Plant-based vaccine for livestock : key points to unleash platform translation in developing countries

Ten years ago the first plant-based vaccine was licensed (DowAgrosciences). It was only 20 years after the first report of a recombinant protein obtained through plant transformation technology. Back then, this vaccine was perceived as the first of an unlimited list of innovative products of a flourishing platform. Unexpectedly, since then, no other veterinary product based on plant molecular pharming (PMP) has reached the market. This review will reflect a transdisciplinary view of the status and challenges that the molecular farming platform faces to become a strategic solution for the agroindustrial sector of developing countries. Recent findings Plant-based veterinary vaccines (PBVV) have the potential to give answers to several challenges that animal health presents today. The urgent need to improve livestock productivity, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), and the current concern about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance associated with animal production, demands new products such as inexpensive vaccines and therapeutics. Based on the translational research scheme, certain barriers that could have limited the development into products of many results obtained in the last 15 years were identified. Summary Unquestionably, the development of innovation in LMIC is a key element in the feasibility of the platform. The emergence of PPP between multiple stakeholders as a strategy to overcome the existing disconnection between academia and industry, could enable the conversion of leading vaccine candidates from the stage of proof of concept into prototypes for industry, and thereby foster ‘productization’ in the field of veterinary vaccines.Inst. de PatobiologíaFil: Perez Aguirreburualde, Maria Sol. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología; ArgentinaFil: Petruccelli, Silvana. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Bravo Almonacid, Fernando Felix. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Wigdorovitz, Andrés. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Epidemiology of Pig Tuberculosis in Argentina

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease caused mainly by the Mycobacterium bovis and that is endemic to livestock populations in most Latin American countries. Traditionally, bTB control programs are costly and targeted to cattle, largely disregarding other species such as swine and wildlife. According to official services, in Argentina disease prevalence in pigs is comparable to that observed in cattle, suggesting the need for efficient control programs to manage the disease in both species. Additionally, extensive farming systems, which are commonly practiced in Argentina, allow the interaction between livestock and wildlife such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), which is considered a natural host of the disease. Here, we evaluated the bTB pigs- cattle interface, studying the dynamics of M. bovis isolates in the pig population and identifying farm-level epidemiological variables associated with the disease confirmation at slaughterhouses. Additionally, to assess the potential multi-host systems in the transmission of bTB, the molecular characterization of wild boar mycobacterial strains was included in the study, as this interaction has not been previously evaluated in this region. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between farm-level epidemiological variables (location, farm size, and co-existence with cattle and goats) and bTB confirmation in pig tuberculosis-like lesions samples. Results showed that when cattle were present, the odds of bTB in pigs decreased 0.3 or 0.6% for every additional sow when cattle were present or absent in the farm, respectively. Pigs shared 60% (18/30) of the genotypes with cattle and wild boar, suggesting transmission at the interface between pigs and cattle and highlighting the potential role of wild boar in bTB maintenance. These results provide novel information about the molecular diversity of M. bovis strains in pigs in Argentina and proposes the potential relevance of a multi-host system in the epidemiology of bTB in the region. The statistical models presented here may be used in the design of a low cost, abattoir-based surveillance program for bTB in the pig industry in Argentina, with potential extension to other settings with similar epidemiological conditions.Instituto de BiotecnologíaFil: Barandiaran, Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Barandiaran, Soledad. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Marfil, Maria Jimena. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas; ArgentinaFil: Capobianco, Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Matemática de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Capobianco, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Matemática. Instituto de Matemática de Bahía Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Perez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. University of Minnesota. College of Veterinary Medicine; Estados UnidosFil: Zumarraga, Martin Jose. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Zumarraga, Martin Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Eirin, Maria Emilia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Eirin, Maria Emilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cuerda, Maria Ximena. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Cuerda, Maria Ximena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Winter, Marina. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Río Negro; ArgentinaFil: Martinez Vivot, Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas; ArgentinaFil: Pérez, Andrés Maximiliano. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Pérez, Andrés Maximiliano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: La Sala, Luciano Francisco. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; ArgentinaFil: La Sala, Luciano Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; Argentin

Bayesian assessment of the accuracy of a PCR-based rapid diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis in swine

