study (trial 4). Evaluations included incidence of morbidity, mortality, re-treatments and problem animals (removed to hospital pen) over the 14 days subsequent to treatment and shortterm growth rates over the first 30 days. Preventive treatment with Gamithromycin significantly reduced the morbidity due to BRD by 86%, 86% and 35% compared to the control groups in trials 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The proportion of problem animals was significantly less in the Gamithromycin group compared to the controls in trial 2. In the therapeutic trial, the incidence of animal that required re-treatment during the 14 days following treatment was 30,8% in the Gamithromycin group, in which there were no problem animals, compared to 81,8% in the positive control group, in which problem animals incidence was 27,7% (significative differences). Growth rates were significantly less in the control animals in trial 1. Overall, these results confirm the usefulness of Gamithromycin in BRD treatment and prevention and provide valuable information about BRD economic balance. Giammarioli M, Canelli E°, Ciulli S, Pellegrini C, Rossi E, De_Mia GM Diversità genetica del virus della diarrea virale del bovino in italia = Genetic heterology of the BVDV virus in Italy XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 156-157 -10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4088] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) The genetic heterogeneity of 111 Italian BVDV isolates was investigated by phylogenetic analysis of partial 5’-UTR and for selected viruses, of the genomic region encoding autoprotease Npro. Additional sequences of other Italian BVDV isolates were acquired from the GenBank database. At the subgroup level, pair wise similarity and cluster analysis provided a clear-cut assignation to 10 distinct genotypes of 106 isolates typed as BVDV-1 namely respectively BVDV-1a (n=12), BVDV-1b (n=47), BVDV-1d (n=4), BVDV-1e (n=26), BVDV-1f (n=5), BVDV-1g (n=4), BVDV-1h (n=7), BVDV-1j (n=1), BVDV-1k (n=2) and BVDV- 1l (n=1). Five isolates were typed as BVDV-2. The results provided evidence of a high BVDV genetic heterogeneity in Italy as a result of the absence of any BVDV systematic control measures. Giammarioli M, Canelli° E, Ciulli S, Rossi E, De_Mia GM Genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhoea virus isolates from Italy 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 143 - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4270] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) Giammarioli M, Canelli° E, Ciullis, BazzucchI M, De_Mia gm The extended genetic heterogeneity of BVDV-1: typing of the BVDV isolates from Italy Annual meeting of the national swine fever laboratories : June 15-16th, 2009 Valdeolmos, Spain / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - 4112] Annual meeting of the national swine fever laboratories : Valdeolmos, Spain : June 15-16th, 2009) Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), the causative agent of BVD and mucosal disease, is an economically important pathogen of cattle. Up to date, 13 genotypes of BVDV-1 are known (la-1 m) [4] and 2 putative additional genotypes namely In and Io, have been recently reported in Japan [5]. Studies on the prevalence of BVDV in Italy have been conducted providing evidence of circulation of 9 BVDV-1 genotypes [1, 2, 3]. Aim of this work has been to type 111 BVD viruses collected during the period 1995-2009 from 12 Italian regions. Additional sequences of other Italian BVDV isolates were acquired from the GenBank database. The viruses analyzed in this study were from cattle (n=106), sheep (n=4) and buffalo (n=4), mostly originated from farms located in northern Italy which is characterised by the highest cattle population density in the country. The genetic heterogeneity of the Italian BVDV viruses was investigated by phylogenetic analysis of partial 5'-UTR and for selected viruses, of the genomic region encoding autoprotease Npro. Five isolates were typed as BVDV-2. The remaining isolates were typed as BVDV-1 and belonged to 10 distinct genotypes namely respectively BVDV-la (n=12), BVDV-1b (n=47), BVDV-1d (n=4), BVDV-le (n=26), BVDV- 1 f (n=5), BVDV-1g (n=4), BVDV-1h (n=7), BVDV-lj (n=1), BVDV-1k (n=2) and BVDV-11 (n=1). To confirm the grouping found in the 5'-UTR, we analysed in the NPr° region 19 viruses selected on the basis of their bootstrap value. The resulting phylogenetic tree showed that these viruses were clustered in the same phylogenetic branches as for the tree based on the 5'-UTR, with similar bootstrap values. The phylogenetic analysis provided a clear-cut assignation to 10 distinct genotypes of 106 isolates typed as BVDV-1. Most cattle farms were infected by the predominant BVDV-1b and BVDV-le isolates, the others genotypes occurred only sporadically. The results also provided evidence for circulation of BVDV-11 additional genotype, which has been never shown before in Italy. In summary, our study revealed a high BVDV genetic heterogeneity in Italy as a result of the absence of any BVDV systematic control measures and also demonstrated that when bigger collection of BVDV isolates was analysed, higher genetic diversity of viruses may be revealed with possibility to identify new subtypes.. Gradassi° M, Sozzi° E, Zanoni° M, Salogni° C, Cordioli° P, Alborali° L Il virus influenzale suino (SIV) e le principali associazioni virali, batteriche e da mycoplasma : Hyopneumoniae in 150 episodi di patologia respiratoria nel suino Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 229-241. - 23 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4085] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35. : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Grazioli° S, Pezzoni° G, Cordioli° P, Brocchi° E Validation of a competitive ELISA for serodiagnosis of PRRS based on recombinant Nprotein and monoclonal antibody 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 193 - 1 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4170] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) Guarda F, Caruzzo C, Alborali° L Aspetti comparativi delle artriopatie degenerative negli animali e nell'uomo Summa anim reddito. - Vol. 4 no 1 ( 2009). - p 15-30 [Nr. Estr. 4405] Harouna A, Zecchini M, Locatelli C, Scaccabarozzi L, Cattaneo C, Amadou A, Bronzo V, Marichatou H, Boettcher PJ, Zanoni° MG, Albor ali° L, Moroni P Milk hygiene and udder health in the periurban area of Hamdallaye, Niger Trop Med Int Health. - Vol. 41 ( 2009). - p 705-710. - 16 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4406] The prevalence of intra-mammary infections in dairy herds was studied in Hamdallaye, Niger. A total of 956 milk samples were collected in 2007 from 239 lactating cows of four local breeds in eight traditional herds; the first sampling was undertaken in the dry season at morning milking, and the second in the rainy season at evening milking. Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (CNS) and environmental microorganisms were detected in significantly (p<0.05) more samples in the rainy season, 55.2%, than in the dry season, 27.1%. Statistically significant (P<0.05) differences in prevalence were observed among herds and according to lactation number. Infections were assigned to four classes, according to the major pathogen, and the respective mean somatic cell counts during the dry season were: S. aureus, 775×103 cells/ml; CNS, 447× 103 cells/ml; environmental microorganisms, 407×103 cells/ml; and non-infected, 262×103 cells/ml. Most of the tested strains were sensitive to antibiotics, and selected strains of S. aureus (n=15) were negative to the multiplex PCR tests for production of enterotoxins. Kuntz-Simon G, Kyriakis CS, Foni° E, Maldonado J, Loeffe n W, Brown IH, Essen S, Madec F, Matrosovich M, Bublot M, Chenchev I, Peiris M, Ólsen C, Van_Reeth K The european surveillance network for influenza in pigs (ESNIP) Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4278] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Swine influenza is an important cause of acute respiratory disease in pigs and pigs are considered as an intermediate host for the transmission of influenza viruses to humans. While surveillance networks for human, equine and avian influenza have been established decades ago, surveillance for swine influenza has long been neglected. The "European Surveillance Network for Influenza in Pigs 2" (ESNIP 2) was a co-ordination action (SSPE-CT-2005-022749, January 2006 - March 2009) funded by the European Commission in the 6ch Framework Research Programme. It maintained and expanded the surveillance network established during ESNIP 1 (2001-2004) and aimed to improve our knowledge of the epidemiology and evolution of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) in Europe. During the 3-year period of the project, virological and serological surveillance have been conducted in parallel in six European countries. The data confirmed that SIVs of H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 subtypes are co-circulating among European pigs. Still, there were differences in the prevalence of each subtype on regional or national levels, with little if any H3N2 activity in the UK or Brittany (Frane). No major antigenic changes in the hemagglutinin proteins of each SIV subtype were detected. However, novel reassortant viruses between the first generation 111N2 reassortants and avian-like swine H1N1 viruses were occasionally detected in Italy and France. These data will be used to optimise the diagnosis and control of swine influenza. European swine influenza researchers also started to liaise with researchers in the US and Asia with the purpose to compare the epidemiology of swine influenza on different continents. Furthermore, the ESNIP consortium has been working on improved methods for the serological detection of avian influenza in pigs. These initiatives and interactions are consistent with improved pandemic preparedness and planning for human influenza. Laroucau K, Vorimore F, Bertin C, Mohamad KY, Thierry S, Hermann W, Maingourd C,Pourcel C, Longbottom D, Magnino° S, Sa chse K, Vretou E, Rodolakis A Genotyping of Chlamydophila abortus strains by multilocus VNTR analysis Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 137 ( 2009). - p 335-344. - 22 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4205] Chlamydophila (C.) abortus is the causative agent of ovine enzootic abortion with zoonotic potential whose epidemiology has been held back because of the obligate intracellular habitat of the bacterium. In the present study, we report on a molecular typing method termed multiple loci variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) for exploring the diversity of C. abortus. An initial analysis performed with 34 selected genetic loci on 34 ruminant strains including the variant Greek strains LLG and POS resulted in the identification of five polymorphic loci, confirming the widely held notion that C. abortus is a very homogeneous species. Analysis of additional 111 samples with the selected five loci resulted in the classification of all strains into six genotypes with distinct molecular patterns termed genotypes [1] through [6]. Interestingly, the classification of the isolates in the six genotypes was partly related to their geographical origin. Direct examination of clinical samples proved the MLVA to be suitable for direct typing. Analysis of the genomic sequences in six C. abortus prototypes of amplicons generated with each of the five selected VNTR primers revealed that variation between genotypes was caused by the presence or absence of coding tandem repeats in three loci. Amplification of Chlamydophila psittaci reference strains with the five selected VNTR primers and of the six C. abortus prototype strains with the eight VNTR primers established for the typing of C. psittaci [Laroucau, K., Thierry, S., Vorimore, F., Blanco, K., Kaleta, E., Hoop, R., Magnino, S., Vanrompay, D., Sachse, K., Myers, G.S., Bavoil, P.M., Vergnaud, G., Pourcel, C., 2008. High resolution typing of Chlamydophila psittaci by multilocus VNTR analysis (MLVA). Infect. Genet. Evol. 8(2), 171–181] showed that both MLVA typing systems were species-specific when all respective VNTR primer sets were used. In conclusion, the newly developed MLVA system provides a highly sensitive, high-resolution and easy-to-perform tool for the differentiation of C. abortus isolates of different origin, which is suitable for molecular epidemiological studies. LaroucauK, Vorimore F, Sachse K, Vretou E, Siarkou V, Hermann W, Magnino° S, Rodolakis A, Bavoil PM Identification of Chlamydophila abortus vaccine strain 1B by PCR-RFLP 1st europena meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects EMAC : June 14-16, 2009 Murcia, Spain : Procedings / by Caro MR, Salinas J, Buendia AJ. - [s. n. : s. l., 2009]. - p 38. - 1 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4286] Europen meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects (1st : Murcia, Spain : June 14-16, 2009) Comparative genomic analysis of a wild-type strain of the ovine pathogen Chlamydophila abortus (strain AB7) and its nitrosoguanidine-induced, temperature-sensitive, viruleneeattenuated live vaccine derivative (strain 1B) identified point mutations unique to the mutant (Burall et al., submitted). Based on these results, mutations were further characterized to confirm the predieted acquisition or loss of restriction sites in the live vaccine genomic DNA. Of the 10 investigated sites which contained confirmed point mutations (CAB153, CAB175, CAB220, CAB281, CAB283, CAB308, CAB469, CAB622, CAB636, CAB648 referred in the S26/3 complete genome), three sites corresponding to the loss of a restriction site in the vaccine strain were retained for further studies. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis based on restriction enzyme cleavage at these three genomic sites was applied to a large number of C. abortus reference strains and field strains. Our results show that the three investigated mutations are specific to the vaccine, and as such provide a novel, easy-to-use method for differentiating between the vaccine strain, pathogenic strains and non-vaccine field isolates. Direct examination of clinical samples demonstrated that these markers are suitable for direct typing. Lavazza° A, Boniotti° MB, Tittarelli° C, Cerioli° M, P erugini G, Rota_Nodari° S, Brivio R, Capucci° L Sieroepidemiologia di Rabbit calicivirus (RCV) in allevamenti cuniculi in Italia III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 62 [Nr. Estr. 4261] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. La sieropositività in conigli per Rabbit Haemorragic Disease Virus (RHDV) 10 anni prima della comparsa della malattia in Europa, suggerì l'esistenza di ceppi "apatogeni" correlati a RHDV. Rabbit calicivirus (RCV), il primo di tali virus, identificato in Italia nel 1996, replica nell'intestino e induce anticorpi protettivi verso RHD, rivestendo così un possibile ruolo nel ridurre l'impatto di questa malattia. Virus apatogeni con diversi livelli di omologia con RCV sono stati poi identificati in Inghilterra, Irlanda e Australia. Scopo del lavoro. Controllare la diffusione temporale e spaziale di RCV negli allevamenti cunicoli industriali in Italia. Materiali e metodi. Sono state eseguite 5 indagini sierologiche consecutive nell'arco di un decennio (1999-2008), eseguendo prelievi di sangue alla macellazione da conigli di 75- 85gg, non vaccinati, da allevamenti RHDV-free. Sono stati determinati sia gli anticorpi specifici totali con ELISA competizione, sia le sottoclassi (IgG, IgA e IgM) con ELISA anti-isotipo. Durante le ultime due indagini sono state campionate le feci per la ricerca virale in RT-PCR. Risultati. Nella 1a indagine (1999, Lombardia, 1 macello, 39 gruppi da altrettante aziende di Lombardia e Triveneto) 13 allevamenti (33,3%) presentavano più del 75% degli animali sieropositivi. Nella 2a indagine (2002-2003, Centro-Sud Italia, 5 macelli, 45 gruppi da 21 aziende di Campania, Basilicata e Lazio) erano positivi 516 sieri su 1786 (28,9%) e 5 aziende su 21 (23,8%), di cui 2 positive a 3 campionamenti successivi in 5 mesi ed in 1 sieroconversione nell'arco di 6 mesi. Nella 3a indagine (2004, Marche, 1 macello, 23 aziende) 474 sieri su 831 (57,04%) e 12 allevamenti su 23 (52,2%) erano positivi. Nella 4° indagine (2006-07, Marche, 1 macello, 23 gruppi da 21 aziende) 11 allevamenti positivi su 21 (52,3%). Nel corso della 5a indagine (2007-08, Brescia, 1 macello, 13 aziende di Lombardia e Veneto, da 1 a 6 gruppi per azienda) positive 7 aziende su 13 (53,9%), di cui 2 con sieroconversione. I titoli erano sempre mediamente compresi tra 1/20-1/640. Diffusa la presenza di IgA, anche ad elevato titolo, e di IgM, ad indicare l'avvenuta immunizzazione da agente infettivo. L'identificazione in RT-PCR di virus RCV-like dalle feci è avvenuta rispettivamente in 3 e in tutte le aziende positive durante la 4a e 5a indagine. Conclusioni. Il virus apatogeno RCV è presente in popolazioni di conigli provenienti da diverse regioni italiane e la sua distribuzione è radicata e costante sin dal 1999. Negli allevamenti controllati e sieropositivi il verificarsi di un'infezione è provato dal rilievo di anticorpi IgA e IgM e dalla frequente identificazione dei ceppi virali dalle feci in RT-PCR. Lavazza° A, Cerioli° M, Grilli° G Biosicurezza negli allevamenti cunicoli La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 91-120. - 30 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4200] Lavazza° A, Tittarelli° C, Cerioli° M, Alborali° GL, C ordioli° P ImmunoElectronMicroscopy (IEM) detection of viral agents in diarrheic pigs during the period 2002-2008 in Northern Italy 1st Microscopy Conference : first Joint Meeting of Dreilandertagung Multinational Congress on Microscopy : Graz, Austria 30 August - 4 September 2009 / a cura di Maria Anna Pabst, Gunther Zellnig. - [Austria : s.n, 2009]. - v. 2: Life science. - p 443-444. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4320] Microscopy Conference (1st : Graz, Austria : 30 August - 4 September 2009) Lelli° D, Canelli° E, Luppi° A, Moreno° AM, Sozzi° E, Lombardi° G, Cordioli° P Comparison among different serological gE ELISA kits for Aujeszky's disease by testing sera from experimental infections 3th ESVV Veterinary Herpesvirus Symposium, April 22-24, 2009 Greifswald - Insel Riems / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - 4279] ESVV Veterinary Herpesvirus Symposium (3th : Greifswald - Insel Riems : April 22-24, 2009) The routine Aujeszky's disease diagnostic activity is based on the serological analysis, in particular on the detection of gE antibodies (gE-Ab). These antibodies are important for differentiating infected animals from those vaccinated with marker vaccines. Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) based gE competitive ELISA kits were used in a comparative analysis of 116 sera obtained from naive or vaccinated pigs, after the challenge with virulent 75D19 ADV strain. The compared-kits were: Ingenzim ADV SE® (Ingenasa); IDEXX ADV gp1O (Idexx); Svanovir PRV-9E-Ab® (Svanova) and our home-made kit (IZSLER, Brescia). They were randomly identified as kit 1; kit 2; kit 3 and kit 4. The 116 sera were obtained from forty-nine pigs (50 to 60 days old) that were experimentally infected in a strict confined "level 3" animal,facility by applying six different protocols in order to obtain sera with variable antibody titres. Results indicated that: a) pre-sera and sera sampled in the first days post challenge (5-6 d PI) were negative to each one of the four kits; b) 7-13 d PI sera gave discordant results, and only one kit correctly identified alt them as positive; c) sera obtained after the 13 d PI were positive to alt kits. These data underlined that tests had similar characteristics except for the ability to detect early infection antibodies. Therefore there were no significative differences among kits in the gE detection in very early and post 13 d PI sera. Sensibility and specificity were calculated for alt kits. Kit 1 is the most sensitive (90%); the specificity of all kits was 100%, demonstrating that repeated vaccinations did not result in false positive sera and that the gE-Ab were only induced after infection. Furthermore, in order to ascertain if the antibodies detected by the four different kits were directed towards the sure epitome or different ones, we also tested with the four kits eleven gE specific MAbs, which are known to recognize three different antigenical determinate. Obtained results revealed that alt the kits detected antibodies produced against the same or dose/overlapping epitopes. These epitopes are highly immunogenic, but certainly the possibility that pigs produce antibodies against other epitopes can not to be excluded. Therefore it would be useful for the future to make available a confirmatory test, different from the routine used competitive ELISA test, in particular at the end of an eradication plan, given that the presence of "singleton reactor" has been demonstrated also for the Aujeszky's disease. Lelli° D, Moreno° A, Brocchi° E, Sozzi° E, Canelli° E, Clavero MA, Cordioli° P Autorino GL, Jimenez- Virus West Nile: caratterizzazione di anticorpi monoclonali e potenziale applicazione nella diagnosi di laboratorio III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 63 [Nr. Estr. 4255] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. Dopo dieci anni dalla sua prima segnalazione, il Virus West Nile (WNV) è riapparso nell'Italia settentrionale nel 2008 causando 32 casi clinici negli equini e per la prima volta casi umani di malattia. Lo scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di produrre Anticorpi Monoclonali (MAbs) nei confronti di WNV e caratterizzarli per il successivo utilizzo nella diagnosi di laboratorio. Metodi. Per la produzione dei MAbs è stato utilizzato il ceppo WNV Egypt 101. Lo screening è stato eseguito mediante ELISA indiretta con antigene omologo e immunofluorescenza su cellule Vero infettate e non. La reattività dei MAbs è stata valutata in immunoperossidasi e in sieroneutralizzazione con diversi ceppi di WNV appartenenti ai lineages 1 e 2 e Virus Usutu. Alcuni MAbs sono stati testati in ELISA indiretta presso l'Istituto Pasteur per valutare l'eventuale crossreazione con altri flavivirus quali DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, DEN4, YF, TBE e JE. Ogni MAb è stato esaminato inoltre in Western Blotting (WB) con il virus omologo ed ELISA indiretta verso la proteina ricombinante E (dominio III) prodotta in E. coli. Saggi ELISA competitivi sono stati allestiti per valutare sia la competizione reciproca tra MAbs che verso sieri di polli SPF infettati sperimentalmente con WNV e sieri di equini immunizzati con vaccino inattivato. Quattro MAbs (due neutralizzanti e due non) sono stati coniugati con perossidasi ed utilizzati in tutte le possibili combinazioni, adsorbiti come anticorpi di cattura e coniugati come anticorpi traccianti, per l'allestimento di reazioni ELISA sandwich. Risultati. Durante la fase di screening sono stati selezionati 37 MAbs dei quali 29 specifici per WNV e reattivi con tutti i ceppi testati e 8 cross-reattivi con altri flavivirus. Tredici MAbs presentano attività neutralizzante e di questi, 12 reattivi con la proteina E ricombinante competono reciprocamente. Tutti i MAbs sono risultati negativi in WB suggerendo la natura conformazionale degli epitopi target. Il MAb 3B2 ha dimostrato le migliori performance nei test diagnostici finalizzati alla dimostrazione di antigeni e anticorpi. Conclusioni. I MAbs anti-WNV prodotti trovano largo impiego in diagnostica. Il Mab 3B2 (neutralizzante e specifico per la proteina E dominio III), può essere impiegato in ELISA sandwich per l'identificazione diretta di WNV e in ELISA competitiva per svelare anticorpi neutralizzanti antiWNV in sieri equini e aviari. Inoltre, coniugato con perossidasi, trova impiego come tracciante anche nel test IgM-capture ELISA per la diagnosi di infezioni recenti da WNV nel cavallo. Lelli° D, Moreno° A, Lavazza° A, Sozzi° E, Luppi° A, Can Capucci° L, Cordioli° P elli° E, Tamba° M, Chikungunya : monoclonal antibodies production and their employment in serological diagnosis International Meeting on Emerging Diseases and Suveillance IMED : Vienna, Austria, February 1316, 2009 : Final Program / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 186 [Nr. Estr. 3930] International Meeting on Emerging Diseases and Suveillance : Vienna, Austria : February 13-16, 2009) Background: Chikungunya fever epidemic, first evidenced in Italy in 2007, represents the first autochthonous European outbreak of a tropical disease transmitted by vectors (1,2). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) were produced and used to develop a competitive ELISA test for anti-CHIKV antibody detection in animal sera from different species collected in the area of the CHIKV outbreak. Methods: Virus used for MAbs production and as antigen in the ELISA test was strain 209395/07 isolated from an insect pool (Aedes Albopictus). Screening and characterization of MAbs were performed by indirect ELISA, immunoperoxidase, virusneutralization (VN) and Western blotting (WB). Twenty known human sera (10 positive and 10 negative) and 493 animal sera (256 dog, 123 pigeon, 79 chicken, 28 nutria and 7 rabbit sera) were analysed. Results: Forty five specific MAbs were produced, 9 with VN activity. Two of these (1H7 and 1E10) resulted positive in WB (3). Two neutralizingMAbs (1H7 and 1A7) were further selected, cloned and conjugate with HRP for the development of a competitive ELISA test. MAb 1H7 reacted against a linear epitope while 1A7 against a conformational epitope located both within the E2 protein. The ELISA test was developed using in parallel the 2 conjugated MAbs. Nunc 96 wells plates were coated with partially purified antigen, four dilutions (from 1/5 to 1/40) of each sera were distributed, followed soon afterwards by the addition of selected MAb-conjugates. The ability of sample sera to inhibit the binding of specific MAbconjugate to the antigen was then evaluated and results were expressed as percentage of inhibition. The human sera were correctly identified whereas all the 493 sera resulted negative. Conclusion: The serological diagnosis represents a valid diagnostic tool in the study of the epidemiology of this disease and the effective role of animals in the virus spreading. Lelli° D, Moreno° A, Sozzi° E, Canelli° E, Tamba° M, Cordioli° P Capucci° L, Brocchi° E, Serological investigation for Chickungunya virus in different animal species reared in the area of italian ourbreak in 2007 Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey : Programme and Abstract / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - p 232. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4152] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Lelli° D, Moreno_Martin° A, Lavazza° A, Canelli° E, S ozzi° E, Brocchi° E, Cordioli° P Neuraminidase avian influenza viruses identification using monoclonal antibodies 14th International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians : 18-20 June Madrid : Abstract / [s.n. : s.l., 2009]. - p 98. - 2 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4178] International Symposium for the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (14 : Madrid : 18-20 June) Losi° CG, Sossi° E, Ferrari° S, Villa° R, Ferrari° M An innovative method for cell line identification and interspecies crosscontraminations: cytochrome B polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis 42° International Symposium of animal production " New analytical technologies : tools and implementation strategies in animal science" / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 121-130. - bib ref 9 [Nr. Estr. 4186] International Symposium of animal production (42 One of the major problems in cell culture technology is the misidentification or crosscontaminations of cell lines. According to that, the authentication of all cell lines collected in the Cell Culture Center in Brescia is routinely performed with the aim to confirm the species of origin of each substrate. Currently, this investigation is performed by isoenzyme analysis: however, this method displays several disadvantages such as it is time consuming, it produces variable results and it is difficult to standardize. The need to improve isoenzyme analysis led to the development of a novel technique based on the application of a Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis to a portion of cytochrome b. This method allows to identify 30 different animal species and to detect interspecies cross contaminations with a sensitivity at least similar to that of isoenzyme analysis. Luini° M, Benedetti° V, Piccinini R, Vezzoli° F Casi di infezione mammaria di Campylobacter jejuni nel bovino Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 2 ( 2009). - p 51-54. - 26 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4134] La contaminazione del latte di massa da parte di microrganismi patogeni come Campylobacter jejuni assume importanza per il crescente utilizzo del latte alimentare come latte crudo ai distributori automatici. Vengono descritti due casi nei quali è stato dimostrato che la fonte di contaminazione del latte di massa (e di conseguenza del latte crudo) era rappresentato dalla infezione mammaria di una singola bovina. DESCRIZIONE DEI CASI - I casi si sono verificati in aziende da latte della Pianura Padana rispettivamente di 270 e di 180 vacche in lattazione. In seguito alla analisi progressiva di pool fino al singolo campione è stato dimostrato che un solo quarto infetto da C. jejuni era in grado di contaminare il latte di massa. In un caso è stata documentata una infezione persistente del quarto colpito per almeno 90 giorni, nell'altro per circa 40 giorni. Il trattamento antibiotico della bovina infetta in una delle due aziende è risultato efficace nella risoluzione dell'infezione. DISCUSSIONE E CONCLUSIONI - Benché C. jejuni fosse dimostrabile anche nelle feci di alcuni animali, la segregazione del soggetto con infezione mammaria è risultata efficace nell'eliminare la primaria fonte di contaminazione, con negativizzazione del-la positività sul latte di massa. L'esame colturale e la PCR dei campioni di latte in pool e sottopool fino all'animale singolo, si sono rivelati strumenti idonei alla rapida individuazione dei soggetti infetti. Si può concludere che in ogni caso di positività per C. jejuni nel latte di massa è importante considerare come sorgente, oltre alla contaminazione ambientale del latte, l'infezione mammaria anche di singole bovine. Luppi° A, Bonilauri° P, Mazzoni C, Spaggiari° B, Leon elli° R, Di_Lecce R, Dottori° M Percorso diagnostico nella diagnosi di PMWS/PCVAD e nella valutazione dell’infezione da Circovirus tipo 2 (PCV-2) nel suino = Diagnostic approach about PMWS/PCVD and PCV2 infection evaluation in pig Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 2 ( 2009). - p 55-60. - 13 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4209] Nel presente lavoro si descrivono i risultati ottenuti dall’impiego di metodiche diagnostiche quali la citologia linfonodale e la Real time PCR per PCV-2 eseguita su linfonodi e su siero di sangue in suini provenienti da 2 allevamenti, il primo con elevata prevalenza della PMWS/PCVAD (Postweaning multisistemic wasting syndrome/Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases), con perdite totali intorno al 12-13% ed il secondo con una maggior prevalenza della forma sub-clinica. Le nostre osservazioni permettono di proporre un approccio alternativo alla diagnosi di PMWS/infezione da PCV2 e confermano l’influenza negativa esercitata dalla viremia da PCV-2, anche in assenza della forma clinica, sia sulle performance produttive sia sulle perdite totali. A field study was conducted to investigate the use of a diagnostic approach, based on lymph-nodal cytology and sera and lymph-nodal Real time PCR on pigs belonging to two herds. The first herd showed severe PCVAD/PMWS with herd losses approximately of 12-13%. The second herd showed prevalently a sub-clinical PCV-2 infection with herd losses of about 6-7%. Our results propose an alternative approach to the PMWS/PCV2 infection diagnosis and confirm the negative influence of PCV2 viremia on pig performances also without clinical symptoms. Luppi° A, Bonilauri° P, Mazzoni C, Spaggiari° B, Maio li° G, Leonelli° R, Di_Lecce R, Borri E, Tonon F, Gradellini S, Ferrari E, Dottori° M Percorso diagnostico pre e post vaccinazione per PVC2 in un allevamento con PCVAD/PMWS subclinica = Diagnostic approach before and after vaccination for PCV2 in a subclinical PCVAD/PMWS Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 249-257. - 12 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4083] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Luppi° A, Fontana° MC, Galletti° E, Spaggiari° B, M aioli° G, Bonilauri° P, Dottori° M, Trocchi V, Merialdi° G Diagnosi di toxoplasmosi in lepre bruna europea (Lepus europaeus) XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 176-177. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4101] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Luppi° A, Fontana° MC, Galletti° E, Spaggiari° B, M aioli° G, Bonilauri° P, Dottori° M, Trocchi V, Merialdi° G Fatal toxoplasmosis in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Northern Italy VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : Atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 157-158. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4284] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6 : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) Six cases of fatal acute toxoplasmosis were observed in hares in different areas of Emilia Romagna region, in Northern Italy, during a period of four months. The most characteristic lesion in all hares was a severe splenomegaly. Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed through cytological examination of spleen imprint sampled slides, confirmed by PCR in all hares. The high incidence of acute fatal cases of toxoplasmosis in hares agrees with the observations of other Authors (Gustafsson et al., 1997). For this reasons hares should be considered exceptionally susceptible to primary Toxoplasma gondii infection. Epidemiology and prevalence of T. gondii in hares in Northern Italy necds further investigations.nThe monitoring of the disease in hares could be used to evaluate the level of environmental oocysts contamination in specific geographic areas. Luppi° A, Maioli° G , Spaggiari° B, Gelmetti° D, Gi belli° L.R, Bonilauri° P, Dottori° M Cyathostoma bronchialis in oche di Stenibach XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 174-175 - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4102] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Magnino° S, Ferreri AJM, Ponzoni M Cangi MG, Pasini E, Govi S, Sacchi L, Pecciarini L, RestiAG, Guidoboni M, Vicari° N, Doglion i C, Dolcetti R Issues on the association between Chlamydophila psittaci infection and ocular adnexal lymphomas 1st europena meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects EMAC : June 14-16, 2009 Murcia, Spain : Procedings / by Caro MR, Salinas J, Buendia AJ. - [s. n. : s. l., 2009]. - p 42. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4285] Europen meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects (1st : Murcia, Spain : June 14-16, 2009) Several lines of evidence support the association between Chlamydophila psittaci (Cp), the agent of avian chlamydiosis in birds and psittacosis-omithosis in humans, and ocular adnexal lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type (OAML), an indolent malignancy involving conjunctiva, lachrymal gland, orbital soft tissues, eyehd and lacrimai sac (1). PCR-based methods have allowed to detect Cp DNA in the lymphoma samples of 80% of cases and in the peripheral blood mononuclear ce115 (PBMC) of 41% of these patients (1); immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and laser-capture microdissection-assisted PCR of lymphoma biopsies have showed thai monocytes/macrophages are the carriers of Cp (2); transmission electron microscopy has demonstrated the presence of Cp elementary bodies in the cytoplasm of monocytes/macrophages within OAML specimens (2). Cp has been isolated in celi cultures from PBMC and from conjunctival swabs of OAML patients (3); finally, the treatment of OAML patients with specific antibiotics (doxycycline) leading to eradication of Cp has resulted in long-lasting lymphoma remissions in 65% of patients (4). There is a wide variability in Cp prevalence in OAML patients among countries and among different regions within the saure country (5). For example, the prevalence of Cp infection in OAML patients has been found to be 75% and 75-80% in studies from South Korea and from Italy, and 54% and 47% in an Austrian and a German study, respectively, while no association at ali was reported in studies from Japan and some US regions. Such variability may reflect genuine geographical variations or methodological biases, e.g. variations in PCR techniques and conditions. The establishment of animal models confirming the lymphomagenic potential of Cp and the development of in vitro tests for assessing the ability of lymphocytes from OAML patients to proliferate, when stimulated by chlamydial antigens, are now considered among the highest research príorities in this field. Magnino° S, Haag-Wackernagel D, Geigenfeind I, Helm ecke S, Dovc A, PruknerRadovcic E, Residbegovic E, Ilieski V, Laroucau K, Donati M, Martinov S, Kaleta EF Chlamydial infections in feral pigeons in Europe : review of data and focus on public health implications Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 135 ( 2009). - p 54-67. - 109 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 3984] Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica), which thrive in most European towns and cities, are commonly infected with the zoonotic bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, the agent of psittacosis (also known as ornithosis) in humans. A number of surveys carried out over the last thirty years across Europe have detected high seropositivity values and high percentages of infection in feral pigeon populations. Overall, when considering data from 11 European countries, seropositivity values to C. psittaci in the sampled populationranged from 19.4% to 95.6%. In most surveys, the complement fixation test was used, and antibodies were detected in 19.4-66.3% of the samples, with a median of 46.1%. Indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA tests were employed less frequently, but led to the detection of higher percentages of seropositivity (23.7-67.7% and 35.9-95.6%, respect lively. Attempts to grow C. psittaci in cell culture or embryonated chicken eggs were successful in 2-42.3% and 0-57.1% of samples, respectively, antigen detection methods were positive in 2.3-40% of samples, while conventional PCR and real-time PCR using different genomic targets detected the organism in 3.4-50% of samples. Twenty-five C. psittaci isolates from pigeons were typed as ompA genotype B (n = 14), E (n = 10) and E/B (n=1). The huge increase of feral pigeon populations in Europe is a major cause of concern for the detrimental effect of pigeon droppings on environmental hygiene, in addition to the extensive damage due to the fouling of buildings and monuments. The most important pathogenic organism transmissible from feral pigeons to humans is C. psittaci, with 101 cases of disease reported in the literature. Exposure to C. psittaci-contaminated dust, direct contact with pigeons through handling and, to a lesser extent, through pigeon feeding have been identified as hazardous exposures in more than half of the human cases, while loose or transient contacts with feral pigeons have been mentioned in about 40% of the cases. Education initiatives as to the communication of a health risk resulting from contact with pigeons and pigeon excreta should primarily be targeted at individuals who may be exposed to C. psittaci-contaminated dust, such as demolition/construction workers. Recommendations to this category of workers include wearing protective clothes with hoods, boots, gloves and air filter face masks when removing pigeon faeces from roofs, garrets and buildings, especially if working indoors. Monitoring for C. psittaci infections in these workers over time should also be considered. Children should be warned not to handle sick or dead pigeons, and immunocompromised individuals should be advised to carefully limit their contact to feral pigeons. Culling of pigeons by shooting or poisoning is both unethical and ineffective as the place of the killed birds in the population is quickly filled by new juveniles or immigrating birds from neighbouring areas. Pigeon-deterring systems, such as nets and plastic or metal spikes applied to buildings and monuments will prevent their fouling, and the administration of contraceptive drugs may allow size regulation of the pigeon populations. Nevertheless, the measure that will ultimately lead to permanent reduction and will establish healthy sustainable populations is the restriction of indiscriminate feeding by pigeon lovers. The erection of dovecotes and artificial breeding facilities should be considered for providing shelter and a balanced diet to the birds, as well as a chance of interaction for pigeon lovers in a hygienically controlled environment. Maioli° G, Bonilauri° P, Merialdi° G, Spaggiari° B , Casini° C, Dottori° M Preliminary data on host preference, mean intensity of host infestation and geographical distribution of tick infesting wild hunted animals in two Italian regions VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 135-136. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4303] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6 : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) The aim of this study was to fumish more data ori the Ixoxid fauna of wildlife coilected in Emilia Romagna and. Lombardia, two regions located in the northern part of Italy, and to better understand ticks ecology. Ticks were sampled from hunter-killed animal and identified. A total of 1361 ticks were collected from 206 animals. The most prevalent species was Ixodes ricinus followed by Dermacentor marginatus. Mean tick intensity was lower in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) than in other species and there was no significant variation in tick abundance among months. Ticks were found in ali. sampling months including December and January. Further investigations are in progress to detect tick-borne pathogens circulating in wildlife environment. Maresca C, Bartoccioni S, Bellini° S, Costarelli S, De C urtis M, Faccenda L, Ferrarini N, Flamini AR, Pauselli GB, Scoccia E, Scorcelletti S, Cenci T Malattia vescicolare del suino, aggiornamenti al 31 Dicembre 2008 = Swine vesicular disease, updates to December 31, 2008 Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria http://spvet.it/arretrati/numero-56/webzine.html - ultimo accesso 26/05/2010. - Vol. 56 ( 2009). - p 10-25 [Nr. Estr. 4375] La malattia vescicolare è una malattia del suino causata da un virus della famiglia Picornaviridae (la stessa dell'Afta epizootica), è caratterizzata da un'elevata diffusibilità e quindi da un forte impatto economico e sociale. In Italia, negli ultimi 5 anni, si sono registrati numerosi focolai, in particolare, in Umbria si è verificata un'epidemia alla fine del 2008, che ha coinvolto 30 focolai in provincia di Perugia. Swine vesicular disease is a disease caused by a virus of the family Picornaviridae genus Enterovirus, is characterized by high diffusibility and therefore by a strong economic and social impact. In Italy, over the past 5 years, there have been numerous outbreaks; in Umbria outbreak occurred in late 2008, involving 30 outbreaks in the Province of Perugia. Martinelli N°, Lombardi G° Indagine sulla presenza di patogeni in topi e ratti da laboratorio di allevamenti e centri di sperimentazione XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 33-34. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 3698] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) In this report prevalence rates of mice and rats pathogens in laboratory animal are presented. In mice and rats the most detected infectious agent was M. pulmonis (43,5%) followed by mouse hepatitis virus (36,6%) in mice and by Theiler’s virus in rats. Although health status is very important in laboratory animals, several infectious agents are still circulating in mice and rats colony. Martinelli° N, Luppi° A, Lelli° D, Sozzi° E, Canelli° R, Lavazza° A, Lombardi° G. E, Moreno_Martin° A, Fontana° Prevalenza di anticorpi anti-HEV in allevamenti suini del Nord Italia = Prevalence of hepatitis e virus antibodies among pigs in Northern Italy Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 431-436. - 12 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4226] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Il virus dell’epatite E (HEV), virus ad RNA appartenente al genere Hepevirus, unico membro della famiglia Hepeviridae, e attualmente suddiviso in quattro principali genotipi ed in un unico sierotipo. Un’indagine sierologica per la ricerca di anticorpi anti-HEV e stata condotta in 1422 sieri suini, provenienti da 39 allevamenti (17 a ciclo aperto, 10 a ciclo chiuso e 12 ingrassi), mediante un test ELISA del commercio utilizzato per la diagnosi sierologica di HEV nell’uomo ed opportunamente modifi cato per il suo impiego nel suino. La presenza di anticorpi anti-HEV e stata dimostrata in 714 sieri (50,21%) ed in 38 allevamenti (97,43%). The Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, is a non enveloped RNA virus, belonging to genus Hepevirus, the only member of the Hepeviridae family. HEV is classified into four major genotype but only one serotype is identifi ed. A survey to detect antibodies against hepatitis E virus was undertaken on 39 Italian pig farms (17 farrow to feeder, 10 farrow to fi nish and 12 fattening enterprises). For the study 1422 pig sera samples were tested using a commercial indirect ELISA, originally developed for testing human sera and properly adapted for the analysis of pig sera. 38 of the farms (97,43%) were positive for anti-HEV IgG antibodies and 714 of 1422 sera samples resulted positive (50,21%). Th e study confi rm that HEV is spread in pigs in Italy and is probably endemic in many farms. Massi° P Biosicurezza negli allevamenti avicoli La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 63-90. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4233] Massi° P, Tosi° G Infezione da mycoplasma gallisepticum in polli da riproduzione con trasmissione alla progenie: evoluzione della malattia ed aspetti diagnostici Atti della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare 2009 : XLVIII convegno annuale 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 101-102. - 2 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4155] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) Si descrive un episodio di infezione da Mycoplasma gallisepticum in polli da riproduzione e i riflessi di natura sanitaria sulla progenie. Considerazioni sugli strumenti diagnostici di laboratorio. Massi° P, Tosi° G; Fiorentini° L Experimental infection with the “IT-02” strain of avian Infectious Bronchitis virus in commercial broilers vaccinated with different vaccination programmes using live attenuated vaccines XVIth World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress : November 8-12, 2009 Marrakesh : book of abstracts / [Marrakesh : s.n., 2009]. - p - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4250] World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (16 : Marrakesh : November 8-12, 2009) The trial was performed utilizing four groups (group 1 to group 4) of commercial broilers, reared in isolation units in Italy at the IZSLER laboratory , Forlì. The aim was to evaluate the cross-protection induced by different types of commercial Infectious Bronchitis (IB) live attenuated vaccines, heterologous with respect to the challenge strain, and of vaccination programmes, against an experimental challenge with the “IT-02” strain of avian Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV IT-02). This strain was first isolated in Italy and then sequenced by Bochkov, Y.A. and Drygin, V.V in 2002; it has been subsequently detected in several European countries. Comparing a sequence of 343 basis pairs of the S1 gene, IT-02 virus showed 88.3% homology with the 793/B variant and 77.4% with the Massachussets serotype. Group 1 was vaccinated at 1 and 14 days of age with a live vaccine (CR88 strain, Gallivac® IB88) belonging to the 793/B group of IBV. Group 2 received one dose of a H120 IB live vaccine at day-old and one dose of the 793/B vaccine at 14 days of age. All of the vaccines were applied by eye-drop. Groups 3 (“positive controls”) and 4 (“negative controls”) were not vaccinated. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were experimentally challenged with an infectious dose of 104DIE50 of IT-02 IBV strain, diluted in 0.1 ml of distilled water, and administered byoculo-nasal route at 35 days of age. Group 4 was kept unvaccinated and unchallenged. The groups were monitored during the 7 days post-challenge to assess vaccine protection by evaluating the following parameters: clinical signs and gross lesions, level of antibodies to IBV detected by ELISA and ciliary motility of tracheal epithelium. Ciliary motility is a natural mechanism of defence of the respiratory tract of animals against external agents such as viruses and bacteria that could colonize the airways causing infections and lesions in those tissues. Neither clinical signs nor lesions were caused by the IT-02 IBV challenge in the vaccinated groups, whereas respiratory signs were observed in the group of positive controls. A serological response was detected from 14 days of age in all of the vaccinated groups, with the highest levels observed in Group 2 vaccinated with H120 at day old and 793/B at 14 days. The level of protection afforded by vaccination, as measured by ciliary motility of tracheal rings 3 and 7 days post-challenge, proved to be above 95% in Group 2 which reported a protection index comparable to that of the unchallenged controls (Group 4); it was above 80% in Group 1, whereas it was 0% in Group 3 (positive controls). Overall these results indicate that cross-protection could be achieved by vaccination with commercially available live IBV vaccines, against a novel strain of IBV, IT-02, that emerged in Europe during the last few years. The highest protection was recorded in Group 2, vaccinated with H120 at dayold and 793/B at 14 days of age. Massi° P, Tosi° G, Vandi L, Piva A Prova di infezione sperimentale con un ceppo di Salmonella hadar, isolato dal campo, in polli SPF e controllo della replicazione ed escrezione batterica mediante l’utilizzo di un prodotto a base di acidi organici ed aromi natural-identici microincapsulati (brev. europeo n. 1391155 b1) miscelato nell’alimento in concentrazioni diverse Atti della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare 2009 : XLVIII convegno annuale 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 103-106. - 1 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4153] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) Si descrivono i risultati di una prova infezione sperimentale con un ceppo di Salmonella hadar, isolato dal campo, in polli SPF, ed il controllo della replicazione ed escrezione batterica in seguito all’utilizzo di un prodotto, a base di acidi organici ed aromi naturalidentici microincapsulati, miscelato nell’alimento in concentrazioni diverse di 0,3-1.0-5,0 Kg/tonn di mangime. Per una maggior valutazione della prova sono stati raccolti anche i parametri zootecnici. Matassa R, Vinco° LJ, Diegoli G, Montella L Veterinary training course in farm animal welfare in accordance with EEC 98/58 World Poultry Sci J. - Vol. 2009). - p 54 [Nr. Estr. 4127] European Symposium on Poultry Welfare (8th : Cervia, Italy : 18-22 May 2009) Veterinary training courses in farm animal welfare in accordance with EEC 98/58 Animal welfare legislation are undergoing continuous changes also due to political decisions often supported by public opinion. The application of new welfare laws however often require adjustments as they are applied in the field especially when dealing with farm animals. In this case legislation application often may influence decisions taken by operators that are very expert in one particular area. This fact may have a deep impact with severe economic consequences on very advanced production systems such as the poultry industry. Poultry production, as a matter of fact, is carried out by highly specialised and huge integrated companies. The Italian government veterinary services are, on the other hand, organised in local health units subdivided in functional areas (A= Live animals. B= Slaughtered animals and C= Other, including animal welfare). This type of organization ensures an accurate veterinary control of the territory, but cannot ensure that all the vets are highly specialised in each production sector. For this reason very often the official veterinarian is not capable to deal with the poultry operators by giving them the right answers and making the right decisions. For this specific reason the general management of animal welfare and veterinary products of the Labour Ministry, of the Health Ministry and Social Policies have financed a training programme on the subject of animal welfare, with the aim of informing and training animal farmers. Each event lasted 3 days. The first morning session was dedicated to general legislation involving all animal farm species. The following sessions were dedicated to specific species. Field private vets have been recruited as speakers in order to ensure the provision of updated data thus providing adequate instruments to adapt legislation to specific field situations. Regarding poultry the following species were treated: broilers, turkeys, layers and minor species. Mazzone P, Nardini R, Agnetti F, Biagetti M, Boniotti° B, Cagiola M, Caporali A, Ciulio M, Ferrante G, Gradi M, Mangili PM, Pacciarini° ML, Papa P, Rosignoli L, Maresca C Impiego degli antigeni ricombinanti ESAT 6CFP 10 nel gamma-interferon test in bovini infetti da Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis : dati preliminari XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 74-75. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4183] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Immunological diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle is often confounded by crossreactive responses resulting from exposure to other mycobacterial species, especially Mycobacterium avium. Early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) and culture fi ltrate protein 10 (CFP-10) are dominant gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-inducing antigens of tuberculous mycobacteria, and they are absent from many environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria. Since M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) exposure is the primary confounding factor in the diagnosis of M.bovis-infected animals, in vitro IFN-gamma responses to a recombinant ESAT-6/CFP-10 (rESAT-6/CFP-10) fusion protein by blood leukocytes from cattle naturally exposed to MAP were investigated. Responses to heterogeneous mycobacterial antigens (i.e., purifi ed protein derivatives [PPDs] were also evaluated. In this preliminary study, it appears that use of the rESAT-6/CFP-10 fusion protein could be useful for the detection of Bovine tuberculosis in herds with pre-existing sensitization to M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Merenda° M, Cevidalli AE, Barigazzi° G Determinazione della sensivbilità in vitro di 38 ceppi di A pleuropneumoniae biotipo 1 isolati nel 2009 nei confronti di 16 principi attivi XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 190-191 - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4100] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Merialdi° G, Fontana° MC, Tallarico N,Turci S, Leonel li° R., Galletti° G, Vincenzi E, Rugna G, Bonilauri° P Effetto della somministrazione in fase pre-macellazione di una fonte di acido formico e acido citrico protetto (formylr) sulla prevalenza di suini portatori di Salmonella spp. al macello = Effect of pre-slaughter diet integration with a protected source of formiate and citric acid (formylr) upon the prevalence of Salmonella spp carrier slaugther pigs Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 437-443. - 15 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4077] Meeting Annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini ( SIPAS ) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) In una prova di campo e stata testata l’efficacia di un additivo zootecnico incapsulato a base di una fonte di acido formico e acido citrico (Formyl) nel ridurre la prevalenza di soggetti portatori di Salmonella spp. nei linfonodi mesenterici e nel contenuto ciecale al momento della macellazione. La prova e stata condotta su suini provenienti da un allevamento a ciclo chiuso sito in Emilia Romagna dove era stato precedentemente registrato un elevato tasso di sieropositivita nei confronti di Salmonella. Il gruppo trattato ha ricevuto la dieta di finissaggio con l'aggiunta di 4 Kg di Formyl per tonnellata di mangime negli ultimi 30-50 giorni prima della macellazione, mentre al gruppo di controllo e stata somministrata la dieta commerciale dell’azienda. Al momento della macellazione per ogni partita (sia dal gruppo trattato che dal gruppo di controllo) si e proceduto a prelevare dagli stessi soggetti un campione di contenuto ciecale ed un campione di linfonodi meseraici, per un totale di 100 soggetti nel gruppo di controllo e di 104 soggetti nel gruppo trattato. Dai campioni e stata eseguita la ricerca di Salmonella spp. Attraverso un test standard. La prevalenza di soggetti portatori e risultata signifi cativamente inferiore nel gruppo trattato (28,8%), rispetto al gruppo di controllo (43%). This field trial was carried out to determine the effects of feed acidification with a protected source of formiate and citric acid (FormylR) upon Salmonella carriage in marketage pigs. A group of pigs from an Italian pig herd with high level of infection with Salmonella was included. Pigs were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental one received for 30-50 days prior to slaughter a commercial diet supplemented with formic acid source (Formyl), and the control pigs received the same diet but unacidifi ed. At slaughter 100 pigs (control group) and 104 pigs (experimental group) were submitted to collection of caecal content and mesenteric lymph nodes for Salmonella isolation using standard procedures. The results revealed a signifi cant decrease of the rate of carriers in the experimental group. Miraglia° V, Finazzi° G, Daminelli° P, Monastero° P, B ertolassi° R, Todeschi° S, Boni° P Verifica del contenuto di istamina nella produzione di agoni sott'olio del lago d'Iseo e valutazione della dinamica in vitro VII workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia Sistema di sorveglianza delle infezioni enteriche Infezioni trasmesse da alimenti e acqua : diagnostica ed epidemiologia : 4-5 novembre 2009 Roma / a cura di I Luzzi... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C10) p 49 [Nr. Estr. 4274] Workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia (7 : Roma : 4-5 novembre 2009) Introduzione. Nel 2009 è stata effettuata la caratterizzazione di un prodotto tradizionale di origine ittica del lago d'Iseo: gli agoni essiccati sott'olio, per valutarne il potenziale rischio microbiologico per il consumatore. Oltre a vari parametri microbiologici è stata effettuata la ricerca dell'istamina, amina biogena, prodotta dalla decarbossillazione dell'istidina in alcuni pesci tra cui quelli appartenenti alla famiglia dei Clupeidi (sardine, aringhe, cheppie). Mentre una piccola parte di istamina può svilupparsi fisiologicamente nei tessuti muscolari con il diminuire della freschezza, quote rilevanti vengono invece prodotte dalla proliferazione batterica conseguente ad una prolungata permanenza dell'alimento a temperature >6-10°C. La presenza di elevati tassi di istamina, anche in assenza di alterazioni di odore o sapore, può determinare gravi casi di intossicazione alimentare. In questo studio oltre alla valutazione microbiologica del prodotto, si sono voluti isolare alcuni ceppi istaminoproduttori per verificarne crescita e produzione di istamina in vitro. Metodi. Sui lotti di 5 diversi produttori sono stati eseguiti periodici campionamenti nel corso del processo produttivo: sul pesce fresco, a fine salatura, a fine essiccatura, dopo torchiatura, dopo immersione sott'olio e successivamente a vari intervalli nel prodotto conservato sott'olio fino a tre mesi dall'inizio della produzione. Dai campioni con presenza di istamina in valori elevati è stato isolato un ceppo di Hafnia alvei, trasferito in Tuna Fish Infusion Broth (TFIB) e incubato a 30°C per 64 giorni, determinando l'istamina e numerando le Enterobacteriaceae con cadenza settimanale ad eccezione dell'ultimo prelievo a distanza di un mese. La ricerca di istamina è stata effettuata con metodo ELISA. Risultati. Su 2 delle 5 diverse produzioni sono stati evidenziati valori di istamina, pari a 568 e 101 ppm, associati ad una concentrazione di Enterobacteriaceae compresa rispettivamente tra 103 e 105 Log UFC/g. I dati relativi la prova in vitro mostrano un'iniziale moltiplicazione delle Enterobacteriaceae (Hafnia alvei) e successiva riduzione, associata ad un aumento lineare dell'istamina fino a valori di 840 ppm. Conclusioni. È stato possibile dimostrare come i batteri istamino-produttori, ad elevate temperature siano in grado di produrre istamina anche in fase stazionaria o di riduzione batterica. Soltanto la conservazione dei pesci a basse temperature, unitamente ad una corretta conduzione igienica, consente di contenere la produzione di istamina. More SJ, Cameron AR, Greiner M, Clifton-Hadleyd RS, Correia_Rodeia S, Bakker D, Salman MD; Sharph JM, De_Massis F, Aranaz A, Boniotti° MB, Gaffuri° A, Have P, Verlooe D, Woodfordl M, Wierupm M Defining output-based standards to achieve and maintain tuberculosis freedom in farmed deer, with reference to member states of the European Union Prev Vet Med. - Vol. 90 ( 2009). - p 254-267. - 33 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4179] Within the European Union (EU), detailed legislation has been developed for cattle, but not deer, to minimise disease risks associated with trade in animals and animal products. This legislation is expressed as input-based standards, providing a detailed outline of the activity required (for example, testing of animals and application of defined control measures), on the expectation that an adequate output (for example, confidence in freedom) will be achieved. Input-based standards are at odds with the increasing shift towards output-based standards, particularly in OIE rules governing international trade. In this paper, we define output-based standards to achieve and maintain freedom from tuberculosis (TB) in farmed deer, with reference to EU member states. After considering the probability of freedom achieved for cattle under existing EU legislation, we defined a ‘free farmed deer holding’ as one with a probability of freedom from infection of at least 99%. We then developed an epidemiological model of TB surveillance systems for deer holdings, incorporating different surveillance strategies, including combinations of diagnostic tests, and a variety of different scenarios relating to the potential for introduction of infection. A range of surveillance strategies were identified to achieve and maintain a free farmed deer holding, and worked examples are presented. The surveillance system sensitivity for varying combinations of screening and confirmatory tests in live animals, animals at slaughter and on-farm deaths is also presented. Using a single test at a single point in time, none of the TB tests routinely used in farmed deer is able to achieve an acceptable probability of TB freedom. If repeat testing were undertaken, an acceptable probability of TB freedom could be achieved, with differing combinations of the surveillance system sensitivity, frequency of testing and risk of introduction. The probability of introduction of infection through the importation of infected deer was influenced by the use of a pre-movement test (assumed 90% test sensitivity and negative test results), the TB prevalence in the source herd and the number of animals imported. A surveillance system sensitivity of at least 81% was achieved with different combinations of annual live animal surveillance and surveillance of animals at slaughter or on-farm deaths. This methodology has broad applicability and could also be extended to other diseases in both deer and other species with relevance to trade in animals and animal products. Moreno A°, Barbieri I°, Sozzi E°, Lelli Da°, Fontana R°, Alborali Là, cordioli P° Virus influenzali Suini H1N2 in Italia : presenza di ceppi riassortanti XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 25 -26. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4114] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) The molecular characterization of H1N2 swine influenza virus isolated in Italy in the last ten years are reported. The phylogenetic analysis were performed by the complete sequencing of HA and NA genes. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis showed that Italian strains isolated in 2005-2009 were reassortant strains carrying the HA closely related to European H1N2 swine infl uenza viruses and the NA to the H3N2 human infl uenza virus circulating in 1997-2008. Moreno° A, Brocchi° E, Lelli° D, Gamba° D, Tranquillo ° M, Cordioli° P Monoclonal antibody based ELISA tests to detect antibodies against neuraminidase subtypes 1, 2 and 3 of avian influenza viruses in avian sera Vaccine. - Vol. 27 no 36 ( 2009). - p 4967-4974. - 25 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4136] The objective of this study was the development and the evaluation of competitive ELISA assays based on monoclonal antibodies for the detection of antibodies specific for neuraminidase type 1 (N1), 2 (N2) and 3 (N3) in avian sera. A total of 1450 sera from different avian species (854 negative, 185 positive to N1, 136 positive to N2, 219 positive to N3 and 56 positive to other N subtypes sera) were analysed in parallel by the three ELISAs. ROC analyses were performed to enable the selection of best cut-off values and estimation of diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In addition, the correlation between the new developed ELISAs and the neuraminidase inhibition test was evaluated on a limited number of sera. The validation process of the three ELISAs proved excellent diagnostic performances, with very high specificity and sensitivity, ranging from 99.4 to 99.8% and from 97.6 to 100%, respectively in the three assays. The discriminating potential between antibodies elicited against homologous and heterologous N validates the test for use in “DIVA” assays, to distinguish between vaccinated and infected birds. Moreno° A, Lelli° D, Barbieri° I, Canelli° E, Tamba ° M, Avisani° D, Bonilauri P, Cordioli° P Diagnostic approach to a West Nile virus outbreak in Northern Italy on fall 2008 Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4147] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Moreno° A, Lelli° D, Sozzi° E, Canelli° E, Verdaguer N, Brocchi° E, Cordioli° P Caratterizzazione di anticorpi monoclonali anti-H5 tramite selezione di escape mutants III Workshop nazionale di virologia veterinaria : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Facoltà di medicina veterinaria, Università degli studi di Bari : Valenzano (Bari), 11-12 giugno 2009 : riassunti / a cura di Emiliana Falcone ... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, c2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C4) p 74 [Nr. Estr. 4254] Workshop Nazionale di virologia veterinaria (3. : Valenzano (Bari) : 11-12 giugno 2009) Introduzione. A partire dal 1997 sono stati isolati anche in Italia diversi ceppi di Virus Influenzali Aviari (AIV) H5 ad alta (HPAI) e bassa patogenicità (LPAI). Numerose sono, inoltre, le segnalazioni nel mondo di infezione nell'uomo con AIV H5N1. In questo contesto è essenziale la tempestiva identificazione dei ceppi H5. Lo scopo del presente lavoro è la caratterizzazione di Anticorpi Monoclonali (MAb) specifici H5 per lo sviluppo di test diagnostici finalizzati all'identificazione dei virus e degli anticorpi H5-specifici. Materiali. I MAb sono stati prodotti verso il ceppo di referenza A/Tk/En/28/73 H5N2 LPAI. Le caratteristiche reattive dei MAb sono state valutate tramite inibizione dell'emoagglutinazione (HI), ELISA indiretta con ceppi omologhi ed eterologhi, Western Blotting, virus-neutralizzazione e saggi ELISA competitiva per valutare sia la competizione reciproca tra MAb che verso sieri di pollo SPF infettati con diversi sottotipi di AIV. Infine, la caratterizzazione dei MAb H5-specifici è stata approfondita tramite la produzione di Escape Mutants (EM) ed il sequenziamento dei rispettivi geni H. La specificità del Mab scelto è stata valutata nei confronti di 13 ceppi AIV H5 e 93 ceppi di altri sottotipi. Risultati. Sono stati individuati 25 MAbs specifici H5 che, sulla base delle prove di competizione reciproca, sono stati ulteriormente divisi in tre gruppi che riconoscono rispettivamente tre epitopi conformazionali diversi sulla emoagglutinina. Tra i MAb del primo gruppo, neutralizzanti ed HI positivi, è stato individuato il MAb 5D8 come candidato per lo sviluppo di test diagnostici e per la produzione di EM. Il sequenziamento completo del gene H del ceppo wild type e dei diversi EM-5D8 generati ha evidenziato la presenza di tre mutazioni aminoacidiche in tutti gli EM in posizioni 170, 235, 240. Lo studio cristallografico della H5 attraverso il modelling per omologia con la medesima proteina del ceppo VN1194 e la localizzazione delle mutazioni sulla struttura tridimensionale hanno evidenziato che l'epitopo target del MAb 5D8, mai descritto precedentemente, si localizza nella parte globulare della sub-unità HA1. La specificità del 5D8 è risultata del 100%, evidenziando reattività solo nei confronti dei AIV H5. Conclusioni. La caratterizzazione dei MAb H5-specifici ha permesso di distinguere diversi siti antigenici; l'epitopo identificato dal MAb 5D8, mappato nella parte globulare della sub-unità HA1, è descritto per la prima volta. Il MAb 5D8 è stato utilizzato per lo sviluppo di test diagnostici per la ricerca di antigeni e anticorpi H5-specifici con ottimi risultati. Moreno° A, Sozzi° E, Lelli° D, Vinco° LJ, Lombardi° G Experimental infections of pigs with H7 and H5 avian influenza viruses Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4149] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Moreno° A, Sozzi° E, Lelli° D, Vinco° LJ, Lombardi° G, Cordioli° P Esperimental infections of pigs with H7 and H5 avian influenza viruses Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4144] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Moreno_Martin° A, Barbieri° I, Sozzi° E, Luppi° A, Le lli° D, Lombardi° G, Zanoni° MG, Cordioli° P Novel swine influenza virus subtype H3N1 in Italy Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 138 ( 2009). - p 361-367. - 34 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4214] To date, three subtypes of swine influenza viruses, H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 have been isolated in Italy. In 2006, a novel swine influenza virus subtype (H3N1) was isolated from coughing pigs. RTPCR performed on lung tissues, experimental infection in pigs with the novel isolate, and cloning the virus by plaque assay confirmed this unique H and N combination. The novel isolate was also antigenically and genetically characterized. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis showed that the complete HA gene of the H3N1 strain has the highest nucleotide identity to three Italian H3N2 strains, one isolated in 2001 and two in 2004, whereas the full length NA sequence is closely related to three H1N1 subtype viruses isolated in Italy in 2004. The remaining genes are also closely related to respective genes found in H1N1 and H3N2 SIVs currently circulating in Italy. This suggests that the novel SIV could be a reassortant between the H3N2 and H1N1 SIVs circulating in Italy. Moretto A, Mammone T, Vida P, Lavazza° A, Moretto A European Content for public health awareness of the Rural population on Avian and Influenza Pandemic (ECORAIP) 17th International congress of agricultural medicine and rural health : October 13-16, 2009 Cartagena, Colombia / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p [Nr. Estr. 4346] International congress of agricultural medicine and rural health (17. : Cartagena, Colombia : October 13-16, 2009) The population living in rural areas of Europe is crucial to the potential transmission of avian influenza to humans, due to specific circumstances pertaining to rural life such as backyard poultries, multi-species bird’s farms, proximity to wetlands where migratory birds stop over, and open market’s custom. This project aims to provide practical information and guidelines on effectively preventing and managing these potential threats, targeting the rural population, where a gap of information can be observed. The particular needs of the rural population and its different characteristics across three European Sub-regions which are representative of the Southern, Central-Northern and Eastern Europe have been taken into account. Rural life "risk factors" have been identified in order to develop specific guidelines. Up-to-date scientific knowledge has been evaluated and criteria defined to integrate or customize the available material of public health campaigns, so that this can be disseminated in a feasible and effective way to the population. The channels and networks used for the dissemination of the public health material have been also assessed, reviewing existing efforts aimed at targeting the rural population. The most effective communication strategies have been identified and specific guidelines have been developed as the best practice model. The final phase included the practical application of the guidelines through a pilot test carried out in 30 municipalities of the participating countries (selected according to their socio-demographic characteristics). The "pilot campaign" has included a presentation and administration to the local population of a pre/post questionnaire, in order to identify potential deficiencies or operational problems of the format or content of the information or of the dissemination method. The results of the questionnaires have been evaluated and used to amend where necessary the text for the final printed version of the illustrated leaflet. The leaflet is available in five languages (English, Italian, Greek, Polish and German). Public Health Executive Agency (PHEA) â “ Agreement n. 20067 (2007-2008). Partnership: National Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece), Harvard School of Public Health â “ Cyprus (Cyprus), Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (Poland), Techniche Universitat Dresden (Germany). Natale A, Patregnani T, Tagliabue° S, Alborali° L, Ferronato A, Bucci G, Toffan C, Ceglie L, Catania S, Bonfanti L Gestione di un focolaio di leptospirosi da Leptospira interrogans sierovariante Hardjo in un allevamento di bovine da latte della Pianura Padana = Management of a leptospirosis outbreak due to Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo in a dairy farm in the Po Valley, Italy Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 no 4 ( 2009). - p 153-157. - 11 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4181] Nel mese di ottobre 2007 una bovina lattifera, controllata a seguito di aborto tardivo, risulta sierologicamente positiva per leptospirosi. Conseguentemente a conferma della diagnosi preliminare viene emessa ordinanza sindacale ai sensi del D.P.R. 320/54 e vengono attuate le misure restrittive previste dall’O.M. 4 settembre 1985. L’articolo descrive l’approccio adottato per la gestione del focolaio, comprendente un monitoraggio sierologico, analisi biomolecolari e colturali sulle urine degli animali coinvolti, unitamente ad un adeguato trattamento antibiotico degli animali positivi e a misure di profilassi diretta. Sulla base dell’esperienza acquisita si propone un possibile protocollo operativo per giungere alla revoca delle misure sanitarie e restrittive ai sensi dell’ordinanza in materia di profilassi delle leptospirosi animali. During October 2007 a dairy cow serum collected after abortion tested positive to L. interrogans serovar Hardjo (serogroup Sejroe) with a titre of 1:400. After serological confirmation an official outbreak was declared and restrictions measures were put in place (D.P.R. 320/54, O.M. 4 settembre 1985). The active control of the outbreak included direct prophylaxis measures, serological monitoring, molecular and microbiological diagnosis on urine samples collected from serologically positive animals. Antibiotic therapy was administered to positive animals. Based on this acquired experience, our study suggests an alternative approach for reducing the period of sanitary and restriction measures. Nigrelli° AD Enteriti neonatali enzootiche dei suinetti lattanti, con particolare riguardo alle clostridiosi Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 134-141. - 73 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4104] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Nigrelli° AD, Bertoletti° I, Boldini° M, Fabbi° M, Luini° M, Paterlini° F, Faccini° S Prevalenza del virus BVD in allevamenti di bovine da latte in Lombardia e proposta di un protocollo di eradicazione aziendale = Prevalence of BVDV infection in dairy cattle in Lombardy and proposal of a farm eradication program Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 ( 2009). - p 195-198. - 27 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4216] Gli Autori hanno verificato la sieroprevalenza del virus BVD in alcune province della Lombardia con un campionamento randomizzato stratificato di 240 aziende. In ciascun allevamento sono stati campionati animali giovani (manze) e animali adulti (vacche) e testati per anticorpi anti-NS 2/3 di BVDV mediante ELISA. La prevalenza di positività nei gruppi e i valori di D.O. hanno permesso di valutare la presenza di circolazione attiva di BVDV in 89 allevamenti (37,1%), risposte legate a infezione pregressa in 108 allevamenti (45,0%) e risposte di probabile origine vaccinale in 7 allevamenti (2,9%). Un altro campiona-mento ha interessato nel corso di 24 mesi 194 aziende localizzate in due province lombarde, con esami trimestrali del latte di massa per ricerca di anticorpi in ELISA. La elevata percentuale di "siero conversioni" (63 su 194 corrispondente al 32,5%) rinforza l'evidenza della elevata circolazione di BVDV negli allevamenti Lombardi. Il protocollo di eradicazione applicato in 14 aziende si è basato sulla ricerca di BVDV con PCR in pool di sieri di 20 capi su tutto l'effettivo aziendale a partire dai vitelli di un giorno, seguito per 9 mesi dal controllo dei nuovi nati. Nei diversi allevamenti sono stati individuati da un minimo di 1 soggetto ad un massimo di 14 soggetti persistentemente infetti (PI) corrispondenti a percentuali variabili fra lo 0,1% e il 5,8%. La eliminazione dei soggetti PI individuati ha portato in tutti gli allevamenti alla eradicazione dell'infezione documentata con la ripetuta negatività anticorpale di soggetti di 6/8 mesi e dei campioni di latte di massa in PCR. The authors have verified the seroprevalence of BVDV in a. stratified random sample of 240 cattle farms in some provinces of Lombardy. In each herd, young (heifers) and adult (cows) animals were sampled and tested for antibodies to BVDV NS 2-3 by ELISA. The prevalence of positivity in groups and the observed ODS allowed to assess: (i) the presence of active circulation of BVDV in 89 herds (37.1%), (ii) responses related to prior infection in 108 herds (45.0%) and (iii) responses probably related to the use of vaccine in 7 herds (2.9%). Another sampling involved 194 farms located in two provinces of Lombardy in the course of 24 months, with quarterly examinations of the tank bulk milk antibodies by ELISA. The high percentage of "seroconversion" (63 of 194 corresponding to 32.5%) strongly suggests the evidence for a high circulation of BVDV among herds in Lombardy. The eradication protocol applied in 14 farms was based on the research of BVDV by PCR of pools of 20 sera to cover the whole herd from one day old calves. Moreover all new-born calves averse tested by PCR during the 9 following months. A minimum of 1 to a maximum of 14 (0.1% to 5.8%) persistently infected (PI) animals were identified in the controlled farms. The elimination of PI subjects identified in all herds led to eradication of infection. This was documented by repeated negative antibody response in 6/8 months old subjects and by PCR on the bulk milk samples. Nigrelli° AD, Camoni C, Casappa P Amminosidina e infezione da E. coli nella specie suina Riv Zootec Vet. - Vol. 40 no 1 ( 2009). - p 19-28. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4229] Vengono sinteticamente trattati la patogenesi, gli aspetti epidemiologici, clinici e di controllo delle Colibacillosi del suinetto. Vengono inoltre presentati i risultati di due prove di campo in cui e stata comparata l'efficacia di Amminosidina con quella di due altri aminoglicosidi nel trattamento delle diarree da E. coli dopo lo svezzamento. Pathogenesis, epidemiological, clinical and control aspects of swine Colibacillosis are synthetically reported. The results of two field trials performed to compare the efficacy of Amminosidine and two other aminoglicosidic antibiotics in the control of post-weaning E. coli diarrhea are moreover presented. Nigrelli° AD, Vantini F, Camoni C, Casappa P Valutazione dell’efficacia di due medicazioni in acqua di bevanda a base di amminosidina e di gentamicina sulla diarrea da ETEC (E. coli enterotossici) dopo lo svezzamento = Effect evaluation of the aminosidine and gentamicin water medication in postweaning ETEC diarrhoea Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 449-454. - 3 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4075] Meeting Annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini ( SIPAS ) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Gli Autori hanno verificato la migliore efficacia sull’incremento ponderale e sul controllo della diarrea da E. coli dopo lo svezzamento nei suinetti di amminosidina rispetto a gentamicina. The Authors verified the best effect on the E.coli post-weaning diarrhoea and on the growth of aminosidine in piglets, in compared with gentamicin. Nigrelli AD°, Vantini F, Camoni C, Casappa P, Valutazione dell’attivita’ in condizioni di campo di due medicazioni in alimento a base di amminosidina e apramicina sulla diarrea da e. coli (e. coli enterotossici) dopo lo svezzamento = Effect evaluation of amminosidine and apramycin in feed treatment in post weaning etec diarrhoea Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 444-448. - 4 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4076] Meeting Annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini ( SIPAS ) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) E stata valutata l’efficacia di un trattamento nell’alimento a base di Amminosidina nel controllo della diarrea post-svezzamento dei suinetti. Gli autori hanno verifi cato una migliore risposta dei soggetti cosi trattati a confronto di soggetti sottoposti a trattamento con Apramicina. The efficacy of an in feed treatment, Amminosidine based, in controlling post-weaning diarrhoea was evaluated. The authors verified the better results of treated piglets in comparison to the ones in feed treated with Apramycin. Oliverio° E, Finazzi° G, Daminelli° P, Ducoli° S, Costa nzi C, Bonometti° E Comportamento di staphylococcus aureus enterotossigeno in latte vaccino addizionato di fermenti lattici VII workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia Sistema di sorveglianza delle infezioni enteriche Infezioni trasmesse da alimenti e acqua : diagnostica ed epidemiologia : 4-5 novembre 2009 Roma / a cura di I Luzzi... [et al.]. - Roma : Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 2009. - (ISTISAN congressi ; 09/C10) p 52 [Nr. Estr. 4273] Workshop nazionale Enter-net Italia (7 : Roma : 4-5 novembre 2009) Introduzione. Per ottemperare agli obblighi dettati dai regolamenti comunitari è compito dei produttori di documentare la sicurezza alimentare e verificare il comportamento di microrganismi potenzialmente patogeni per il consumatore. A tale scopo è stato valutato se l'aggiunta di fermenti lattici (yogurt) come innesto fosse in grado di inibire la produzione di tossina da parte di Staphylococcus aureus nel latte destinato alla caseificazione secondo la tecnologia tipica dei formaggi d'alpeggio dell'Arco Alpino. Metodi. La sperimentazione è stata condotta utilizzando sia latte UHT che latte crudo. Entrambe le tipologie di latte sono state suddivise in 3 aliquote da 200 ml delle quali: una addizionata di S. aureus enterotossigeno alla concentrazione di 104-105 ufc/ml e 10 ml di yogurt; una con solo S. aureus e la terza aliquota utilizzata come controllo negativo. Tutti i campioni sono stati conservati a 20°C e campionati dopo 4, 7, 24, 28, 31 e 48 ore. S ui campioni di latte crudo si è proceduto a numerazione di S. aureus, numerazione di flora lattica, ricerca dell'enterotossina e determinazione del pH. Le stesse analisi sono state effettuate anche sui campioni di latte UHT unitamente alla numerazione della carica batterica totale mesofila. Risultati. Nel latte UHT contaminato non addizionato di fermenti si è osservato un rapido incremento della popolazione di S. aureus con presenza di enterotossina a 28 ore. Nel latte UHT addizionato di flora lattica la concentrazione del patogeno si è mantenuta invariata e non è stata prodotta enterotossina. Nei campioni di latte crudo, con naturale presenza di flore lattiche, indipendentemente dall'ulteriore aggiunta di innesto, la popolazione di S. aureus si è mantenuta costante e in entrambe le situazioni non si è avuta la produzione di enterotossina. Conclusioni. L'incremento di S. aureus, e la conseguente produzione di enterotossina nel latte crudo è inibito dalla contemporanea presenza di flore lattiche, sia naturalmente presenti sia innestate. L'assenza di flore in grado di biocompetere nei confronti di S. aureus consente il rapido aumento del patogeno e la produzione di enterotossina, come si evince nei campioni di latte UHT contaminati. La pratica di aggiungere flora lattica potenziando quella inizialmente presente nel latte rappresenta dunque un metodo per prevenire la moltiplicazione di S. aureus e la conseguente produzione di tossina nei formaggi al latte crudo, quali usualmente prodotti in malga. Palermo P, Robetto S, Gaffuri° A,Gavaudan S, Ferrant elli, Pasolli C, Petrella A, Pintore A, Di Ventura M, Battisti A, Di Prisco F, Cantucci U, Orusa R Wild animal diseases: the Italian surveillance net VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : Atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 173-174 [Nr. Estr. 4301] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6 : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) Pennelli D, Salogni° C, Tagliabue° S, Alborali° L Antibioticoresistenza in ceppi di Lactococcus garvieae isolati da salmonidi nel periodo 19942005: risultati preliminari Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 3 ( 2009). - p 13-15. [Nr. Estr. 4063] Petracci M, Amadori° M, Archetti° IL, Bianchi M, Monte lla L, Cavani C Effect of feeding during long transport on welfare of laying pullets World Poultry Sci J. - Vol. 2009). - p 102 [Nr. Estr. 4128] European Symposium on Poultry Welfare (8th : Cervia, Italy : 18-22 May 2009) A study was conducted to test the effects of a newly-developed transport feed (TF) with high water content on pullets transported more than 12 hours. After preliminary tests on farmed pullets, three individual transport trials were conducted, using a total of 330 animals (Lohmann Brown, 16-wk-old, average body weight: 1.384 kg), transported in 48×54×21 cm (length×width×height), metal wire commercial crates, divided into 2 groups. Control pullets were kept without feed and water and loaded at the usual commercial stocking density (8 pullets/crate; 324 cm²/animal), whereas the experimental group had access to TF and were loaded at the same density considering TF surface (7 pullets/crate; 324 cm²/animal). Birds were placed on commercial lorries and transported for 20 hours. Before catching, and at the end of transport, blood samples (15 animals/group at random) were taken from vena ulnaris superficialis and used to determine hematocrit, total protein, sodium, glucose, plasma corticosterone, heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs), total antioxidant power (OXY-TA) and lisozyme. TF consumption as well as changes in body weight and body (cloacal) temperature were also assessed. Mean TF consumption in experimental groups was 67.0 g/animal (12.5 g dry matter and 54.5 g water) with an energy supply of 0.206 MJ/animal. Pullets that had access to FT had lower body weight losses (6.4 vs. 5.2%; P<0.01) and a lower decrease of body temperature (-0.1 vs. -0.3°C; P<0.05), compared with controls. Moreover, TF pullets showed significantly lower plasma corticosterone, lisozyme, sodium and OXY-TA values as well as a reduced heterophil/lymphocyte ratio. Overall, these findings indicate that TF can reduce negative energy balance and stress in pullets during long-distance journeys. Petrini S, Barocci S, Gavaudan S, Villa° R, Briscolini S , Sabbatini M, Mattozzi C, Barchiesi F, Salamida S, Ferrari° M, Paniccià M, Pezzott i G Detection of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) from wild boars in central Italy Eur J Wild Res. - Vol. 55 no 5 ( 2009). - p 465-469. - 18 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4138] The lesions observed in 16 wild boars, hunted in central Italy, led to the suspect that could be related to the infection by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). The animals had macroscopic and histological lesions in the lungs, tonsils, and bronchial lymph nodes. PCV2 was detected in tissue samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry and it was isolated in newborn swine kidney cell cultures. From the infected cell culture supernatant, the presence of PCV2 DNA was confirmed by real-time PCR whereas virus particles were observed by electron microscopy. These diagnostic data indicate that PCV2 can infect and cause disease in Sus scrofa subspecies other than domestic swine and it is present in the wild boar population in central Italy. Pezzoni° G, Brocchi° Emiliana A Baculovirus expressed NS3 protein of bovine viral diarrhea virus displays conformational and antigenical properties as the native protein 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 205 - 1 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4172] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) Pezzoni° G, Stercoli° L, Cordioli° P, Brocchi° E Serodiagnosis of pestiviruses infection by competitive-ELISA based on monoclonal. antibodies and recombinant ns3 Third annual meeting Epizone : "Crossing borders" : 12-15 May 2009 Antalya, Turkey : Programme and Abstract / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4150] Annual meeting Epizone (3rd : Antalya, Turkey : 12-15 May, 2009) Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Border Disease virus (BDV) and Classical Swine Fever virus (CSFV) belong to Pestivirus group, the three viruses are antigenically related. The most immunogenic and conserved protein among pestiviruses is the non strutturai protein 3 (NS3), a multifunctional enzyme with at least two domains associated with enzymatic activities: a serine protease activity and an NTPase-elicase activity. Currently, serological assays for Pestiviruses are based on the detection of antibodies against NS3. We expressed the NS3-NTPase-elicase domain (rNS3E) of BVDV NADL strain in a baculovirus/insect celi system, in order to preserve the natural antigenic and strutturai properties of the native antigen. The rNS3E is produced at high yielci and is recognized in immunofluorescence by three anti-NS3 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) prevìously raised against an Italian isolate of BVDV. According to the results of reciprocal competition the MAbs identify three different epitopes on the rNS3E as well as on the native antigen; their absence of reactivity in Western-blot indicates that the three epitopes are conformation-dependent. When combined as catching and conjugated antibody in sandwich ELISA assays, the three MAbs showed reactivity profiles with the rNS3E identical to those observed with.the native antigen. Overall, this reactivity provided evidente that the recombinant protein reproduces folding and antìgenicity of the native virai protein, providing the conditions for the development of a functional antibody-detection ELISA for pestiviruses. For the test design we chose a competitive ELISA, since it is equivalently applicable to any animal species. In particular, the MAb-based competitive test, routinely used in our laboratory, was modified in order to substitute the BVD virus used as source of NS3 with the rNS3E. MAb 3H4 was confirmed as the best antigen capture antibody to display most antigenic epitopes and MAb 3A3, conjugated with peroxidase, as the best competing antibody. Diagnostic performance of the competitive ELISA based on rNS3E was evaluated by testing bovine and pig sera in parallel with the in-house test for pestiviruses antibodies; an additional test for CSFV-specific antibodies, provided by the National Referente Laboratory for CSF (IZS Perugia), was used as confirmatory test far positive pig seral. Results for 369 bovine sera showed a 100% concordante between the two ELISAs for pestiviruses, wíth 147 positive and 222 negative samples in both tests. Regarding pig sera, out of 2691 field samples examined, 221 scored positive and 2456 scored negative in both ELISAs (99.5 % concordant results). Ali the positive pig sera were elicited by infection with pestiviruses other than CSFV, as none of them reacted in the CSFV-specific ELISA. The capability of recombinant competitive ELISA to recognize allo infection by CSF virus was investigated using a panel of sera from pigs experimenta]ly vaccinated with the CSF China strain and subsequently challenged with a pathogenic virus: results of the immune response detected by the recombinant ELISA consistently corcelated with results provided by the in-house test based on the native viral antigen and by the C5FV-specific ELISA. In conclusion, the rNS3E can successfully substitute the virai antigen in serological diagnosîs of infections cavsed by pestiviruses; the use of a recombinant antigen in association with characterized MAbs makes the productíon and yield of biological reagents safer and easier and ensures improved standardization and reproducibility of serological tests. Pezzoni° G , Stercoli° L, Cordioli° P, Brocchi° E Recombinant NS3 and monoclonal antibodies for serodiagnosis of pestiviruses infection by competitive ELISA 8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology : 23rd - 26th August 2009 Budapest - Hungary : 20 years of ESVV: Integrating Classical and Molecular Virology : Programme & proceeding / [s.l : s.n., 2009]. - p 74 - 2 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4171] International Congress of Veterinary Virology (8. : Budapest - Hungary : 23rd - 26th August 2009) Piccirillo A, Pasotto ,D Moreno_Martin° A, Cordioli° P Serological survey for influenza type A viruses in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) in North-Eastern Italy Zoonoses Public Health. - Vol. 2009). - p 1-5. - 31 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4213] To ascertain the potential transmission of influenza A viruses to dogs and cats, a serological survey was carried out in North-eastern Italy. In a 4-year period, 637 serum samples were screened using a Mab-based competitive ELISA for anti-nucleoprotein A (NPA) antibody detection of influenza viruses. No evidence of anti-NPA antibodies was observed. Pignatelli J, Jimenez M, Luque MT, Rejas MT, Lavazza° A, Rodriguez D Molecular characterization of a new PToV strain. Evolutionary implications Virus Res. - Vol. 143 ( 2009). - p 33-43. - 56 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4196] Toroviruses are emergent viruses, belonging to the Nidovirales order, that remain mostly ignored, despite they are able to infect different species of domestic animals and humans, causing enteric diseases and diarrhea. Thus far, only five variants of porcine torovirus (PToV) have been identified. In this report we describe the identification and partial characterization of a new strain of porcine torovirus (PToV-BRES) that was detected by RT-PCR in a swine faecal specimen from a farm in Brescia (Italy). The complete genes coding for the nucleocapsid (N), hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) and membrane (M) proteins were amplified, and sequence analysis showed that PToV-BRES is a new PToV strain that, based on the HE gene sequence, is phylogenetically related to P4 strain, that was up to now the only member of a distinct PToV lineage. The nucleocapsid protein from PToVBRES was expressed in insect cells as a his-tagged protein, purified by affinity chromatography and used to develop an ELISA method to detect antibodies against PToV. This assay was evaluated using a serum collection including 45 samples from three commercial farms from Spain. High antibody prevalence against PToV was observed in the three farms, both in adult animals and in piglets, which could suggest that PToV might be endemic in Spanish porcine population. The ELISA method developed in this work could be useful in future epidemiological surveys about toroviruses. Pisoni G, Zadoks RN, Vimercati C, Locatelli C, Zanoni° M G, Moroni P Epidemiological investigation of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus involved in clinical mastitis in dairy goats J Dairy Sci. - Vol. 92 no 3 ( 2009). - p 943-951. - 27 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4130] An outbreak of clinical mastitis was observed in dairy goats due to the zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Affected goats were culled to prevent transmission of infection to other animals or humans. The objective of the study was to determine whether horses on the same farm were the source of the pathogen. Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus was obtained from milk of 10% of goats in the herd and from feces of 3 of 7 healthy horses that shared pasture and housing with the goats. Isolates of caprine and equine origin had identical biochemical profiles, including the ability to ferment sorbitol and lactose, which distinguishes S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus from S. equi ssp. equi. Sequencing of the 16S–23S intergenic spacer region and results from sodA-seeI multiplex PCR supported identification of isolates as S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Based on random amplified polymorphic DNA typing and rpoB and sodA sequencing, caprine isolates were indistinguishable from each other, but distinct from equine isolates. Further analysis of equine fecal samples showed that multiple strains of S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus can be present in a single sample or in sequential samples obtained from a single horse. Failure to detect the mastitis-causing strain in equine feces may indicate that horses were not the source of the mastitis outbreak in goats. Alternatively, the outbreak may be due to presence of multiple S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus strains in equine feces and a failure to detect all strains when analyzing a limited number of isolates per sample. Pongolini° S, Bergamini° F, Bassi° S A new genotyping strategy for efficient scoring of closely positioned SNPs in the ovine prion protein gene Mol Cell Probes. - Vol. 23 ( 2009). - p 122-125. - 16 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4037] Amino-acid polymorphisms of the ovine prion protein have been known to influence susceptibility to scrapie for many years. Recently, a role in both classical and atypical scrapie was assigned to new mutations, increasing the overall number of polymorphisms of interest for breeding plans. Besides, the high number and density of polymorphisms in the prion protein gene (PrP) and the presence of unusual mutations in some breeds hampers genotyping methods, making multiplexing difficult and sometimes compromising analytical results. We developed a multiplex genotyping method for the ovine PrP that overcomes the limitations posed by the high number and density of the polymorphisms to interrogate. Nine primers were designed to be compatible in a single primerextension reaction developed for routine genotyping, with the capacity to identify the following polymorphisms: A136V, M137T, 1-141F, I142K, R154H, Q171R, Q171H, Q171K and N176K. Sitespecific mutations were inserted in primer sequences in order to prevent extension of reciprocally complementary primers. Complete accuracy and repeatability of the assay was assessed with reference to 97 sequenced samples. The presented method constitutes an improved tool for ovine PrP genotyping and a general strategy for the use of primer extension in a genetic context of high density of polymorphisms.. Pongolini° S, Bergamini° F, Iori° A, Migliore S, Co rradi A, Bassi° S Prion protein genotypes of Italian sheep breeds with lysine-171 and phenylalanine-141 detection Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 137 ( 2009). - p 18-23. - 25 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4025] Amino acid polymorphisms of the prion protein gene influence sheep susceptibility to classical and atypical scrapie. Substitutions at codons 136, 154 and 171 play an important role in classical scrapie. Codon 141 leucine to phenylalanine mutation (AFRQ) has been recognized as an increased risk factor for atypical scrapie. In addition a rare allele with lysine at codon 171 (ARK) has been detected in Mediterranean sheep breeds. The presence of ARK poses two problems: the determination of its frequency and its possible interference with genotyping output of routine methods lacking specific detection capacity for ARK. The aim of our work was the development of a routine genotyping method with the capacity to identify ARK and AFRQ in addition to the normally detected alleles and to determine the frequencies of all these alleles in 5 main Italian breeds: Sarda (n = 2494), Bergamasca (n = 2686), Appenninica (n = 297), Comisana (n = 361) and Massese (n = 402). A multiplex primer extension assay targeting the six single nucleotide polymorphisms of interest was developed. Allele frequencies revealed a very low level of ARR in Bergamasca (6.91%) as opposed to the other breeds, very diverse levels of AFRQ ranging from absence in Comisana to 10.70% in Massese and a restricted presence of ARK. This allele has only been detected in Bargamasca with a significant 3.67% and marginally in Appenninica (0.34%). These results underline the need for adequate routine methods for genotyping of breeds with alleles that can interfere with typing of important codons such as the case of ARK for codon 171. Pozzato N, Arrigoni° N, Bonizzato S, Chiavegato M, Ton do A, Capello K Field and interlaboratory evaluation of four commercial ELISA kits for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis antibody detection in bovine serum Proocedings of the 10th International Colloqium on Paratuberculosis : August 9-14 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota / [Minneapolis, Minnesota : s.l., 2009]. - p 54 [Nr. Estr. 4305] International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (10th : Minneapolis, Minnesota : August 9-14, 2009) Detection of antibodies by ELISA is an important tool for Johne’s disease control. The goal ofthis work was to evaluate four commercial ELISA tests. We determined diagnostic sensitivity and specificity on field samples and the robustness of the kits in an interlaboratory trial. To assess diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, 92 sera from fecal culture positive animals at different level of excretion and 32 from negative herds were analysed in one laboratory. All the kits demonstrated a specificity of 100.0%. Merging inconclusive and positive results, test sensitivity was 71.7% for kit A and B and 67.4 for kit C and D. Among infected animals, ELISA sensitivity did not varied significantly with Map excretion levels with all the kit used. For the interlaboratory trial, 30 coded samples composed by eight replicates of one negative sample and two replicates of 11 positive samples were selected and delivered with the kits to 10 laboratories throughout Italy. All the participants tested each sample in duplicates. Decoded results were analysed for reproducibility within and among laboratories and quantitative results were transformed into S/P values to compare analytical results. Kit A gave 100% of the expected results and Kit B gave almost the same outcome: just one laboratory obtained one inconclusive and one negative result in one replicate. Kit C gave the expected results for 9/11 positive samples and Kit D for 5/11 positive samples. Variations among replicates and laboratories were obtained with the remaining positive samples for these two kits. Regarding the replicates on negative sample, 5 incorrect results distributed in three laboratories for kit C and one doubtful replicate in one laboratory for kit D were detected. According to these results, two (A and B) of the four ELISA kits evaluated showed good performances and reproducibility within and among laboratories. Puleio R, tamburello A, Ferrari° M, Schiavo MR, Nichol as RAJ, Loria GR Standardizzazione di un test diagnostico immunoistochimico per la ricerca di Mycoplasma mycoides subspecie mycoides large colony XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 224-225. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4099] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Radaelli E, Del_Piero F, Aresu L, Sciarrone F, Vicari° N, Mattiello S, Tagliabue° S, Fabbi° M, Scanziani E Expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens in porcine leptospiral nephritis Vet Pathol. - Vol. 46 no 5 ( 2009). - p 800-809 - 37 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 3922] Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII) is required for the presentation of antigens to CD4 helper T cells. During nephritis, not only primary antigen presenting cells such as histiocytes and lymphocytes, but also cytokine-stimulated tubular epithelial cells express MHCII. Leptospirosis in fattening pigs is characterized by several degrees of nephritis, from absence of lesions to severe multifocal tubulo-interstitial inflammation. Renal tissue from 20 8-month-old pigs with spontaneous nephritis and 6 control pigs without renal lesions were investigated for leptospirosis by indirect immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IHC for MHCII also was performed on renal samples. Serum samples were tested for different serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Control pigs were free of interstitial nephritis and negative for leptospirosis by all tests. In pigs with nephritis, serology was positive for serovar Pomona in 19/20 pigs. In 16 of these 19 pigs, leptospiral renal infection was confirmed by PCR and/or indirect IHC. Nephritic lesions were classified histologically into perivascular lymphocytic (4 pigs), lymphofollicular (6 pigs), lymphohistiocytic (8 pigs), and neutrophilic (2 pigs) pattern. MHCII expression by histiocytes and lymphocytes was observed in all lesions. Prominent MHCII expression in regenerating tubular epithelium was observed in lymphofollicular and lymphohistiocytic nephritis. No tubular colocalization between leptospiral and MHCII antigen was observed. Results suggest that during leptospiral nephritis, MHCII contributes to the intensity of the inflammatory response. Furthermore de novo MHCII expression in regenerating tubules may play a role in the defence mechanism against leptospiral tubular colonization. Radaelli E, Luini° M, Domeneghini C, Loria GR, Recor dati C, Radaelli P, Scanziani E. Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules in chronic pulmonary Mycoplasma bovis infection in cattle J Comp Pathol. - Vol. 140 ( 2009). - p 198-202. - 17 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4277] Pulmonary inflammation often results in expression of the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII) by both professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs; histiocytes and lymphocytes) and nonprofessional APCs (respiratory epithelium and endothelium). In this study lesions from 17 cases of bovine chronic pneumonia, associated with Mycoplasma bovis infection, were examined immunohistochemically for M. bovis antigen and MHCII expression. Ten cases of chronic necrosuppurative bronchopneumonia (NBP) were shown to be characterized by abundant perinecrotic M. bovis antigen associated with scant MHCII expression by degenerate leucocytes. Seven cases of chronic catarrhal bronchointerstitial pneumonia (CBP) showed prominent MHCII expression by both professional APCs and respiratory epithelium, in the absence of intralesional M. bovis immunolabelling. The results suggest that prominent MHCII expression by both professional and non-professional APCs plays a role in the pathogenesis of M. bovis-induced CBP. Conversely, the role of MHCII expression in necrosuppurative foci typical of M. bovis-associated NBP can be considered negligible . Razzuoli° E, Dotti° S, Archetti° IL, Amadori° M Valutazione di alcuni parametri biochimico-clinici in suini allo svezzamento e loro modulazione dopo somministrazione a basso dosaggio di interferon-a per OS = Clinical chemistry parameters of piglets at weaning are modulated by an oral, low-dose interferon-a treatment Atti Soc Ital Sci Vet. - Vol. 63 ( 2009). - cdrom p 447-449. - 6 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4394] Convegno Nazionale della Societa' Italiana delle Scienze Veterinarie (SISVET) (63 : Udine : 16-18 Settembre 2009) Le normative europee degli ultimi anni hanno dato notevole importanza al benessere degli animali da reddito e alla sua valutazione in allevamento. Tali normative sono state promosse dalla ricerca scientifica, che ha indagato i legami funzionali tra risposta immunitaria innata, flogosi e stress; proprio la risposta flogistica viene considerata come un meccanismo di primaria importanza per i processi omeostatici dell’ospite nei confronti degli stressors ambientali, sia di origine infettiva che non infettiva. In questo ambito, lo svezzamento è certamente uno dei fattori stressanti più critici dell’intero ciclo produttivo del suino, che determina una cospicua risposta in senso proflogistico degli enterociti. Vi sono numerosi fattori che possono determinare problemi più o meno gravi agli animali nel momento dell’allontanamento dalla madre (cambiamento dell’alimentazione, immaturità dell’epitelio intestinale, rimescolamento delle nidiate, variazioni nella temperatura e nell’umidità dei capannoni, ecc). L’età dei soggetti è di particolare importanza al fine di minimizzare le possibili perdite che si verificano in questo momento, il che ha spinto il Legislatore ad indicare il termine dei 28 giorni per lo svezzamento dei suinetti (D.Lgs. 20/02/2004 n° 53). Vi sono infatti indicazioni che l o svezzamento precoce determini una cospicua risposta omeostatica compensativa, che si evidenzia anche con la comparsa di interferon-a (IFN-a) nel siero degli animali nei giorni successivi allo svezzamento. Scopo di questo lavoro è stata la valutazione in forma comparativa degli effetti dello svezzamento a 22 e 28 giorni di vita; è stato inoltre analizzato il possibile effetto della somministrazione orale a basso dosaggio di IFN-a in soggetti svezzati precocemente a 22 giorni. Clinical chemistry parameters were investigated in piglets weaned at 22 and 28 days. The effects of an oral, low-dose interferon (IFN)-a treatment at weaning were evaluated as well. The trial was carried out on 59 piglets of the same farm, allocated to three groups: the first and the second groups were weaned at 28 and 22 days, respectively; the third one was weaned at 22 days and treated with IFN-a. Results indicate that early weaning at 22 days implies higher efforts of environmental adaptation. In such animals an oral, low-dose IFN-a treatment can effectively modulate the circuits of the inflammatory response, thus improving the homeostatic response to the early weaning stressor. Razzuoli° E, Villa° R , Sossi° E, Amadori° M Evaluation of the interferon-alpha response in pigs after weaning 3rd European Veterinary Immunology Workshop (EVIW) : 10th - 13th September 2009, Berlin, Germany : Programme & book of abstract / [s.l. : s. n., 2009]. - 4164] European Veterinary Immunology Workshop (3th : Berlin, Germany : 10th - 13th September 2009) Piglets often show an interferon (IFN)-alpha response in serum after early weaning. This issue was investigateti in a field trial on sg pigiets weaned at either 22 or 28 days. Ali the pigs remained healthy and showed the expected weight gains. A low-titered IFN-alpha response was detected in many sera at day +6 alter weaning. The antiviral activity on MDBK cells could be blocked by a monoclonal antibody to porcine IFN-alphai. By gel filtration chromatography, the antiviral activity of sera could be traced back to three components of apparent molecular mass 27/18ho kDa, respectively. A small percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from severa) pigiets at day +6 were also positive in a flow cytometry assay for intracellular porcine IFN-alpha. The prevalente of IFN alphapositive PBMC showed no evident correlation with the serum IFN-alpha response. The expression of porcine IFN-alpha genes was investigateti by RT-Real Time PCR at days -1 and +6 in PBMC of 8 piglets. At day -i, the IFN alphas, alpha6 and alphaiz genes were shown to be expressed in 7 out of 8 pigiets; the IFN alphas, alpha7, alphan, alphaz and alpha4 genes were expressed in fewer pigs. On the contrary, ali the above genes were not expressed at day +6.Our results are in agreement with previous reports about constitutive expression and secretion of IFN-alpha. These findings highlight the importante of type I IFNs as homeostatic agents in the response to environmental stressors. Recordati C, Gualdi V, Craven M, Sala° L, Luini° M, L anzoni A, Rishniw M, Simpson KW, Scanziani E. Spatial distribution of Helicobacter spp. in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs Helicobacter. - Vol. 14 ( 2009). - p 180-191. - 43 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4276] BACKGROUND: In dogs, the gastric Helicobacter spp. have been well studied, but there is little information regarding the other parts of the alimentary system. We sought to determine the spatial distribution of Helicobacter spp. in the gastrointestinal tract and the hepatobiliary system of dogs using culture-independent methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of stomach, duodenum, ileum, cecum, colon, pancreas, liver, and bile from six dogs were evaluated for Helicobacter spp. by genus, gastric, and enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. Polymerase chain reaction, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). RESULTS: In the stomach, Helicobacter spp. DNA was detected in all six dogs, with H. bizzozeronii and H. felis identified by specific polymerase chain reaction. Helicobacter organisms were localized within the surface mucus, the lumen of gastric glands, and inside parietal cells. The small intestine harbored gastric and enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. DNA/antigen in low amounts. In the cecum and colon, Helicobacter spp. DNA, with highest similarity to H. bilis/flexispira taxon 8, H. cinaedi, and H. canis, was detected in all six dogs. Helicobacter organisms were localized at the mucosal surface and within the crypts. Gastric Helicobacter spp. DNA was detected occasionally in the large intestine, but no gastric Helicobacter spp. were present in clone libraries or detected by FISH. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that in addition to the stomach, the large intestine of dogs is also abundantly colonized by Helicobacter spp. Additional studies are necessary to investigate the association between enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. and presence of intestinal inflammatory or proliferative disorders in dogs. Renzi° M Conigli: le batteriosi dell'apparato digerente : patologie dell'apparato digerente ad eziologia batterica negli allevamenti cunicoli intensivi Obiet Docum Vet. - Vol. 30 no 1 ( 2009). - p 13-21. - 59 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4204] Renzi° M, Buratti° L, Frasnelli° M, Rugna° G, Spaggia ri° B, Merialdi° G Serological survey on toxoplasma gondii diffusion in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Emilia Romagna Atti del III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 33 [Nr. Estr. 4268] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF (3 : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) In Emilia Romagna roe deer (RD) (Capreolus capreolus) population has been constantly increasing during recent years reaching high values of biotic density. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild ruminants and in other wild species was recognized since the early 1960s and RD is known to be an intermediate host of the parasite. A seroprevalence study was performed during 2008-2009 to verify and quantify the diffusion of T. gondii infection in RD populations of Emilia Romagna. In the present study the resulting prevalences are presented and the efficacy of a multispecies ELISA assay is evaluated as an alternative to direct agglutination test. RD sera were collected from Jan 2008 to Jul 2009 during Emilia Romagna regional wild fauna monitoring plan and tested for T. gondii antibodies (Abs) by ELISA assay (ID-VET® commercial multispecies kit). Positive sera were tested and confirmed by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFI) (OIE method for sheep and goat) using Biomerieux® slides and anti-RD IgG produced by IZSLER. Abs titers = 1:40 were considered positive. Association was analyzed between prevalence data and risk factors such as of sex, province and age class (3 age classes: <11 mths; 12-23 mths; >23 mths) ( 2 test). Two hundred forty eight RD sera were examined and 63 tested positive, for an overall 25,4% prevalence (CI 95%: 20,1%-31,3%). Each ELISA-positive sample was confirmed by IFI. In each province the prevalence was found to be as follows: Bologna 25,3% (CI 95%: 16,0-36,7), Forlì-Cesena 40% (CI 95%: 5,385,3), Modena 21,9% (CI 95%: 9,3-40,0), Ravenna 22,5% (CI 95%: 13,5-34,0), Reggio Emilia 29,2% (CI 95%: 18,6-41,8). No statistically significant differences were found for different provinces and sex (p>0,05), while seroprevalence levels were significantly different in different age classes (p<0,01): higher prevalences were found in individuals older than 23 mths (<12mths: 14,3%; 13mths-23mth: 9,1%; >24mths: 32,06%). The prevalence found in the present study is medium-tohigh if compared to the prevalence found in some alpine areas and demonstrates the high and diffused exposure of adult roe deer to Toxoplasma infection. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis transmission need to be further investigated. The employed ELISA assay resulted to be specific and easy to use, representing an effective alternative to direct agglutination test. Ricchi° M, Cammi° G, Merenda° M, Garbarino° C, Bellet ti° GL, Arrigoni° N Tipizzazione molecolare di specie di prototheca mediante real time PCR associata ad analisi della curva di Melting XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 62-63. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4109] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Some algae species belonging to the genus Prototheca are able to induce persistent infections both in human and in animals. The most important infection in animals is bovine mastitis. So far, efficient therapies are not available against these organisms. The knowledge of the species involved could be essential for the outbreak management in dairy herds. For this purpose we developed a simple and rapid tool to differentiate P. zopfii (genotype 1 and 2), P. blaschkeae and P. wickerhamii. This method is based on a Real Time PCR technique coupled with DNA melting resolution analysis. Ricchi° M, Manini° F, Cammi° G, Donaghy J, Arrigoni° n Comparison of four different PCR methods for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in milk Proocedings of the 10th International Colloqium on Paratuberculosis : August 9-14 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota / [Minneapolis, Minnesota : s.l., 2009]. - p 56-59. - 6 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4308] International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (10th : Minneapolis, Minnesota : August 9-14, 2009) Emerging evidence suggests a role of Mycobacterium avium subs. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the development of human pathologies like Crohn’s disease and type I diabetes. For this reason, the need for rapid and robust tools to detect the presence of MAP in food is increasing. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques are able to give rapid and specific results, but their sensitivity is generally lower than traditional culture methods. The aim of this study was to compare four different PCR methods to detect MAP on cow bulk milk samples collected from presumably infected herds. MAP DNA was extracted by Adiapure kit (Adiagene, France). The PCR were: (a) IS900 Commercial end-point PCR (kit Adiavet, Adiagene, France); (b) IS900 Nested PCR; (c) IS900 TaqMan Real time PCR; (d) f57 housemade Sybr Green Real Time PCR. Both the commercial PCR (a) and the IS 900 Real Time PCR TaqMan (c) contained an internal amplification control in order to discriminate between negative or inhibited samples. Out of 37 milk samples tested we found only one positive sample (3%) using (a), (c) and (d) methods. The Nested PCR method (b) showed eight positive samples (22%). Although we used bulk milk samples coming from presumably infected herds, the prevalence of direct detection of MAP is low in all the “one round” PCR methods. As expected, the most sensitive method is Nested PCR, althoug it remains difficult to apply as regards to possibility of cross contaminations. Ricchi° M, Taddei° R, Barbieri° I, Belletti° GL, Paccia rini° ML, Arrigoni° N Typing of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) strains isolated from different Italian regions by four Variable-Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) methods alone or in association Proocedings of the 10th International Colloqium on Paratuberculosis : August 9-14 2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota / [Minneapolis, Minnesota : s.l., 2009]. - p 60-63. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4307] International Colloquium on Paratuberculosis (10th : Minneapolis, Minnesota : August 9-14, 2009) The control of Paratuberculosis requires the knowledge of the causative agent, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), both in terms of epidemiology and biodiversity within different strains. One of the most widely used method for MAP typing is IS900 sequence restriction fragment length polymorphism. However it is applicable only on cultivable strains, is technically demanding and has limited discriminatory power. More recently, tandem-repeat PCR based methods overcame these problems and, at present, are considered the emerging techniques for MAP typing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the discriminatory power of four PCR typing methods. We selected ten different strains from various Italian regions. We used MIRU (3 loci), VNTR-MIRU (7 loci), MLSSR (11 loci) andMLVA (5 loci) analysis to differentiate the bacterial DNA. Both MIRU and VNTR-MIRU gave 2 clusters (DI 0.556), while MLVA and MLSSR gave respectively 5 (DI 0.667) and 9 (DI 0.978) clusters. The combinations gave different results: MIRU+MLVA and VNTR-MIRU+MLVA gave 5 clusters (DI 0.806), MLSSR+MIRU or MLSSR+VNTR-MIRU did not increase the discriminatory results of MLSSR alone (9 clusters); MLSSR+MLVA gave 10 clusters (maximum theoretic DI value i.e. 1.00). Although a limited number of strains was used in this study, our data suggest that applying a single analysis, MLSSR provides the highest DI. Moreover, MLSSR coupled with MLVA showed the best discriminatory power. Finally, the combination between MIRU or VNTR-MIRU and MLVA enhanced the indexes as compared to single analysis. Robetto S, Palermo P, Gaffuri° A, Gavaudan S, Ferra ntelli V, Pasolli C, Pintore C, Di_Ventura M, Scaramozzino P, Di_Prisco F, Iannniello M, Guidetti C, Nailod F, Orisa R Malattie degli animali selvatici la rete di sorveglianza italiana XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 228-229. - 1 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4098] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Rossi L, Lavazza° A, Lovari S, Dematteis A Encounters between livestock and the Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemahicus) in the Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal V Granada from 10th to 14th November 2009 : Granada from 10th to 14th November 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 310 [Nr. Estr. 4300] World conference on mountain ungulates (5 : Granada, Spain : 10th to 14th November 2009) The Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is the most representative angulated living m the Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), Nepal. This wild caprin is the object of a renowned long-term ethological study, in the fame of the CNR-leaded "Ev-K2 Project". Since the beginning of the 21th century, the formerly viable tahr population of the SNP was shown to be declining. A likely explanation was the synchronous return of an efficient predator, the Snow leopard (Uncia), however other causes were explored. The present short-term study aimed to investigate: i) how frequent and close are spatial interactions between W= and local livestock (cattle, yak and hybrids); ii) if these interactions may actually remit in the cross transmission of pathogens known to limit the reproductive success of affected hosts. Observations were carried out in February-April 2007, during 52 fieldwork days. Most observations (that we organized in 10 morning and 10 afternoon session, 20 different days overall) focused on a single tahr herd in. the proximity of Namche Bazaar, at altitudes between 3.000 and 3.500 m. Other observations (a "convenience" sample) dealt with several groups of tahr living in these main valleys of SNP, up to 4.300 m. Results confirmed the critical demographic situation of tahm in the protected area, and demonstrated that local livestock and tahr are in obvious spatial contact during late winter-early spring. The alternate use of most available pastures and, in parallel, the frequent occurrence of short-distance encounters (maggiore 20 m, with minima of 2 m) were documented. In addition, serum samples were obtained from 20 adult tabr (3-11 years old), 35 1ocal livestock, and 30 goats and sheep raised at lower altitudes and moved to the study area just a few weeks before slaughtering. Exposure to ten major infections of nrminants was investigateti: Brucellosis, Chlamydiosis, Toxoplasmosis, Q Fever, Foot & Mouth Disease, Neosporosis, Pestivirosis, BHV 1, BRSV, BVDVBDV, BPIV 3. Remarkably, 35% of tahr, 77 % of livestock and 31 % of goat sera tested positive to BHV 1, a pathogen whose main transmission route is short= distance aerosol. Notwithstanding, results of the serommoy do not support the hypothesis that livestock-derived infectious diseases mducmg hypo-fertihty, abortion or neonatal juvenile mortality are major causes of the low reproductive success of tahr in the SNP. Rota_Nodari°, Archetti° I, Guerra° O, Candotti° P Intervalli di riferimento di alcuni parametri biochimici in scrofe = Reference values of haematological parameters in sows Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 199-206. - 23 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4089] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) In tre allevamenti commerciali del Nord Italia, sono stati selezionati 41 scrofe ibride in gestazione che erano risultati sani ad un esame clinico. Da tutti gli animali sono stati eseguiti dei campioni ematici che sono stati analizzati per diversi parametri biochimicoclinici (Proteine totali, Albumina plasmatica, Globuline plasmatiche, Glucosio, Colesterolo, Trigliceridi, â-idrossibutirato, Alanino aminotransferasi, Aspartato aminotransferasi, Fosfatasi alcalina, Gamma-glutamiltransferasi, Amilasi, Urea, Creatinina, Creatinchinasi, Lattico deidrogenasi, Bilirubina totale, Calcio, Fosforo, Magnesio, Sodio, Potassio, Cloro, Rame, Ferro, Zinco). I dati raccolti sono stati elaborati per ricavare gli intervalli percentili di riferimento. Un preliminare confronto con quelli pubblicati in letteratura ha mostrato diff erenze che sottolineano l’importanza che ogni laboratorio stabilisca valori e intervalli di riferimento da utilizzare a fi ni diagnostici e di ricerca in funzione delle caratteristiche del patrimonio zootecnico di interesse. 