Herpesvirus infections in ruminants and elephants

In the order Herpesvirales, the family Herpesviridae contains numerous viruses isolated from various ruminant species and from elephants. Viruses currently identified in ruminants belong to subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, which includes bovine herpesvirus 1 responsible for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae, which includes alcelaphine herpesvirus 1, causative agent of malignant catarrhal fever. Viruses isolated from elephants belong to the subfamilies Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae. The betaherpesviruses cause a deadly hemorrhagic disease sporadically observed in elephants kept in circuses and zoos. Herpesviruses evolved over a very long time period by cospeciation with their host species. The nucleotide substitution rate is very low. However two mechanisms are important for the evolution of herpesvirus populations: viral latent persistence and a high recombination rate. There are probably many more herpesviruses infecting ruminants and elephants in the biosphere. For instance, eight herpesvirus species are currently recognised in the human species, and a similar diversity can be expected in other mammalian species. Viral discovery, based on new molecular technologies, opens new prospects, with the identification of new viral species not associated with clinical signs.Dans l'ordre des Herpesvirales, la famille des Herpesviridae comprend de nombreux virus isolés de diverses espèces de ruminants et chez les éléphants. Les virus actuellement identifiés chez les ruminants appartiennent à la sous-famille des Alphaherpesvirinae dont fait partie l'herpèsvirus bovin 1, agent de la rhinotrachéite infectieuse bovine, et à la sous-famille des Gammaherpesvirinae, à laquelle appartient le virus alcélaphin 1, virus du coryza gangreneux. Chez les éléphants, les virus appartiennent aux sous-familles Beta- et Gammaherpesvirinae. Les bêtaherpèsvirus sont responsables d'une maladie hémorragique mortelle observée de manière sporadique chez les éléphants de cirque et de parc zoologique. Les herpèsvirus ont évolué sur une très longue période par co-spéciation avec leurs espèces hôtes. Le taux de substitutions nucléotidiques est très faible chez ces virus. Cependant, leur persistance à l'état latent et le taux important de recombinaison lors de co-infections sont des éléments déterminants de l'évolution des populations d'herpèsvirus. Ces différents virus ne représentent vraisemblablement qu'une petite partie des herpèsvirus existant chez les ruminants et les éléphants dans la biosphère. À titre d'exemple, huit espèces d'herpèsvirus sont actuellement reconnues chez l'homme et l'on peut supposer la même diversité chez d'autres espèces de mammifères. La découverte virale, basée sur les nouvelles technologies moléculaires, ouvre de nouvelles perspectives, particulièrement liées à l'identification de nouvelles espèces virales non associées à des signes cliniques

Isolation and characterisation of a ruminant alphaherpesvirus closely related to bovine herpesvirus 1 in a free-ranging red deer

BACKGROUND: The genus Varicellovirus of the Herpesviridae subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae includes a cluster of viruses antigenically and genetically related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1): namely bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5), bubaline herpesvirus 1 (BuHV-1), caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1), cervid herpesviruses 1 (CvHV-1) and 2 (CvHV-2) and elk herpesvirus 1 (ElkHV-1). Considering the serological relationship between these ruminant alphaherpesviruses, several surveys have studied the occurrence of BoHV-1 related virus infection in wild and domestic ruminant species. In this way, a recent investigation has indicated, in Belgium, a high increase in the serological prevalence of BoHV-1 related virus infection in free-ranging red deer population. In this context, it has been decided to investigate the presence of an alphaherpesvirus spreading in the Belgian free-ranging red deer population. RESULTS: The current study reports the first isolation in a free-ranging red deer of a BoHV-1 closely related virus. The isolate was antigenically, genomically and genetically characterised by comparison with several ruminant alphaherpesvirus. Immunofluorescence assays revealed the isolate was antigenically distinct from bovine and caprine alphaherpesviruses. Similarly, BamHI and BstEII restriction analyses demonstrated the genomic difference between the isolate and the other ruminant alphaherpesviruses. Next, the sequencing of selected parts of UL27 and US8 genes showed a high degree of homologies between each BoHV-1 related ruminant alphaherpesvirus and the isolate. Besides the close relationship between all ruminant alphaherpesviruses, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate clustered with CvHV-1. CONCLUSION: The first isolation of a virus closely related to BoHV-1 in a free-ranging red deer is reported. Data demonstrate that a CvHV-1 strain, named Anlier, circulates in wild red deer in continental Europe. Anlier strain show consistent differences with the virus isolated from Scottish farmed red deer. All together, these results improve our understanding of ruminant alphaherpesviruses

Clinical protection against caprine herpesvirus 1 genital infection by intranasal administration of a live attenuated glycoprotein E negative bovine herpesvirus 1 vaccine

BACKGROUND: Caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) is responsible of systemic diseases in kids and genital diseases leading to abortions in goats. CpHV-1 is widespread and especially in Mediterranean countries as Greece, Italy and Spain. CpHV-1 is antigenically and genetically closely related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Taking into account the biological properties shared by these two viruses, we decided in the current study to assess the protection of a live attenuated glycoprotein E (gE) negative BoHV-1 vaccine against a genital CpHV-1 infection in goats. RESULTS: The vaccine was inoculated intranasally twice three weeks apart followed by a subsequent CpHV-1 intravaginal challenge which is the natural route of infection in three goats. To analyse the safety and the efficacy of this marker vaccine, two groups of three goats served as controls: one immunised with a virulent CpHV-1 and one uninoculated until the challenge. Goats were clinically monitored and all sampling procedures were carried out in a blind manner. The vaccine did not induce any undesirable local or systemic reaction and goats did not excrete gE-negative BoHV-1. After challenge, a significant reduction in disease severity was observed in immunised goats. Moreover, goats immunised with either gE-negative BoHV-1 or CpHV-1 exhibited a significant reduction in the length and the peak of viral excretion. Antibodies neutralising both BoHV-1 and CpHV-1 were raised in immunised goats. CONCLUSION: Intranasal application of a live attenuated gE-negative BoHV-1 vaccine is able to afford a clinical protection and a reduction of virus excretion in goats challenged by a CpHV-1 genital infection

Control Strategies for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Italy.

Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is a major pathogen of cattle, the infection is accompanied by various clinical manifestations such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, abortion and systemic infection in neonates. Despite of a pronounced immune response the virus is never eliminated from an infected host but establishes life-long latency and may be reactivated. The viral re-excretion is responsible for the maintenance of BoHV-1 within a cattle herd. Vaccines usually prevent the development of clinical signs and markedly reduce the shedding of virus after infection, but do not completely prevent infection. The disease causes significant economic losses and trade restrictions, therefore several eradication campaigns have been carried out or are currently running in different countries. Currently in Europe only a small number of countries have achieved IBR-eradication. In Italy there is no national legislation on IBR, the new trade requirements and the need to limit the introduction of positive animals have led some Italian regions to initiate programs for the eradication, therefore we find regional differences and even provincial. Keywords: IBR, cattle, control programs, eradication programs, Italy

Periglacial morphogenesis in the Paris Basin: insight from geophysical survey and consequences for the fate of soil pollution.

International audienceGeophysical survey by of the Pierrelaye-Bessancourt area revealed conductive polygon patterns of 20-30 m diameter detected between 0.5 and 1.7 m depth. The patterns are formed by greenish glauconite and carbonated sand hollows where clay-rich pedological horizons bend downward, forming narrow tongs extending up to 2-3 m depth. Such structures were interpreted as a buried polygonal ice-wedge network. Geometrical relationships between the lithological units allowed the identification of successive landscape events and a landscape chronology. The sequence started during the Saalian glaciation with (1) development of patterned grounds by thermokarstic cryoturbation; (2) consecutive deflation/erosion during post-permafrost aridity; (3) loess and eolian sand deposits; (4) weathering of the former deposits with development of pedogenic horizons during the Eemian interglacial; (5) recurrent cryoturbation and thermal cracking leading to infolding of the pedogenic horizons during the Pleniglacial optimum (Weichselian); (5) finally erosion that levelled the periglacial microreliefs, leading to the modern landscape. In this agricultural area, urban waste water has been spread and has led to high levels of metal pollution in the surface horizons of the soils. The polygonal cryogenic structures have major impacts on soil hydrology and dispersion/distribution of heavy metals toward the geological substrate

Comparative study on the in vitro and in vivo properties of two bovine herpesvirus-5 reference strains

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an alphaherpesvirus responsible for meningoencephalitis in young cattle and it is antigenically and genetically related to bovine herpesvirus 1. BoHV-5 outbreaks are sporadic and restricted in their geographical distribution, being mostly detected in the Southern hemisphere. The N569 and A663 strains are prototypes of the "a" and "b" subtypes of BoHV-5, however, scarce information about their <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo </it>properties is currently available.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>For the <it>in vitro </it>comparison between BoHV-5 A663 and N569 strains, viral growth kinetics, lysis and infection plaque size assays were performed. Additionally, an experimental infection of cattle with BoHV-5 A663 and N569 strains was carried out. Viral excretion, development of neurological signs, presence of specific antibodies in serum and nasal swabs and presence of latent BoHV-5 DNA in trigeminal ganglion, were analyzed. Histopathological examination of samples belonging to inoculated animals was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The lytic capacity and the cell-to-cell spread was lower for the A663 strain compared to the N569 strain, however, the production of total infectious viral particles was similar between both strains. Concerning the <it>in vivo </it>properties, the A663 and N569 strains are able to induce similar degrees of pathogenicity in cattle.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results show that the A663 strain used in this study is less adapted to <it>in vitro </it>replication in MDBK cells than the N569 strain and, although slight differences were observed, both strains are able to induce a similar degree of virulence in the natural host.</p

Etude d'évaluation du risque de mobilité des métaux dans l'agrosystème contaminé de Pierrelaye-Bessancourt : prospections du site, fonctionnement des sols et tests de lixiviation.