Infection with the Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) causes a disease referred to as bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which affects a wide range of mammal hosts. Many countries have implemented control and eradication plans that have resulted in variable levels of efficacy and success. Although bTB is a notifiable disease in Argentina, and a control plan that targets cattle herds has been in place for decades, M. bovis is still prevalent in cattle, swine, and certain wild species. The aim of the paper here was to assess the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of PCR from tissue, which is a test for rapid M. bovis detection in swine. Bacteriological culture was also performed for comparison purposes. A Bayesian approach was applied to estimate the accuracy of the diagnostic tests, PCR and bacteriological culture, in 266 swine samples with bTB-like lesions recovered during routine official inspections at slaughterhouses. A one-population model, assuming conditional dependence between test results, and incorporating prior information on the performance of the tests obtained from the literature, was used to estimate the tests Se and Sp. The accuracy of the combined (in parallel) application of both tests was also estimated. The Se of the PCR (82.9%) was higher than the Se of the bacteriological culture (79.9%), whereas the Sp of both tests was similar (88.5 and 89.0%, respectively). Furthermore, when both techniques were assessed in parallel, the Se of the diagnostic system increased substantially (Se = 96.6%) with a moderate Sp loss (Sp = 78.8%; PPV = 92.8%; NPV = 89%). Results suggest that the PCR, or the combined application of bacteriological culture and PCR, may serve as an accurate diagnostic tool to confirm bTB in swine samples. Results here will help the design and implementation of effective surveillance strategies for the disease in swine of Argentina and other settings in which the disease is prevalent.Fil: Barandiaran, Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. University of Minnesota; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Marfil, Maria Jimena. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Martinez Vivot, Marcela. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Aznar, María Natalia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigacion En Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Pque. Centenario. Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria.; ArgentinaFil: Zumárraga, Martín José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Andrés. University of Minnesota; Estados Unido

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus seroprevalence and risk factors in feedlot cattle from Córdoba and Santa Fe, Argentina = Seroprevalencia del virus respiratorio sincicial bovino y factores de riesgo asociados en engordes a corral de Córdoba y Santa Fe, Argentina

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the causative agents of respiratory disease in cattle all over the world, leading to important economic losses. The aim of this work was to determine the seroprevalence of BRSV in feedlot cattle of Argentina and the risk factors associated with the disease. Results showed a high individual seroprevalence of 78.64% (95% confidence interval adjusted [CI] = 66.55–90.75%) against the virus. Positive association was found between the presence of high BRSV neutralizing antibody titers, and the following risk factors: cattle age, source of animals, presence of clinical respiratory signs and herd size. This work contributes to updating the understanding of its epidemiology in Argentinean feedlots and poses the need for reevaluating vaccination strategies against this virus in order to control infection and its impact on productivity.El virus respiratorio sincicial bovino (BRSV) es uno de los agentes causantes de enfermedad respiratoria bovina a nivel mundial, conduciendo a importantes pérdidas económicas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la seroprevalencia del BRSV en bovinos de engorde a corral de Argentina y estudiar los factores de riesgo asociados. Los resultados mostraron una elevada seroprevalencia individual del 78,64% (IC = 66,55-90,75%) contra el virus. Se encontró una asociación positiva entre la presencia de altos títulos de anticuerpos neutralizantes contra BRSV y los factores de riesgo: edad del ganado, origen de los animales, presencia de signos clínicos respiratorios y el tamaño del rebaño. Este trabajo contribuye en gran medida a la comprensión de la epidemiología en los establecimientos de engorde a corral de Argentina y plantea la necesidad de revaluar las estrategias de vacunación contra este virus con el fin de controlar la infección y su impacto en la producción.Instituto de VirologíaFil: Ferella, Alejandra. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología; ArgentinaFil: Margineda, Carlos Augusto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Marcos Juárez; ArgentinaFil: Aznar, Maria Natalia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología; ArgentinaFil: Sammarruco, Romina Ayelén. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Dus Santos, Maria Jose. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Mozgovoj, Marina Valeria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentin

Serologic evidence of HoBi-like virus circulation in Argentinean water buffalo

HoBi-like pestiviruses (also known as bovine viral diarrhea virus 3) have been sporadically reported from naturally infected cattle in Brazil, Asia, and Europe. Although HoBi-like viruses seem to be endemic in Brazilian cattle and buffalo, they have not been studied in the other countries of South America to our knowledge. Herein we report serologic results of buffalo from 12 large farms in Argentina located near the Brazilian border. These buffalo were not vaccinated against pestiviruses. Our results indicate that HoBi-like virus may be circulating in the northeastern region of Argentina given that half of the analyzed animals showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the pestivirus. The HoBi-like seropositive animals were also checked for neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2, and in most cases these animals had low levels or no detectable antibodies against these other pestiviruses. Our study suggests a need for continued pestivirus surveillance in Argentinean cattle and buffalo.Inst.de VirologíaFil: Pecora, Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patobiología; ArgentinaFil: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Zabal, Osvaldo Alfredo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Sala, Juan Manuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes. Grupo de Sanidad Animal; ArgentinaFil: Konrad, Jose Luis. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Caspe, Sergio Gaston. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes. Grupo de Sanidad Animal; ArgentinaFil: Bauermann, Fernando. South Dakota State University. Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Ridpath, Julia. USDA, Agricultural Research Service. National Animal Disease Center. Ruminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit; Estados UnidosFil: Dus Santos, Maria Jose. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentin