Seroprevalence of Porcine torovirus (PToV) in Spanish farms

Background: Torovirus infections have been associated with gastroenteritis and diarrhea in horses, cows, pigs and humans, especially in young animals and in children. Although asymptomatic in a large percentage of cases, however toroviruses may pose a potential threat to worsen disease outcome in concurrent infections with other enteric pathogens. Previous studies based on the analysis of limited numbers of samples indicated high seroprevalences against porcine torovirus (PToV) in various European countries. The aim of this work was to perform a seroepidemiological survey of PToV in Spanish farms in order to define the seroprevalence against this virus. Results: Serum samples (n = 2664) from pigs of different ages were collected from 100 Spanish farms coming from 10 regions that concentrate 96.1% of the 3392 farms with 80 or more sows censused in Spain. Samples were screened by means of an indirect enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) based on a recombinant PToV nucleocapsid protein as antigen. The analysis of the whole serum collection yielded a total of 95.7% (2550/2664) seropositive samples. The highest prevalence (99.6%, 1382/1388) and ELISA values (average O.D. ± standard deviation) were observed in the sows (1.03±0.36) and the lowest prevalence (59.4%, 98/165) and anti-PToV IgG levels (0.45±0.16) were found amongst 3-week-old piglets. Both ELISA reactivity values and seroprevalence percentages rose quickly with piglet's age from 3 to 11 weeks of age; the seroprevalence was 99.3% (2254/2270) when only the samples from sows and pigs over 11-weeks of age were considered. Antibodies against PToV were detected in all analyzed farms. Conclusions: This report describes the results of the largest torovirus seroepidemiological survey in farmed swine performed so far. Overall, the seroprevalence against PToV in animals older than 11 weeks of age was >99%, indicating that this virus is endemic in pig herds from Spain

Swine influenza virus infection dynamics in two pig farms; results of a longitudinal assessment

In order to assess the dynamics of influenza virus infection in pigs, serological and virological follow-ups were conducted in two whole batches of pigs from two different farms (F1 and F2), from 3 weeks of age until market age. Anti-swine influenza virus (SIV) antibodies (measured by ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition) and nasal virus shedding (measured by RRT-PCR and isolation in embryonated chicken eggs and MDCK cells) were carried out periodically. SIV isolates were subtyped and hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes were partially sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. In F1, four waves of viral circulation were detected, and globally, 62/121 pigs (51.2%) were positive by RRT-PCR at least once. All F1 isolates corresponded to H1N1 subtype although hemagglutination inhibition results also revealed the presence of antibodies against H3N2. The first viral wave took place in the presence of colostral-derived antibodies. Nine pigs were positive in two non-consecutive sampling weeks, with two of the animals being positive with the same isolate. Phylogenetic analyses showed that different H1N1 variants circulated in that farm. In F2, only one isolate, H1N2, was detected and all infections were concentrated in a very short period of time, as assumed for a classic influenza outbreak. These findings led us to propose that influenza virus infection in pigs might present different patterns, from an epidemic outbreak to an endemic form with different waves of infections with a lower incidence

Assessment of animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) vulnerability in cattle-owning communities of sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is one of the biggest constraints to livestock production and a threat to food security in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to optimise the allocation of resources for AAT control, decision makers need to target geographic areas where control programmes are most likely to be successful and sustainable and select control methods that will maximise the benefits obtained from resources invested. Methods: The overall approach to classifying cattle-owning communities in terms of AAT vulnerability was based on the selection of key variables collected through field surveys in five sub-Saharan Africa countries followed by a formal Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) to identify factors explaining the variations between areas. To categorise the communities in terms of AAT vulnerability profiles, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) was performed. Results: Three clusters of community vulnerability profiles were identified based on farmers’ beliefs with respect to trypanosomiasis control within the five countries studied. Cluster 1 communities, mainly identified in Cameroon, reported constant AAT burden, had large trypanosensitive (average herd size = 57) communal grazing cattle herds. Livestock (cattle and small ruminants) were reportedly the primary source of income in the majority of these cattle-owning households (87.0 %). Cluster 2 communities identified mainly in Burkina Faso and Zambia, with some Ethiopian communities had moderate herd sizes (average = 16) and some trypanotolerant breeds (31.7 %) practicing communal grazing. In these communities there were some concerns regarding the development of trypanocide resistance. Crops were the primary income source while communities in this cluster incurred some financial losses due to diminished draft power. The third cluster contained mainly Ugandan and Ethiopian communities which were mixed farmers with smaller herd sizes (average = 8). The costs spent diagnosing and treating AAT were moderate here. Conclusions: Understanding how cattle-owners are affected by AAT and their efforts to manage the disease is critical to the design of suitable locally-adapted control programmes. It is expected that the results could inform priority setting and the development of tailored recommendations for AAT control strategies

Experimental infection with H1N1 European swine influenza virus protects pigs from an infection with the 2009 pandemic H1N1 human influenza virus

The recent pandemic caused by human influenza virus A(H1N1) 2009 contains ancestral gene segments from North American and Eurasian swine lineages as well as from avian and human influenza lineages. The emergence of this A(H1N1) 2009 poses a potential global threat for human health and the fact that it can infect other species, like pigs, favours a possible encounter with other influenza viruses circulating in swine herds. In Europe, H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 subtypes of swine influenza virus currently have a high prevalence in commercial farms. To better assess the risk posed by the A(H1N1) 2009 in the actual situation of swine farms, we sought to analyze whether a previous infection with a circulating European avian-like swine A/Swine/Spain/53207/2004 (H1N1) influenza virus (hereafter referred to as SwH1N1) generated or not cross-protective immunity against a subsequent infection with the new human pandemic A/Catalonia/63/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus (hereafter referred to as pH1N1) 21 days apart. Pigs infected only with pH1N1 had mild to moderate pathological findings, consisting on broncho-interstitial pneumonia. However, pigs inoculated with SwH1N1 virus and subsequently infected with pH1N1 had very mild lung lesions, apparently attributed to the remaining lesions caused by SwH1N1 infection. These later pigs also exhibited boosted levels of specific antibodies. Finally, animals firstly infected with SwH1N1 virus and latter infected with pH1N1 exhibited undetectable viral RNA load in nasal swabs and lungs after challenge with pH1N1, indicating a cross-protective effect between both strains

Epidemiologia de la influença porcina: Estudis seroepidemiològics i dinàmica de la infecció en explotacions porcines

Des de l’any 1931, s’han aïllat diferents tipus de virus influença en l’espècie porcina i en l’actualitat es considera que certs subtipus circulen de forma endèmica entre la població porcina mundial. Degut a que els porcs poden infectar-se tant per virus influença d’origen aviar com d’origen humà, l’espècie porcina es considera la font de generació de nous virus influença recombinants, que podrien incloure gens de virus de diferents orígens. Per aquest motiu, més enllà de les conseqüències productives que comporta la malaltia pel sector porcí, la grip porcina prèn importància degut a les implicacions que pot tenir per la salut pública. En el primer estudi d’aquesta tesi es va examinar la seroprevalença enfront els virus influença en el porcí d’Espanya i els factors de risc associats. Es van recollir informació i mostres de sèrum (2.151 animals) de 98 explotacions distribuïdes arreu del país. Els resultats obtinguts mitjançant la tècnica d’ inhibició de la hemaglutinació (IH), utilitzant els subtipus H1N1, H1N2 i H3N2 com antígens, van mostrar que el 75.4% dels animals presentaven anticossos enfront algun dels subtipus. A totes les granges estudiades es va detectar com a mínim un animal seropositiu enfront algun dels subtipus, però només el 9% van reportar simptomatologia compatible amb grip durant l’últim any. Per últim, tres factors de risc van resultar associats a la infecció: el percentatge de reposició, les separacions discontínues entre corrals i un accés no controlat a l’explotació. Els resultats obtinguts en aquest estudi mostren una àmplia disseminació dels virus influença en la població porcina d’Espanya. Així mateix, ressalten la importància de les mesures de bioseguretat així com del disseny de les instal·lacions a l’hora de minimitzar la prevalença dels virus influença en les explotacions porcines. En el segon estudi es van seguir serològicament i virològicament dos lots de producció de dues granges comercials, per tal d’explorar la dinàmica de la infecció dels virus influença en el porc. En una de les explotacions es van detectar quatre onades víriques, la primera es va observar a les 3 i 4 setmanes de vida dels garrins en presència d’anticossos maternals. L’anàlisi filogenètic va mostrar que havien cocirculat endèmicament dues variants del virus H1N1. A més, en dos animals, es va aïllar la mateixa soca viral en dos moments diferents separats entre sí per com a mínim 4 setmanes. En l’altre explotació en canvi, només es va aïllar una soca del subtipus H1N2 que es va detectar en una única onada vírica en la que el 93.7% dels animals van resultar RRT-PCR positius. Els resultats obtinguts més rellevants d’aquest estudi són: a) la infecció per virus influença en les granges porcines comercials pot donar-se tant de forma epidèmica com de forma endèmica. b) els virus influença poden infectar els garrins amb anticossos maternals. c) la protecció homòloga generada després d’una primera infecció podria no prevenir enfront una segona infecció amb la mateixa soca o una molt similar. d) diferents variants de virus influença poden circular conjuntament entre els animals d’una explotació durant llargs períodes de temps. En el tercer estudi s’explorava si el virus pandèmic H1N1 (pH1N1) continuava circulant, entre 22-26 mesos després de la infecció original, en 3 explotacions porcines d’Austràlia on s’havia detectat el virus l’any 2009. També es valorava el potencial de disseminació del virus a altres explotacions a través del moviment de persones i animals. Per portar-lo a terme, es van analitzar els sèrums de 55 animals de cada granja mitjançant l’IH per detectar anticossos específics enfront el virus pH1N1. Els resultats obtinguts mostren que almenys en una de les explotacions el virus pH1N1 havia circulat recentment.Since 1931, different types of swine influenza virus (SIV) have been isolated in swine and nowadays it is assumed that certain subtypes are endemically circulating among pigs population worldwide. Pigs can be infected by both avian and human influenza virus, and as a consequence, swine is considered the source of generation for new reassortant influenza virus, which virus could combine genes from different origins. For this reason, beyond the consequences that involved the disease for pig sector, swine influenza is taking special importance because of the implications it could have on public health. In the first study of this thesis seroprevalence and risk factors of SIV in swine population from Spain were examined. Data and serum samples (2,151 animals) were collected from 98 herds located throughout the Spanish territory. The results obtained by hemagglutination inhibition (HI), using H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 SIV subtypes as antigens, showed that 75.4% of the animals had antibodies against at least one of the subtypes examined. All farms studied had at least one seropositive animal against one of the HI tests. However, only 9% reported clinical signs compatible with swine influenza during the previous year. Finally, three risk factors were associated with the infection: increasement of replacement rates, existence of open partitions between pens and uncontrolled entrance to the farm. The results obtained in this study indicate a widespread exposure to SIV in swine population from Spain. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of biosecurity measures and facilities design in order to minimize the SIV prevalence is pig farms. In the second study serological and virological follow-ups were conducted in two whole batches of pigs from two commercial pig farms in order to assess the dynamics of SIV infection in pigs. In one farm, four viral waves were observed; the first one took place in the presence of colostral-derived antibodies when the piglets had 3-4 weeks of age. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two H1N1 variants circulated in that farm. Moreover, in two pigs, the same strain was isolated in two non-consecutive sampling points separated at least 4 weeks. In contrast in the other farm, only one strain of H1N2 subtype was detected in one viral wave in which 93.7% of the animals were RRT-PCR positive. The most relevant results of this study are: a) the SIV infection in pigs from commercial herds can occur both in epidemics and endemics form. b) SIV infection can occur in piglets in presence of colostral-derived antibodies. c) homologous protection after infection with one strain could not prevent a infection with the same strain or closely related one. d) several SIV may co circulate for extended periods of time. In the third study, freedom for pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) virus, 22-26 months following the original infection, in three piggeries from Australia where the pH1N1 were detected in 2009 was assessed. In addition, the potential spread of the virus to other piggeries through people and animal movement was investigated. To accomplish this aim, serum samples from 55 pigs from each piggery were analyzed by HI to detect specific antibodies against pH1N1 virus. The results obtained show that at least in one piggery pH1N1 had recently circulated among pigs

Epidemiologia de la influença porcina : estudis seroepidemiològics i dinàmica de la infecció en explotacions porcines /

A portada: Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CRESA)Des de l'any 1931, s'han aïllat diferents tipus de virus influença en l'espècie porcina i en l'actualitat es considera que certs subtipus circulen de forma endèmica entre la població porcina mundial. Degut a que els porcs poden infectar-se tant per virus influença d'origen aviar com d'origen humà, l'espècie porcina es considera la font de generació de nous virus influença recombinants, que podrien incloure gens de virus de diferents orígens. Per aquest motiu, més enllà de les conseqüències productives que comporta la malaltia pel sector porcí, la grip porcina prèn importància degut a les implicacions que pot tenir per la salut pública. En el primer estudi d'aquesta tesi es va examinar la seroprevalença enfront els virus influença en el porcí d'Espanya i els factors de risc associats. Es van recollir informació i mostres de sèrum (2.151 animals) de 98 explotacions distribuïdes arreu del país. Els resultats obtinguts mitjançant la tècnica d' inhibició de la hemaglutinació (IH), utilitzant els subtipus H1N1, H1N2 i H3N2 com antígens, van mostrar que el 75.4% dels animals presentaven anticossos enfront algun dels subtipus. A totes les granges estudiades es va detectar com a mínim un animal seropositiu enfront algun dels subtipus, però només el 9% van reportar simptomatologia compatible amb grip durant l'últim any. Per últim, tres factors de risc van resultar associats a la infecció: el percentatge de reposició, les separacions discontínues entre corrals i un accés no controlat a l'explotació. Els resultats obtinguts en aquest estudi mostren una àmplia disseminació dels virus influença en la població porcina d'Espanya. Així mateix, ressalten la importància de les mesures de bioseguretat així com del disseny de les instal·lacions a l'hora de minimitzar la prevalença dels virus influença en les explotacions porcines. En el segon estudi es van seguir serològicament i virològicament dos lots de producció de dues granges comercials, per tal d'explorar la dinàmica de la infecció dels virus influença en el porc. En una de les explotacions es van detectar quatre onades víriques, la primera es va observar a les 3 i 4 setmanes de vida dels garrins en presència d'anticossos maternals. L'anàlisi filogenètic va mostrar que havien cocirculat endèmicament dues variants del virus H1N1. A més, en dos animals, es va aïllar la mateixa soca viral en dos moments diferents separats entre sí per com a mínim 4 setmanes. En l'altre explotació en canvi, només es va aïllar una soca del subtipus H1N2 que es va detectar en una única onada vírica en la que el 93.7% dels animals van resultar RRT-PCR positius. Els resultats obtinguts més rellevants d'aquest estudi són: a) la infecció per virus influença en les granges porcines comercials pot donar-se tant de forma epidèmica com de forma endèmica. b) els virus influença poden infectar els garrins amb anticossos maternals. c) la protecció homòloga generada després d'una primera infecció podria no prevenir enfront una segona infecció amb la mateixa soca o una molt similar. d) diferents variants de virus influença poden circular conjuntament entre els animals d'una explotació durant llargs períodes de temps. En el tercer estudi s'explorava si el virus pandèmic H1N1 (pH1N1) continuava circulant, entre 22-26 mesos després de la infecció original, en 3 explotacions porcines d'Austràlia on s'havia detectat el virus l'any 2009. També es valorava el potencial de disseminació del virus a altres explotacions a través del moviment de persones i animals. Per portar-lo a terme, es van analitzar els sèrums de 55 animals de cada granja mitjançant l'IH per detectar anticossos específics enfront el virus pH1N1. Els resultats obtinguts mostren que almenys en una de les explotacions el virus pH1N1 havia circulat recentment.Since 1931, different types of swine influenza virus (SIV) have been isolated in swine and nowadays it is assumed that certain subtypes are endemically circulating among pigs population worldwide. Pigs can be infected by both avian and human influenza virus, and as a consequence, swine is considered the source of generation for new reassortant influenza virus, which virus could combine genes from different origins. For this reason, beyond the consequences that involved the disease for pig sector, swine influenza is taking special importance because of the implications it could have on public health. In the first study of this thesis seroprevalence and risk factors of SIV in swine population from Spain were examined. Data and serum samples (2,151 animals) were collected from 98 herds located throughout the Spanish territory. The results obtained by hemagglutination inhibition (HI), using H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2 SIV subtypes as antigens, showed that 75.4% of the animals had antibodies against at least one of the subtypes examined. All farms studied had at least one seropositive animal against one of the HI tests. However, only 9% reported clinical signs compatible with swine influenza during the previous year. Finally, three risk factors were associated with the infection: increasement of replacement rates, existence of open partitions between pens and uncontrolled entrance to the farm. The results obtained in this study indicate a widespread exposure to SIV in swine population from Spain. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of biosecurity measures and facilities design in order to minimize the SIV prevalence is pig farms. In the second study serological and virological follow-ups were conducted in two whole batches of pigs from two commercial pig farms in order to assess the dynamics of SIV infection in pigs. In one farm, four viral waves were observed; the first one took place in the presence of colostral-derived antibodies when the piglets had 3-4 weeks of age. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two H1N1 variants circulated in that farm. Moreover, in two pigs, the same strain was isolated in two non-consecutive sampling points separated at least 4 weeks. In contrast in the other farm, only one strain of H1N2 subtype was detected in one viral wave in which 93.7% of the animals were RRT-PCR positive. The most relevant results of this study are: a) the SIV infection in pigs from commercial herds can occur both in epidemics and endemics form. b) SIV infection can occur in piglets in presence of colostral-derived antibodies. c) homologous protection after infection with one strain could not prevent a infection with the same strain or closely related one. d) several SIV may co circulate for extended periods of time. In the third study, freedom for pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) virus, 22-26 months following the original infection, in three piggeries from Australia where the pH1N1 were detected in 2009 was assessed. In addition, the potential spread of the virus to other piggeries through people and animal movement was investigated. To accomplish this aim, serum samples from 55 pigs from each piggery were analyzed by HI to detect specific antibodies against pH1N1 virus. The results obtained show that at least in one piggery pH1N1 had recently circulated among pigs

