Viruses

Editorial

3 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Italy: The Role of Veterinary Public Health Institutes

by Alessio Lorusso, Paolo Calistri, Giovanni Savini, Daniela Morelli, Lucio Ambrosij, Giacomo Migliorati and Nicola D’Alterio

Viruses 2021, 13(4), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13040549 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2979

Abstract

Novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with potential impacts on diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines are spreading in Italy. In this editorial, we highlight the role that veterinary public health institutes may have in this global crisis, as their expertise in genomic/antigenic surveillance and animal studies are [...] Read more.

Novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with potential impacts on diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines are spreading in Italy. In this editorial, we highlight the role that veterinary public health institutes may have in this global crisis, as their expertise in genomic/antigenic surveillance and animal studies are crucial to tackle SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

2 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Erasing the Invisible Line to Empower the Pandemic Response

by Nicola Decaro, Alessio Lorusso and Ilaria Capua

Viruses 2021, 13(2), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020348 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2646

Abstract

A challenging debate has arisen on the role of veterinary expertise in facing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It seems totally unreasonable that in most countries, veterinary diagnostic and tracing forces were not deployed at the start to perform strategic tasks, which could have mitigated [...] Read more.

A challenging debate has arisen on the role of veterinary expertise in facing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It seems totally unreasonable that in most countries, veterinary diagnostic and tracing forces were not deployed at the start to perform strategic tasks, which could have mitigated the outcome of this dramatic health emergency. Erasing the invisible line between human and veterinary virology will empower the response to future pandemics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

Research

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8 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Serum from BNT162b2 Vaccine Recipients

by Fabrizia Valleriani, Elisa Mancuso, Giacomo Vincifori, Liana Teodori, Lisa Di Marcantonio, Massimo Spedicato, Alessandra Leone, Giovanni Savini, Daniela Morelli, Barbara Bonfini and Alessio Lorusso

Viruses 2021, 13(10), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13102011 - 6 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved rapidly, leading to viral lineages characterized by multiple mutations in the spike protein, which could potentially confer to the virus the ability to avoid the vaccine-induced immune response, making the vaccines less effective or [...] Read more.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved rapidly, leading to viral lineages characterized by multiple mutations in the spike protein, which could potentially confer to the virus the ability to avoid the vaccine-induced immune response, making the vaccines less effective or ineffective. Here, we initially evaluated the neutralization capabilities in vitro by serum neutralization (SN) of six serum samples collected from recipients of the BNT162b2 vaccine against 11 SARS-CoV-2 isolates belonging to the major SARS-CoV-2 lineages that had been circulating in Italy. Then, we considered 30 additional serum samples by SN assay against the dominant B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. A B.1 lineage isolate was used as a reference. In the first analysis, significant differences when compared with the reference strain (p > 0.05) were not evidenced; instead, when the panel of 30 sera was tested against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, a significant (p = 0.0015) 2.38-fold reduction in neutralizing titres compared with the reference after the first vaccine dose was demonstrated. After the second vaccine dose, the reduction was not significant (p = 0.1835). This study highlights that the BNT162b2 vaccine stimulates a humoral response able to neutralize all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants, thus suggesting a prominent role in mitigating the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in real-world conditions. Long-term follow-up is currently ongoing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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8 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Risk Factors Associated with the Alpine Multispecies Farming System in the Eradication of CAEV in South Tyrol, Italy

by Alexander Tavella, Katia Capello, Giuseppe Bertoni and Astrid Bettini

Viruses 2021, 13(10), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13101959 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1845

Abstract

South Tyrol has implemented, in 2007, a mandatory eradication program against Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV), a virus known to cause economic losses related to decreases in milk production and milk quality in goats, along with poor animal welfare and premature death. After [...] Read more.

South Tyrol has implemented, in 2007, a mandatory eradication program against Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV), a virus known to cause economic losses related to decreases in milk production and milk quality in goats, along with poor animal welfare and premature death. After a great initial decrease in the seroprevalence, the program has reached a tailing phase with scattered positivities. Potential risk factors associated with the multispecies farming system, a traditional approach in South Tyrol, are evaluated in this study, in order to better understand some of the potential causes leading to the tailing phenomenon. A statistically significant number of farms was selected for the present study, based on the risk factors evaluated. Even though there is no statistically significant association between the practices evaluated and the incidence of infection, the authors believe that it is important to highlight potential risks that may threaten the outcome of this eradication program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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14 pages, 3830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease

by Francesco Mira, Marta Canuti, Santina Di Bella, Roberto Puleio, Antonio Lavazza, Davide Lelli, Domenico Vicari, Giuseppa Purpari, Vincenza Cannella, Gabriele Chiaramonte, Giorgia Schirò, Calogero Castronovo and Annalisa Guercio

Viruses 2021, 13(8), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13081527 - 2 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

Equid and asinine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs; genus Percavirus) are members of the Herpesviridae family. Though GHVs have been reported in horse populations, less studies are available on gammaherpesviral infections in donkeys. This study reports the co-infection with two GHVs in Pantesco breed donkeys, [...] Read more.

Equid and asinine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs; genus Percavirus) are members of the Herpesviridae family. Though GHVs have been reported in horse populations, less studies are available on gammaherpesviral infections in donkeys. This study reports the co-infection with two GHVs in Pantesco breed donkeys, an endangered Italian donkey breed. Samples (n = 124) were collected on a breeding farm in Southern Italy from 40 donkeys, some of which were healthy or presented erosive tongue lesions and/or mild respiratory signs. Samples were analysed by using a set of nested PCRs targeting the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and DNA-packaging protein genes, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Twenty-nine donkeys (72.5%) tested positive, and the presence of Equid gammaherpesvirus 7 and asinine herpesvirus 5 was evidenced. In 11 animals, we found evidence for co-infection with viruses from the two species. Virions with herpesvirus-like morphology were observed by electron microscopic examination, and viruses were successfully isolated in RK-13-KY cell monolayers. The histological evaluation of tongue lesions revealed moderate lympho-granulocytic infiltrates and rare eosinophilic inclusions. The detection of GHVs in this endangered asinine breed suggests the need long-life monitoring within conservation programs and reinforces the need for further investigations of GHV’s pathogenetic role in asinine species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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5 pages, 584 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Do Dogs and Cats Passively Carry SARS-CoV-2 on Hair and Pads?

by Stefania Lauzi, Angelica Stranieri, Alessia Giordano, Davide Lelli, Gabriella Elia, Costantina Desario, Gabriele Ratti, Nicola Decaro and Saverio Paltrinieri

Viruses 2021, 13(7), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13071357 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4897

Abstract

The epidemiological role of domestic animals in the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans has been investigated in recent reports, but some aspects need to be further clarified. To date, only in rare cases have dogs and cats living with COVID-19 patients [...] Read more.

The epidemiological role of domestic animals in the spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans has been investigated in recent reports, but some aspects need to be further clarified. To date, only in rare cases have dogs and cats living with COVID-19 patients been found to harbour SARS-CoV-2, with no evidence of pet-to-human transmission. The aim of the present study was to verify whether dogs and cats act as passive mechanical carriers of SARS-CoV-2 when they live in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Cutaneous and interdigital swabs collected from 48 dogs and 15 cats owned by COVID-19 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR. The time elapsed between owner swab positivity and sample collection from pets ranged from 1 to 72 days, with a median time of 23 days for dogs and 39 days for cats. All samples tested negative, suggesting that pets do not passively carry SARS-CoV-2 on their hair and pads, and thus they likely do not play an important role in the virus transmission to humans. This data may contribute to confirming that the direct contact with the hair and pads of pets does not represent a route for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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9 pages, 1029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergence and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Lineages B.1.1.7 and P.1 in Italy

by Francesca Di Giallonardo, Ilaria Puglia, Valentina Curini, Cesare Cammà, Iolanda Mangone, Paolo Calistri, Joanna C. A. Cobbin, Edward C. Holmes and Alessio Lorusso

Viruses 2021, 13(5), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13050794 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4357

Abstract

Italy’s second wave of SARS-CoV-2 has hit hard, with more than three million cases and over 100,000 deaths, representing an almost ten-fold increase in the numbers reported by August 2020. Herein, we present an analysis of 6515 SARS-CoV-2 sequences sampled in Italy between [...] Read more.

Italy’s second wave of SARS-CoV-2 has hit hard, with more than three million cases and over 100,000 deaths, representing an almost ten-fold increase in the numbers reported by August 2020. Herein, we present an analysis of 6515 SARS-CoV-2 sequences sampled in Italy between 29 January 2020 and 1 March 2021 and show how different lineages emerged multiple times independently despite lockdown restrictions. Virus lineage B.1.177 became the dominant variant in November 2020, when cases peaked at 40,000 a day, but since January 2021 this is being replaced by the B.1.1.7 ‘variant of concern’. In addition, we report a sudden increase in another documented variant of concern—lineage P.1—from December 2020 onwards, most likely caused by a single introduction into Italy. We again highlight how international importations drive the emergence of new lineages and that genome sequencing should remain a top priority for ongoing surveillance in Italy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

11 pages, 490 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Parvoviruses in Domestic Cats

by Paolo Capozza, Vito Martella, Canio Buonavoglia and Nicola Decaro

Viruses 2021, 13(6), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13061077 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Parvovirus infections in cats have been well known for around 100 years. Recently, the use of molecular assays and metagenomic approaches for virus discovery and characterization has led to the detection of novel parvovirus lineages and/or species infecting the feline host. However, the [...] Read more.

Parvovirus infections in cats have been well known for around 100 years. Recently, the use of molecular assays and metagenomic approaches for virus discovery and characterization has led to the detection of novel parvovirus lineages and/or species infecting the feline host. However, the involvement of emerging parvoviruses in the onset of gastroenteritis or other feline diseases is still uncertain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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14 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessReview

Feline Morbillivirus Infection in Domestic Cats: What Have We Learned So Far?

by Eliana De Luca, Giuseppe Andrea Sautto, Paolo Emidio Crisi and Alessio Lorusso

Viruses 2021, 13(4), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/v13040683 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3308

Abstract

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was identified for the first time in stray cats in 2012 in Hong Kong and, since its discovery, it was reported in domestic cats worldwide. Although a potential association between FeMV infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been suggested, this [...] Read more.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was identified for the first time in stray cats in 2012 in Hong Kong and, since its discovery, it was reported in domestic cats worldwide. Although a potential association between FeMV infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been suggested, this has not been proven, and the subject remains controversial. TIN is the most frequent histopathological finding in the context of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is one of the major clinical pathologies in feline medicine. FeMV research has mainly focused on defining the epidemiology, the role of FeMV in the development of CKD, and its in vitro tropism, but the pathogenicity of FeMV is still not clear, partly due to its distinctive biological characteristics, as well as to a lack of a cell culture system for its rapid isolation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of FeMV infection, including genetic diversity of FeMV strains, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and clinicopathological findings observed in naturally infected cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Viruses: State-of-the-Art Research in Italy)

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