Ce sont les mécanismes de fixation et de libération des métaux dans ces sols pollués qui ont été approchés. Dans ce sens, l'étude se veut un outil d'aide à la décision pour les aménagements futurs du territoire. 1- Les de structures polygonales reconnues par géophysique conditionnent les modes et lieux d'infiltration des eaux. 2- L'irrigation a conduit à la déstabilisation des argiles des sols qui de ce fait ne jouent plus le rôle de rétention. Toutes les phases porteuses de métaux sont plus ou moins directement liées aux anciennes conditions d'hydromorphie (irrigation). L'arrêt de l'irrigation va déstabiliser progressivement ces complexes porteurs et libérer métaux retenus. 3- Des antibiotiques ont été mis en évidence dans les sols. Ils sont susceptibles d'agir sur les microorganismes des sols, et de ce fait présenter des risques environnementaux. 4- Les tests de lixiviation (lessivage/mobilisation) montrent la sensibilité des métaux à l'acidification du milieu et à l'oxydation de la matière organique. En raison de l'arrêt de l'irrigation il y aura accélération de la migration des métaux. 5- Les options de réaménagement sont discutées sous le regard sols/paysages : (1) en cas de boisement, l'acidification entraînera leur évacuation ; (2) les sols en place génèrent des poussières (dispersion dans l'environnement et inhalation humaine) ; (3) La dispersion incontrôlée des terres lors de terrassements est certainement un risque majeur

Characterization of BoHV-5 field strains circulation and report of transient specific subtype of bovine herpesvirus 5 in Argentina

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is a member of the subfamily <it>Alphaherpesvirinae </it>responsible for meningo-encephalitis in young cattle. The first case of bovine meningo-encephalitis associated with a herpesvirus infection was reported in Australia. The current geographical distribution of BoHV-5 infection is mainly restricted to South America, especially Brazil and Argentina. Outbreaks of BoHV-5 are regularly observed in Argentina suggesting the circulation of the virus in the bovine population.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seventeen field strains of BoHV-5 isolated from 1984 to now were confirmed by differential PCR and subjected to restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). Viral DNA was cleaved with BstEII which allows the differentiation among subtypes a, b and non a, non b. According to the REA with BstEII, only one field strain showed a pattern similar to the Argentinean A663 strain (prototype of BoHV-5b). All other isolates showed a clear pattern similar to the Australian N569 strain (prototype of BoHV-5a) consistent with the subtypes observed in Brazil, the other South-American country where BoHV-5 is known to be prevalent. The genomic region of subtype b responsible for the distinct pattern was determined and amplified by PCR; specifically a point mutation was identified in glycoprotein B gene, on the BstEII restriction site, which generates the profile specific of BoHV-5b.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first report of circulation of BoHV-5a in Argentina as the prevailing subtype. Therefore the circulation of BoHV-5b was restricted to a few years in Argentina, speculating that this subtype was not able to be maintained in the bovine population. The mutation in the gB gene is associated with the difference in the restriction patterns between subtypes "a" and "b".</p

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Several Bacteria Species Identified in the Peritoneal Exudate of Cows Affected by Parietal Fibrinous Peritonitis after Caesarean Section

peer reviewedAbstract: The aim of this study was to identify the species and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria involved in parietal fibrinous peritonitis (PFP).We studied 156 peritoneal fluid samples from cows presenting PFP after caesarean section. Bacteria were cultured in selective media and their antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disk diffusion assay. Bacteria were isolated in the majority (129/156; 83%) of samples. The majority (82/129; 63%) of positive samples contained one dominant species, while two or more species were cultured in 47/129 (36%) samples. Trueperella pyogenes (T. Pyogenes) (107 strains) was the most identified species, followed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) (38 strains), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) (6 strains), and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) (6 strains). Several other species were sporadically identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested in 59/185 strains, predominantly E. coli (38 strains) and P. mirabilis (6 strains). Antibiotic resistance, including resistance to molecules of critical importance, was commonly observed; strains were classified as weakly drug resistant (22/59; 37%), multidrug resistant (24/59; 41%), extensively drug resistant (12/59; 20%), or pan-drug resistant (1/59; 2%). In conclusion, extensive antibiotic resistance in the isolated germs might contribute to treatment failure. Ideally, antimicrobial therapy of PFP should be based upon bacterial culture and susceptibility testing