41 healthy breeders were selected in commercial farms of Northern Italy. Blood samples were collected from animals and tested for several parameters (Total proteins, Albumine, Globulin, Glucose, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, ß-hydroxybutyrate, Total bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutamyltransferase, Amylase, Urea, Creatinine, Creatine kinase, Lactate dehydrogenase, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Zinc). Collected data were used to calculate percentile reference intervals for the selected haematochemical parameters. The differences found in comparing our results with published data suggested that each laboratory should establish reference values and intervals for diagnostic and research purposes. Rota_Nodari S Il D.Lgs. 146/2001 "Attuazione della direttiva 95/98/CE relativa alla protezione degli animali negli allevamenti" Atti delle Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC 2009 : Forlì 2-3 Aprile 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 121-128 [Nr. Estr. 4415] Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC : Forlì : 2-3 Aprile 2009) Rota_Nodari° S, Candotti° P Influenza dei fattori di stress nella produzione dell'ulcera gastrica Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 Supp al n 3 ( 2009). - p10-12. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4056] Rota_Nodari° S, Candotti° P Punteggiatura delle lesioni gastriche Large Anim Rev. - Vol. 15 Supp al n 3 ( 2009). - p15-17. - 2 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4057] Rota_Nodari° S, Lavazza° A, Candotti° P Technical note: rabbit welfare during electrical stunning and slaughter at a commercial abattoir World Rabbit Sci. - Vol. 17 no 3 ( 2009). - p 163-167. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4124] A total of 1020 crossbreed rabbits were individually examined to evaluate their welfare during electric stunning and slaughter in a commercial abattoir. Stunning (the position of electrodes and repetition of applications of current) and sticking (the position, length and depth of the cut) procedures were checked. The rabbits were monitored behaviourally from the application of the current to death. The stunning system was incorrectly applied one hundred and ten times (10.8%). Three rabbits failed to be stunned and were still conscious at sticking. Eighteen rabbits recovered before the onset of death, as shown by their corneal reflex and in a few cases, vocalization (n=3) and head movement (n=1) were observed. Corneal reflex seemed to be the best indicator of recovery at the abattoir. Sachse K, Laroucau K, Vorimore F, Magnino° S, Feige J, Müller W, Kube S, Hotzel H, Schubert E, Slickers P, Ehricht R DNA microarray-based genotyping of Chlamydophila psittaci strains from culture and clinical samples Vet Microbiol. - Vol. 135 ( 2009). - p 22-30. - 23 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4206] The avian and human pathogen Chlamydophila (C.) psittaci represents a genetically heterogeneous species. To facilitate epidemiological surveys, more rapid yet highly specific molecular tests are needed. Currently used typing methods, i.e. serotyping and PCR-RFLP, have only limited sensitivity and are incapable of covering the wide spectrum of naturally occurring types of C. psittaci strains. In the present study, a new DNA microarray assay based on the ArrayTube® (AT) technology was used to genotype C. psittaci in 98 isolates and 23 clinical tissue samples. The present array carries 35 oligonucleotide probes derived from variable domains 2 and 4 of the ompA gene. The assay proved highly sensitive, allowing correct genotyping of DNA from 2 inclusion-forming units. The results of DNA microarray genotyping of cultured strains proved highly concordant with the data from PCR-RFLP typing and serotyping. Sequencing of the ompA gene served as the reference test to verify the accuracy of AT genotyping results. In 15 instances (15.3%), strains were successfully typed by the AT assay, while serotyping and/or PCR-RFLP genotyping failed to produce unambiguous results. Eleven of these samples were ompA sequenced to confirm the AT findings. In addition to the currently accepted nine ompA genotypes, the microarray test was shown to recognise new provisional genotypes, such as Mat116 and YP84. In conclusion, the new AT assay proved to be suitable for rapid, sensitive and reproducible genotyping of C. psittaci strains and can be recommended for routine diagnosis. Salvini S, Guadagnini G, Alborali° L Descrizione di 8 episodi di congiuntivite mucopurulenta in suini all’ingrasso = Mucopurulent conjunctivitis 8 outbreaks in fattening pigs Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 174-178. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4092] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Sarli G, Ostanello F, Morandi F, Fusaro L, Gnudi M, Bacci B, Nigrelli° A, Alborali° L, Dottori° M, Vezzoli° F, Barigazzi° G, Fiorentini° L, S ala V, Leotti G, Joisel F Application of a protocol for the diagnosis of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in Italy Vet Rec. - Vol. 164 ( 2009). - p 519-523. - 29 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4173] Samples of superficial inguinal and bronchial lymph nodes, ileum, tonsil and lung were taken from three to five pigs on each of 61 farms with a clinical history of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The samples were examined histologically and by immunohistochemistry for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2). PMWS was diagnosed in two stages: first, an evaluation of the haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections that identified the cases in which the characteristic PCV-2 cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were apparent, and secondly, a conclusive step in which immunohistochemistry was applied to confirm PMWS in the cases in which there were positive immunohistochemical results that coincided with lesions indicative of PMWS in at least one of the lymphoid and/or lung tissues. The location of PCV-2 in specific lesions (cell depletion in lymphoid organs and interstitial pneumonia) confirmed PMWS in 45 of the 61 farms, 31 of which were also infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The lymphoid tissues were more reliable than the lungs for the diagnosis of PMWS, both in individual pigs and in groups of pigs, and farm diagnoses based on a group of pigs were more reliable than diagnoses based on single pigs. Sgoifo_Rossi CA, Vandoni S, Bertocchi° L Dell'Orto V Bovino da carne: strutture, microclima, alimentazione Inf Zootec. - Vol. 56 no 5 ( 2009). - p 38-44 [Nr. Estr. 4044] Sozzi° E, Boniotti° B, Thuer B, Hofmann M, Moreno° A, Lelli° D, Fontana° R, Martinelli° N, Lombardi° G, Cordioli° P, Lavazza° A Indagini sulla presenza di Toggenburg virus (TOV) in Italia XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 56-57 - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4110] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) The novel bluetongue-like orbivirus, named Toggenburg virus (TOV), was detected in a healthy goat in Italy by serological and virological methods. Experimental infections of goats, sheep and calf, using TOV-positive blood samples, were performed. Animals did not show any clinical or pathological signs but antibodies and viral RNA were detected in blood samples of experimentally infected goats and sheep. Further investigations on the prevalence of this virus in Italy are needed to improve the knowledge on its epidemiology. Spaggiari° B, Gelmini° L, Fontana° MC, Lavazza° A, Mer ialdi° G Diagnostic investigation on found-dead brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in three Emilia Romagna provinces during 2008 Atti del III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 34 [Nr. Estr. 4269] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF (3 : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) The aim of this work is to report the result of diagnostic investigations performed to ascertain the causes, infectious or not, of death of wild brown hares (Lepus europaeus) found dead in the territory of three Emilia-Romagna provinces (Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna). The carcasses of founddead hares were submitted to IZSLER laboratories for necropsy in order to establish the presence of infectious diseases and identify the cause of death. Bacteriological, parasitological, virological (EBHS) investigations were performed on all submitted subjects; cyto-histological and PCR methods (Toxoplasma gondii and Francisella tularensis) were applied for further specific investigations. Overall 59 animals were examined. EBHSV antigen was found in 4 hares showing typical lesions. Acute trauma was lethal for 5 individuals. Regarding bacterial and mycotic infections, the following diagnoses were established: pasteurellosis (3), streptococcal infection (3), pseudotuberculosis (2) and aspergillosis (2). As far as endoparasites are concerned: intestinal coccidiosis (11), serosal/hepatic cysticercosis (10), parasitic broncopneumonia (Protostrongylus spp.) (8) and toxoplasmosis (5) were diagnosed. Tick infestation was present in 4 hares. Finally, one hare was affected by lymphoma and another one by proliferative hepatitis. Parasitic diseases were therefore the most frequently detected ones (64%), followed by bacterial/mycotic diseases (17%), viral/neoplastic diseases (10%) and trauma (8%). Intestinal coccidiosis was the most frequently diagnosed disease but also Cysticercus pisiformis represented an interesting and relatively frequent finding. Fatal toxoplasmosis was established as the cause of death in 8% of hares, which represents an index of the territorial pressure by definitive hosts (relevant environmental contamination with oocysts). Two relevant zoonotic agents, Brucella spp. and Francisella tularensis, were never detected. EBHSV, which indeed is endemic in Emilia Romagna since more than 20 years, was detected in a relative low number of hares, suggesting that this virus is not one of the most common causes of death, as often occurs where the hares’ population have a large seroprevalencence. A wide range of pathogens was found in the present investigation. Monitoring programs of wild population of brown hare would be useful in order to better understand the epidemiology of different pathogens and their impact on brown hare population health status . Spaggiari ° B, Gherpelli ° Y, Carnevali L, Luppi ° A , Bonilauri ° P, Dottori ° M Antibiotico-resistenza in batteri gram-negativi isolati da tamponi auricolari di cani di proprietà e di canile XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 250-251. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4096] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) During routine activity of IZSLER-Reggio Emilia General Diagnostics Laboratory 386 earswabs werecollected from individually owned dogs and kennel dogs. Samples were cultured and bacterial and yeast populations were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria were identified by bacteriological methods and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. This study aims at determining and comparing antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Gram-negative bacteria between individually owned and kennel dogs . Spaggiari° B, Merialdi° G, Bonilauri° P, Luppi° A, Dottori° M, Gozio S, Martelli P Leonelli° R, Bonci M, Sandri GP, Griglia S.P.E.S.: valutazione al macello di polmoni appartenenti a partite di suini provenienti da due allevamenti con bassa sieroprevalenza da Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae = S.P.E.S. grid: slaugtherhouse lungs evaluation of pig batches from two actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae low seroprevalence herd Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 180-185. - 10 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4091] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) La S.P.E.S. (Slaughterhouse Pleurisy Evaluation System), sistema di valutazione delle lesioni pleuriche croniche su polmoni osservati in catena di macellazione, e stata applicata a 5 partite di suini provenienti da due allevamenti caratterizzati da bassa o assente sieroprevalenza per Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App), con sporadiche sieroconversioni, senza diff usione del fenomeno e con assenza di isolamento del patogeno durante tutto il periodo dello studio. Il sistema di valutazione, che si basa sull’assegnazione di un punteggio da 0 a 4, in base alla presenza, estensione e posizione delle lesioni pleuriche presenti sui 2 polmoni di un singolo animale, ha mostrato come, negli allevamenti in esame, 3 partite fossero caratterizzate da animali con lesioni pleuriche non ascrivibili ad App (punteggio non superiore a 1), mentre le altre due partite presentassero ognuna, un solo soggetto con punteggio pari a 2 e 3 rispettivamente. Quest’ultimo rilievo si poneva tuttavia, in un contesto di totale assenza di lesioni pleuriche riferibili ad App nel resto della partita. L’indice APPI (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Index), che tiene conto sia della frequenza sia della media delle lesioni causate da App, si posiziona fuori scala rispetto ai dati ottenuti in un precedente studio in un gruppo di aziende italiane con problemi di patologia respiratoria. Anche in questo caso il sistema S.P.E.S. ha dimostrato notevole affi dabilita, andando a confermare che le lesioni pleuriche croniche dorso-caudali rilevabili al macello sono per lo piu l’esito di pleuropolmoniti provocate da App. S.P.E.S. (Slaughterhouse Pleurisy Evaluation System), a chronic pleural lesions evaluationsystem in swine lungs during slaughter line, was applied to fi ve swine batches from two Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App)-low seroprevalence herds. Th e herds had sporadic or not seroconversions, without App infection diff usion and bacterial isolation during the period considered. The evaluation system, consisting in a score ranging from 0 to 4 on the basis of pleural lesions presence, extension and location on the two lungs of an animal, was applied to the considered herds and showed that three batches had animals with pleural lesions scored < 2 not referable to App, and in two batches only one animal, for each batch, was scored 2 and 3 respectively, in a general context of absence of pleural lesion in the remaining batch subjects. APPI index (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae Index), which express both App lesions frequency and score mean, resulted to be out of range compared to data obtained in a previous study on a group of Italian herds aff ected by respiratory disease. In conclusion, also in the present study S.P.E.S. has proved to be a highly reliable evaluation system and has confi rmed that chronic pleural dorsocaudal lesions detected at slaughter are mostly a consequence of App induced pleuropneumonia. Spaggiari° B, Merialdi° G, Cuccurese A, Bonilauri° P, Aldrovandi A, Massirio I, Leonelli° R, Dottori° M Survey of pathogen diffusion in a Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) population affected by diarrhoea and increased mortality in Northern Italy VI International Symposium on Wild Fauna : May 21-24, 2009 Paris, France : Atti / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 153-154. - 5 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4302] International Symposium on Wild Fauna (6 : Paris, France : May 21-24, 2009) A survey was conducted between 2007 and 2008 on free-living roe deers (Capreolus capreolus) in the province of Reggio Emilia (Northem Italy) following a reported increased mortality in the population during summer 2007. Overall 267 animals were recovered during selective culling programs and submitted to gross pathological, bacteriological, parasitological, virological and molecular biology investigations. Enterocolitis was found to be the preeminent cause contributing to roe deer wasting and death. Yersinia spp., E. coli EPEC and endoparasites were diagnosed and signilicantly corretated to diarrhoea and mortality. High roe deer densities rccorded by drive census on the province territory in 2007 and unfavourable environmental conditions are likely to have concurred to the lethal outcome for a considerable number of animals. Spaggiari° B, Rugna° G, Licata° E, Frasnelli° M, Bari gazzi° G, Gelmini° L, Massi° P, Renzi° M, Ricchi° M, Merialdi° G Wildlife fauna monitoring program in emilia romagna: health status of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population Atti del III Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF, 15-17 Ottobre 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 16 [Nr. Estr. 4267] Convegno Nazionale di Ecopatologia della Fauna Torino SIEF (3 : Torino : 15-17 Ottobre 2009) Roe deer (RD) was included in target species of Emilia Romagna monitoring program of wildlife during 2008-2009 with the aim of gathering information on population health status, prevalence of zoonotic agents and relevant infectious diseases for interacting domestic livestock. The regional plan included serological investigations for M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Brucella spp. and B. burgdorferi antibodies on hunter-killed RD. Additional investigations for MAP, Brucella spp., VTEC, Y. enterocolitica, Salmonella spp. and gastrointestinal parasites were performed on either found-dead (except for run-over subjects) or sick (including unhealthy culled individuals) RD by bacteriological, biomolecular and parasitological analyses. Data were evaluated by Fisher’s exact test (p<0.05). Overall 576 RD were examined: 464 hunter-killed and 112 either found-dead or sick. During post-mortem examination of carcasses or viscera, gross signs of enterocolitis and diarrhoea were found in 14% of cases. Significantly, 55% of found-dead RD exhibited diarrhoea while only 4% of hunted ones did. Serological investigations for Brucella spp. yielded negative outcomes, while B. burgdorferi infection was found in 56/273 individuals. MAP antibodies were found in 4/353 healthy RD. On the other hand, MAP PCR-positive RD (7/35) were diarrhoic individuals. EAE gene+ E. coli was detected 13/94 animals with statistically significant differences between shot and founddead/sick RD. Moreover, the pathogen was prevalent (p<0,05) in diarrhoic animals. Salmonella spp. was isolated from 2 non-diarrhoic culled RD. Eight percent of RD tested positive for Y. enterocolitica Biogroup1A, which includes non-pathogenic european strains. Gastrointestinal strongyles occurred at high prevalence (46/131) even though low parasite burdens prevailed. When present, low level coccidia parasitism (16/131) almost always co-occurred with worms and rarely associated with diarrhoea. In the current survey pathogens typical of wild ruminants were found to be associated with enterocolitis in RD. With respect to the investigated pathogens, RD population does not represent an important source of zoonotic agents and its role in disease transmission to livestock needs to be further investigated. Strive T, Wright J, Kovaliski J, Botti° G, Capucci° L The non-pathogenic Australian lagovirus RCV-A1 causes a prolonged infection and elicits partial cross-protection to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus Virology. - Vol. 374 ( 2009). - p . - 42 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4238] Two caliciviruses occur in Australian wild rabbits: rabbit calicivirus Australia 1 (RCV-A1) and rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which is used in Australia as a biocontrol agent to reduce feral rabbit populations. There is concern that RCV-A1 acts as a natural vaccine and protects from lethal RHDV infection. To investigate this hypothesis, domestic rabbits were perorally infected with RCVA1, monitored for 28 days and subsequently challenged with RHDV. We show that RCV-A1 causes a non-pathogenic infection and is shed in faeces for up to 7 days post-infection. RCV-A1 was detected in the bile 2 months post-inoculation, indicating a prolonged or possible persistent infection. All animals infected with RCV-A1 developed antibodies cross-reacting to RHDV. When challenged with RDHV, half of the rabbits (n = 4) survived the infection. The results indicate that RCV-A1 is likely to persist in rabbit populations and can elicit partial cross-protection to lethal RHDV infection. Tamba° M Aggiornamento sulla West nile disease Atti del XLVIII convegno annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare 2009 : 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 19-22. - ref bib 8 [Nr. Estr. 4161] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) Tamba° M Bluetongue ed altre malattie virali da artorpodi nel bovino: aspetti epidemiologici ed entomologici Atti 11° Congresso Nazionale SIVAR / [Cremona : Soc ieta' Italiana Veterinari per Animali da Reddito, 2009]. - p 38-39 [Nr. Estr. 4383] Congresso Nazionale Multisala SIVAR (11 : Cremona : 8-9 maggio 2009) Tamba° M, Fontana° MC, Leonelli° R, Santi A, Martin i E, Barigazzi° G, Bardasi° L, Dottori° M Yersinia enterocolitica O:9 e reazioni aspecifiche alla Brucellosi Bovina Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 3 ( 2009). - p 4-5 [Nr. Estr. 4060] Tittarelli° C, Gelmetti° D, Rota° Nodari S, Gibelli ° L, Lavazza° A Encephalitozoonosis of rabbits: the relationship between macro-microscopic kidney lesions and antibody titers in rabbits at slaughterhouse Atti delle Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC 2009 : Forlì 2-3 Aprile 2009 / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 81-83. - 6 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4264] Giornate di coniglicoltura ASIC : Forlì : 2-3 Aprile 2009) Encephalitozoonosis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by E. cuniculi, largely diffused in industrial rabbit farms in Italy. From 107 meat or adult rabbits taken at slaughterhouse, we sampled the kidneys and the blood in order to correlate macroscopic and microscopic lesions to antiE.cuniculi antibodies determined using Carbon Immono Assay (CIA) test. Over 85% of rabbits with lesions scoring from 1 to 4 resulted seropositive whereas only 12% of the animals without kidney lesions were positive. A good correlation was found between serological titers, ranging between 1/40 to 1/5120, and severity of lesions. The microscopic lesions reflected the severity of the infection, thus making possible a graduation system on the base of the various changes observed in the glomeruli and in the tubuli. Tittarelli° C, Sozzi° E, Spaggiari° B, Alborali° GL, Cordioli° P, Lavazza° A Diagnosi al microscopio elettronico di swinepoxvirus, agente di malattia cutanea sporadica, durante il periodo 2002-2008 nel Nord Italia = Electronmicroscopic diagnosis of swinepoxvirus, aetiological agent of sporadic skin disease during the period 2002-2008 in Northern Italy Atti Convegno SIPAS. - Vol. 35 ( 2009). - p 507-512. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4227] Meeting Annuale della Societa Italiana di Patologia ed Allevamento dei Suini (SIPAS) (35 : Modena : 12-13 Marzo 2009) Durante il periodo 2002-2008, un totale di 44 campioni di cute appartenenti asuinetti o feti provenienti dalla sezione diagnostica di Brescia o dalle Sezioni Diagnostiche provinciali dell’IZSLER di Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, sono stati esaminati presso il Laboratorio di Microscopia Elettronica. Dei 44 casi esaminati soltanto in 5, pari a 11,3%, è stata emessa diagnosi di vaiolo, confermando la sporadicita della patologia. Di questi, 3 casi erano rappresentati da suinetti lattanti o in svezzamento e 2 erano costituiti da feti.La microscopia elettronica si e dimostrata uno strumento rapido ed efficace. During the period 2002-2008, 44 skin samples were performed in northern Italy by electron microscopy (EM). In 5 (11.3%) cases a diagnosis of suipoxvirus was ascertained, corfirming that the disease is sporadic. Of these, 3 cases were piglets or weaning pigs, 2 were foetuses. Negative staining EM is a useful tool for diagnosis of poxvirus infection in pigs. Tosi° G, Catania S Diagnosi diretta e indiretta e identificazione di Mycoplasma spp. Atti della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare 2009 : XLVIII convegno annuale 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 35-40. - 8 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4159] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) Trevisi E, Amadori° M, Bakudila AM, Bertoni G Metabolic changes in dairy cows induced by oral, low-dose interferon-alpha treatment J Anim Sci. - Vol. v 87 ( 2009). - p 3020-3029. - bib ref 31 [Nr. Estr. 4118] Many apparently healthy cows show marked inflammatory conditions around calving, associated with endocrine and metabolic changes. To prevent the above conditions, a low-dose, oral interferon(IFN- ) treatment was carried out on periparturient, multiparous dairy cows. In the first trial, 10 cows received 10 IU of IFN- /kg of BW daily during the last 2 wk of pregnancy. In a second trial, 4 cows received 0.5 IU of IFN- /kg of BW daily until d 5 of lactation. In both trials, a homogenous group of untreated dairy cows was used as control. All cows were monitored, during the month before and after calving, for health status, BCS, milk yield, and inflammatory, metabolic, immune, and hematological variables. Compared with control cows, IFN- -treated animals showed in both trials a larger decrease of BCS along with decreased milk yield (P < 0.05), increased haptoglobin (P < 0.05) and ceruloplasmin, and a slower increase of negative acute phase proteins (albumin, cholesterol, paraoxonase, vitamin A) after calving. Interferon- -treated animals also showed a larger decrease of plasma glucose and greater values of NEFA, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and reactive oxygen metabolites. There also was evidence of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor- responses in both groups before calving with a quick decrease thereafter. The IL-6 response appeared in some animals regardless of the IFN- treatment. Results indicate that low-dose IFN- can sustain an inflammatory response in dairy cows and cause notable metabolic changes. This outcome might be explained by the repeated and extended interaction of IFN- at low doses with the oral lymphoid tissues during rumination, as suggested by the observed stability of the cytokine in the rumen milieu; the final inflammatory effect could thus be as large as that of high doses. In addition, the antiflogistic signal of IFN- might be counteracted and inverted by lymphocytes detected in the rumen liquor. Vanni M, Intorre L, Barigazzi° G, Dottori° M Sensibilità agli antibiotici di 925 ceppi di Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolati nei suini dal 1994 al 2008 = Antimicrobial susceptibility of 925 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains isolated in swine from 1994 to 2008 Atti Soc Ital Sci Vet. - Vol. 63 ( 2009). - cdrom p 214-216. - 7 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4395] Convegno Nazionale della Societa' Italiana delle Scienze Veterinarie (SISVET) (63 : Udine : 16-18 Settembre 2009) The susceptibility to 26 antimicrobial agents was determined in 925 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae strains isolated in swine from 1994 to 2008. Susceptibility to antimicrobials normally showing good activity, such as florfenicol, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, remained relatively high in the considered period. However, the study highlighted the occurrence of resistance towards therapeutic antimicrobials, such as penicillins, tetracyclines, macrolides and cotrimoxazole. The emergence of A. pleuropneumoniae resistant to currently available drugs underlines the importance of encouraging the prudent use of antimicrobials in swine pleuropneumonia treatment. Vicari° N, Laroucau K, Vorimore F, Barbieri° I, Sachse K, Hotzel H, Fabbi ° M, Labalestra ° l, Magnino ° S Analisi molecolare di clamidie isolate da intestino e tamponi cloacali di piccioni catturati nelle città di Milano e Ferrara XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 266-267. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4094] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) In order to identify and characterize six chlamydial isolates from cloacal swabs and intestines of feral pigeons, several molecular analyses were performed. DNA from the isolates was analyzed using Chlamydiaceae -specific real -time PCR, Array Tube DNA microarray and species-specific molecular detection tools, i.e. real-time PCR, MLVA and complete sequences of ompA and 16S rDNA genes. The results obtained and the phylogenetic tree show that our six isolates do not cluster with any known chlamydial species. Vicari° N, Laroucau K, Vorimore F, Barbieri° I, Sachse K, Hotzel H, Labalestra I, Magnino° S Molecular analysis of four chlamydial isolates from the intestine and cloacal swabs of feral pigeons sampled in Milan and Ferrara, Italy 1st europena meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects EMAC : June 14-16, 2009 Murcia, Spain : Procedings / by Caro MR, Salinas J, Buendia AJ. - [s. n. : s. l., 2009]. - p 27. - 8 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4288] Europen meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects (1st : Murcia, Spain : June 14-16, 2009) BACKGROUND: Chlamydophila psittaci, the agent of avian chlamydiosis, is widely distributed in feral pigeon populations of several European countries (1). We report here the preliminary data on the molecular typing of four chlamydial isolates from feral pigeons sampled in Milan and Ferrara, northern Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chlamydial isolates were grown in cell culture from cloacal swabs (n=2) and from the intestine (n=2) of feral pigeons of Milan and Ferrara, respectively. DNA from these isolates was analyzed using Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time PCR (2), ArrayTube DNA micro array (3) and species-specific molecular detection tools, i.e. real-time PCR (4) and MLVA (5). Furthermore, characterization based on the ompA (6) and 16S rDNA (7) complete sequences was performed. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with BioNumerics software (Applied Maths, Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium) by comparing the obtained sequences with a database that included representative sequences of all recognized Chaamydaa and Chlamydophila species. RESULTS: Unexpectedly, DNA extracted from all four isolates tested positive only in Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time PCR, but no signal was detected with any of the C. psittaci specific tools (real-time PCR, MI-VA). ArrayTube DNA micro array testing indicated the presence of a new, so far unclassified member of the genus Chlamydophila. Another real-time PCR specific for novel Chlamydophila organisms recently isolated from poultry in France (8) was applied to the samples, but no signal was detected, thus suggesting either high intraspecies diversity or the presence of another different novel chlamydial organism. Sequencing of the ompA and 16S rDNA genes of these samples confirmed this hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular analysis performed on the four isolates shows that they do not cluster with known chlamydial species. Further molecular analyses are under way for a more complete characterization of the isolates. Vicari° N, Mandola ML, Barcucci E, Rizzo F, Bellotti° M , Magnino° S Detection of Chlamydiaceae in tissues and swabs from wild birds sampled foi avian influenza surveillance in 2008-2009 in Piedmont, Italy 1st europena meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects EMAC : June 14-16, 2009 Murcia, Spain : Procedings / by Caro MR, Salinas J, Buendia AJ. - [s. n. : s. l., 2009]. - p 41. - 6 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4287] Europen meeting on animal chlamydioses and zoonotic aspects (1st : Murcia, Spain : June 14-16, 2009) BACKGROUND: Chlamydophila psittaci, the agent of avian chlamydiosis in companior birds and poultry, has been allow detected in wild birds (1). We report here the preliminary results of an investigation for chlamydiae carried out in wild birds that had been sample in the context of avian influenza surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty specimens collected in 2008-2009 from wild birds (mallards, swans, raptors and pigeons) sampled for the surveillance for avian influenza in Piedmont region, northern Italy, were examined for the presence of chlamydiae by a real-time PCR assay targeting the 23S rDNA of Chlamydiaceae, as a screening test (2). Samples that yielded a positive reaction were subsequently tested with a real-time PCR targeting the MOMP gene (ompA), employing a specific probe for C. psittaci (3). Two conventional PCR assays targeting the 16S rDNA and the omp2 were also performed (4, 5). The amplicons obtained were digested in a RFLP assay with Msel and with Alum, respectively, in order to identify the chlamydial species involved. RESULTS: Nineteen samples (15.8 %) tested positive for Chlamydiaceae in the real-time PCR targeting the 23S rDNA. No amplification was detected with the ompA real-time PCR specific for C. psittaci. The RFLP-PCR assays gave conflicting results: the one targeting the 16S rDNA yielded a restriction pattern which could be referred to C. abortus, while the other targeting omp2 showed a pattern that did not match any recognised chlamydial species. A further real-time PCR specific for C. abortus ompA was performed on the 19 samples but did not confirm the presence of C. abortus. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of positivity detected in this survey is similar to the one reported in a recent research carried out in France, where 10.6% of samples were found positive for chlamydiae (6). Sequencing is under way in order to further characterize the involved chlamydiae. Vicari° N, Mandola ML, Centorbi R, Rizzo F, Andreoli° G, Bellotti° M, Magnino° S Rilevamento di Chlamydiaceae in avifauna selvatica campionata in Piemonte nel periodo 2008-2009 XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 268-269. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4093] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) The aim of this study was to detect chlamydial microorganisms in samples from wild birds (cloacal swabs and organs). One hundred and twenty samples were analysed by two different real-time and two distinct conventional PCR-RFLP. Nineteen samples tested positive for Chlamydiaceae but negative by species-specific real-time PCR for Chiamydophila psittaci and Chiamydophila abortus. The percentage of positive sampies detected in this survey is similar to the one reported in a recent research carried out in France . Further investigations are under way in order to characterize the inovolved chlamydiae. Vinco° LJ, Ortali G, Gavazzi L Malattie respiratorie nel tacchino, broiler e ovaiole = Respiratory diseases in turkeys, broilers and layers Atti del XLVIII convegno annuale della Societa' Italiana di Patologia Aviare : 1-2 Aprile 2009, Forli / [s.l. : s.n., 2009]. - p 17-18 [Nr. Estr. 4160] Convegno annuale Societa' Italiana Patologia Aviare (SIPA) (48 : Forli' : 1-2 Aprile 2009) Respiratory diseases still represent one of the major challanges in poultry production. This in spite of the severe increase of enteric disorders driven by debatable decisions (ban of growth promoters, bone and meat meal etc.). In most cases several pathogens are contemporarly involved in respiratory outbreaks thus complicating diagnosis. This paper reports and describes the main respiratory diseases diagnosed in Italy between september 2008 and April 2009. Vitali A, Segnalini M, Bertocchi° L, Bernabucci U, Nard one A, Lacetera N Seasonal pattern of mortality and relationships between mortality and temperature-humidity index in dairy cows J Dairy Sci. - Vol. v 92 ( 2009). - p 3781-3790. - 24 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4191] The 2 studies described investigated seasonal variations of mortality and temperature-humidity index (THI)–mortality relationships in dairy cows. Mortality data were extracted from the Italian Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy databases, which contain records on cows older than 24 mo that died on a farm from all causes (98% of total records), were slaughtered in an emergency state, or were sent for normal slaughter but were sick in the preslaughter inspection (2% of total records). Both studies evaluated mortality data during a 6-yr period (2002 to 2007). The seasonal pattern study was conducted throughout Italy and was based on 320,120 deaths. An association between season and deaths was found for all 6 yr. Summer and spring were the seasons with the highest and lowest frequency of deaths (15,773.3 ± 2,861 and 11,619.3 ± 792.3), respectively, and within summer months, the number of deaths in July and August (5,435 ± 284 and 5,756 ± 676.2, respectively) was higher than in June (4,839 ± 344.8). The THI–mortality relationships study was carried out only for deaths (51,240) reported for the Lombardia and Emilia Romagna regions. For this study, the mortality databases were integrated with THI data, which were calculated by using data from 73 weather stations. Each farm where deaths were recorded was assigned the THI values (maximum and minimum) calculated at the closest weather station for each day the events (deaths) were reported. Analysis of data indicated that approximate THI values of 80 and 70 were the maximum and minimum THI, respectively, above which the number of deaths in dairy farms starts to increase. Maximum and minimum THI values of 87 and 77 were the upper critical THI above which the risk of death for dairy cows becomes maximum. This study defined quantitative relationships between mortality risk and THI in dairy cows and may help to provide emergency interventions and mitigation measures, which may ensure survival of dairy cows and reduce replacement costs associated with heat stress-related mortality. Zanardi° G, Siti web di interesse La biosicurezza in veterinaria / edito a cura della Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche. - Brescia : Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche, 2009. - (Atti delle giornate di Studio Fondazione Iniziative Zooprofilattiche e Zootecniche ; 74) p 233-234 [Nr. Estr. 4230] Zanardi° G, Zanoni° M, Gaffuri° A, Boniottii° B, Pa cciarini° ML, Alborali° L Tuberculosis transmission by Mycobacterium Bovis in goats Fifth international M. bovis conference / [s.l. : s.n, 2009]. - p 134 ( 4296] International M. bovis conference (5th : Wellington, New Zeland : 25-28 August 2009) We describe a tuberculosis outbreak caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a mixed herd of cattle and goats. This report examines the transmission of the virus from cattle to goats, its maintenance in the latter and its re-occurrence in cattle of new introduction. In order to detect the infection, cattle and goats were tested by single and/or comparative skin test, gamma interferon test and then investigated at the slaughterhouse for gross lesions. Mycobacterial isolates were identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR analysis were used to genotype M. bovis isolates. In 2006, tuberculosis was detected at the slaughterhouse in a nine-month fattening steer with lesions in the tracheobronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes. The following epidemiological inquiry on the herd of origin clinically suspected one goat in 35 of having tuberculosis (anorexia, weight loss, chronic cough). At the slaughterhouse visible lesions were found in the retropharyngeal, tracheobronchial, mediastinal and mesenterie lymph nodes, the liver and the lungs. The intradermal comparative tuberculin test carried out on the remaming 34 goats showed 20 positive heads using the standard bovine interpretation. At necroscopy, 15 goats were found positive for gross lesions. Gamma interferon test detected 19 positive heads. Bacteriological culture and PCR from clinical samples confirmed the presence of M. bovis in both goats and cattle. Spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR identified the same genomic profile found two years before in a 10year-old dairy cow in the same herd. Stamping out was practiced on three cattle present at that time, but 18 goats living alongside were not skin tested. In conclusion, the goats maintained and transmitted the infection to the fattening steer of new introduction into the same farm. The identical genomic profile of M. bovis demonstrated the transmission of tuberculosis from cattle to goats to cattle. Tuberculin skin test remains the in vivo diagnostic method of reference; the concordance of the results with gamma interferon test was very high. According to similar results reported by Crawshaw T. et al. (The Veterinary Record, July 26, 2008) it is also appropriate to test goats reared in promiscuity with cattle in order to detect the disease, control TB diffusion and avoid the risk of zoonotic M. bovis infection. Zanoni° M, Ortolani DB, Bonilauri° P, Gelmetti° D, Fabbi° M, Cordioli° P, Alborali° L Encefalite da zecche in un cane XI Congresso Nazionale SIDiLV : Parma, Centro Congressi, Comune di Parma 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009 : volume degli atti / [s.l. : Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria ( SIDiLV ), 2009]. - p 52-53. - 9 bib ref [Nr. Estr. 4111] Congresso Nazionale Societa' Italiana Diagnostica di Laboratorio Veterinaria (SIDiLV) (11. : Parma : 30 Settembre - 2 Ottobre 2009) Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a Flavivirus and transmitted by ticks, distribution of TBEinfection in dogs expands over the European continent. The study concerns a lethal case in a dog that was staying in endemic area (Hungary) for a short period in April 2009. Zavanella M, Ravizzola G, Alborali° L, Catania S Acinetobacter baumanni: un patogeno emergente che resiste agli antibiotici Osservatorio. - Vol. 12 no 5 ( 2009). - p 9 -10 [Nr. Estr. 4117] Zecconi A, Piccinini R, Fiorina S, Cabrini L, Daprà V, Amadori° M Evaluation of interleukin-2 treatment for prevention of intramammary infections in cows after calving Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. - Vol. 2009). - p 439-451. - 27 ref bib [Nr. Estr. 4137] A low-dose treatment based on interleukin-2 (IL-2) was investigated for preventing mastitis in dairy cows. The treatment consisted of a single dose of IL-2 injected into the skin region drained by the supramammary lymph node 3–5 days after calving. The study included 45 cows (23 treated and 22 controls) from three commercial dairy herds. The results showed that the treatment had no side effects. The treatment with IL-2 induced the significant increase of several milk markers related to leukocyte and epithelial cell functions, i.e. SCC (somatic cell counts), serum amyloid A (SAA), lactoferrin and NAGase. The increased concentration of milk markers suggested also an activity of IL-2 on epithelial cells, resulting in a higher resistance to invading pathogens. Indeed, the increased efficiency of cells in the udder is supported by the higher frequency of healthy quarters observed in the treated group until day 17–19 after calving, in comparison with the control one.
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