Detection of Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies in Domestic and Wild Animal Species in Central Italy

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is known for its zoonotic potential. Although several mammalian species have been indicated as possible viral reservoir, the host range of the infection is partially defined. In this work serum samples collected from wild brown hares, red deer, wild rabbits, cattle living in semi-wild state and wild boar-hunting dogs were tested by a multi-species ELISA assay. Only sera from red deer (5.6%), wild rabbit (38.5%) and wild-boar hunting dogs (14.3%) scored positive. The investigation indicated the circulation and the high endemicity of HEV in various animal species in Central Italy, and the importance that these species can play in the epidemiology of infection

Generation of virus like particles for epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a distinct species within the genus Orbivirus, within the family Reoviridae. The epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus genome comprises ten segments of linear, double stranded (ds) RNA, which are packaged within each virus particle. The EHDV virion has a three layered capsid-structure, generated by four major viral proteins: VP2 and VP5 (outer capsid layer); VP7 (intermediate, core-surface layer) and VP3 (innermost, sub-core layer). Although EHDV infects cattle sporadically, several outbreaks have recently occurred in this species in five Mediterranean countries, indicating a potential threat to the European cattle industry. EHDV is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides, which can travel long distances through wind-born movements (particularly over water), increasing the potential for viral spread in new areas/countries. Expression systems to generate self-assembled virus like particles (VLPs) by simultaneous expression of the major capsid-proteins, have been established for several viruses (including bluetongue virus). This study has developed expression systems for production of EHDV VLPs, for use as non-infectious antigens in both vaccinology and serology studies, avoiding the risk of genetic reassortment between vaccine and field strains and facilitating large scale antigen production. Genes encoding the four major-capsid proteins of a field strain of EHDV-6, were isolated and cloned into transfer vectors, to generate two recombinant baculoviruses. The expression of these viral genes was assessed in insect cells by monitoring the presence of specific viral mRNAs and by western blotting. Electron microscopy studies confirmed the formation and purification of assembled VLPs

Inhibition of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infectionin Vitroby Envelope Glycoprotein Synthetic Peptides

AbstractSixty-six 20- to 23-amino-acid synthetic peptides, partially overlapping by 10–12 amino acids, spanning the entire sequence of the envelope SU and TM glycoproteins of the Petaluma isolate of FIV, have been used to investigate the Env domains involved in viral infection. Peptides 5 to 7, spanning amino acids225E–P264located in a conserved region of the SU protein, and peptides 58 to 61, spanning amino acids757N–P806and encompassing hypervariable region 8 of TM protein, exhibited a remarkable and specific antiviral effect against the homologous and one heterologous isolate, as judged by inhibition of FIV-induced syncytium formation and p25 production in CrFK cells. Peptides 5 and 7, but not peptides 58 and 59, also inhibited viral replication of a fresh FIV isolate on nontransformed lymphoid cells. By flow cytometry, peptides 5, 7, 58, and 59 were shown to bind the surface of FIV permissive cells. The antiviral activity of peptides 5 and 7, however, was time-dependent, as inhibition of FIV replication was seen when the peptides were administered before or within 3 hr after virus inoculation; in contrast, TM peptides 58 and 59 exerted a potent inhibitory effect when added up to 24 hr after virus inoculation. Circular dychroism analysis showed that peptide 5 folds to a helical conformation in the presence of a hydrophobic environment. Although the basis for the antiviral action of the peptides is not understood, our data suggest that the inhibitory peptides may act by interacting with cell-surface molecules involved in viral infection

Rabbia e encefalite trasmessa da zecche

Due delle principali zoonosi virali trasmesse dalla fauna selvatica: Rabbia e encefalite trasmessa da zecche

Malattie virali del cane e del gatto

Il campo delle malattie infettive virali degli animali è in continua espansione e negli ultimi anni si è arricchito di nuove malattie. Anche le malattie virali del cane e del gatto hanno subito profondi cambiamenti e a fianco di malattie da tempo conosciute ne sono emerse di nuove o semplicemente hanno acquisito importanza nuovi agenti virali che in precedenza avevano un ruolo patologico marginale o non riconosciuto. La vita dei nostri animali da compagnia è notevolmente cambiata e se da un lato il miglioramento delle condizioni di vita, di alimentazione e igieniche in senso generale hanno contribuito a ridurre l'incidenza di alcune malattie infettive, dall'altro le maggiori possibilità di movimento sul territorio al seguito dei proprietari e i maggiori contatti dei nostri animali con la popolazione umana, offrono agli agenti virali nuove opportunità di trasmissione. Le maggiori attenzioni e cure dei proprietari nei confronti dei loro animali, la disponibilità di presidi immunizzanti di provata efficacia e ora anche di alcune sostanze antivirali, permettono di tenere meglio sotto controllo alcune delle malattie virali classiche. Pertanto abbiamo rivolto una certa attenzione anche alle nuove virosi emergenti, talvolta non ancora pienamente conosciute. Una particolare attenzione è stata rivolta anche agli aspetti di sanità pubblica per le diverse malattie da noi trattate, anche quando le informazioni disponibili erano scarse o controverse, con l'intento di informare in modo corretto e non allarmistico, ma nella consapevolezza che diversi virus hanno tendenza a spostarsi nell’interfaccia animali-uomo. Il testo è destinato agli studenti del Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Medicina Veterinaria e agli allievi della Scuola di Specializzazione in Patologia e Clinica degli Animali d’Affezione. Gli aspetti diagnostici, terapeutici e profilattici delle malattie virali del cane e del gatto, abbastanza diversi da quelli delle malattie virali degli animali da reddito sono stati trattati con un approccio pratico e con l'intento che il testo possa servire anche all'aggiornamento dei colleghi Veterinari