Seroprevalence of Porcine torovirus (PToV) in Spanish farms

Background: Torovirus infections have been associated with gastroenteritis and diarrhea in horses, cows, pigs and humans, especially in young animals and in children. Although asymptomatic in a large percentage of cases, however toroviruses may pose a potential threat to worsen disease outcome in concurrent infections with other enteric pathogens. Previous studies based on the analysis of limited numbers of samples indicated high seroprevalences against porcine torovirus (PToV) in various European countries. The aim of this work was to perform a seroepidemiological survey of PToV in Spanish farms in order to define the seroprevalence against this virus. Results: Serum samples (n = 2664) from pigs of different ages were collected from 100 Spanish farms coming from 10 regions that concentrate 96.1% of the 3392 farms with 80 or more sows censused in Spain. Samples were screened by means of an indirect enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) based on a recombinant PToV nucleocapsid protein as antigen. The analysis of the whole serum collection yielded a total of 95.7% (2550/2664) seropositive samples. The highest prevalence (99.6%, 1382/1388) and ELISA values (average O.D. ± standard deviation) were observed in the sows (1.03±0.36) and the lowest prevalence (59.4%, 98/165) and anti-PToV IgG levels (0.45±0.16) were found amongst 3-week-old piglets. Both ELISA reactivity values and seroprevalence percentages rose quickly with piglet's age from 3 to 11 weeks of age; the seroprevalence was 99.3% (2254/2270) when only the samples from sows and pigs over 11-weeks of age were considered. Antibodies against PToV were detected in all analyzed farms. Conclusions: This report describes the results of the largest torovirus seroepidemiological survey in farmed swine performed so far. Overall, the seroprevalence against PToV in animals older than 11 weeks of age was >99%, indicating that this virus is endemic in pig herds from Spain