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The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major hepatotropic virus that affects humans with increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes abortion, calf mortality and poor reproductive performance in cattle. Due the difficulties of in vitro cultivation for HCV, BVDV has been used as surrogate for in vitro assessment of the efficacy of antivirals. Essential oils (EOs) display antiviral and virucidal activity on several viral pathogens. In this study, the virucidal activity of five EOs, Salvia officinalis L. EO (SEO), Melissa officinalis L. EO (MEO), Citrus lemon EO (LEO), Rosmarinus officinalis L. EO (REO) and Thymus vulgaris L. EO (TEO) against BVDV was evaluated in vitro at different concentrations for several time contacts. MEO and LEO were able to considerably inactivate BVDV with a time- and dose-dependent fashion. MEO and LEO at the highest concentrations decreased viral titer by 2.00 and 2.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL at 8 h contact time, respectively. SEO, REO and TEO displayed mild virucidal activity at the highest concentrations for 8 h contact times. In this study, the virucidal efficacies of MEO and LEO against BVDV were observed regardless of compound concentration and contact time. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential use of MEO and LEO as surface disinfectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common pathogen of cats, displaying high contagiousness and resistance to many disinfectants. FCV infection can cause even fatal disease in cats. The virucidal efficacy of ozone (O3) has also been reported on naked viruses. In this study, the in vitro virucidal and antiviral activities of an ozone/oxygen (O3/O2) gaseous mixture were assessed against FCV. The antiviral activity of O3 was evaluated by exposing the virus to non-cytotoxic concentrations of the gaseous mixture. When confluent monolayers of CRFK cells were treated with the gas mixture after infection with FCV at a concentration of 50 μg/mL for 90 s, significant antiviral activity was observed with a decrease in viral titer of 1.75 log10 TCID50/50 μL. Virucidal activity was evaluated by exposing FCV to different concentrations (20, 35, and 50 μg/mL) of the gaseous mixture at distinct contact times, and a reduction in the viral titer by up to 2.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL was detected. The data obtained pave the way to the use of O3 as a disinfectant in cat environments at high risk of FCV transmission. Future studies will aim to assess the translational application of ozonation in disinfection of the food and beverage industry environments against human norovirus, which shares several biological similarities with FCV. The Caliciviridae family includes several viral pathogens of humans and animals, including norovirus (NoV), genus Norovirus, and feline calicivirus (FCV), genus Vesivirus. Due to their resistance in the environment, NoV and FCV may give rise to nosocomial infections, and indirect transmission plays a major role in their diffusion in susceptible populations. A pillar of the control of viruses resistant to an environment is the adoption of prophylaR1.6ctic measures, including disinfection. Since NoVs are not cultivatable in common cell cultures, FCV has been largely used as a surrogate of NoV for the assessment of effective disinfectants. Ozone (O3), a molecule with strong oxidizing properties, has shown strong microbicidal activity on bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. In this study, the virucidal and antiviral activities of an O3/O2 gas mixture containing O3 were tested at different concentrations (20, 35, and 50 μg/mL) for distinct contact times against FCV. The O3/O2 gas mixture showed virucidal and antiviral activities against FCV in a dose- and contact time-dependent fashion. Ozonation could be considered as a valid strategy for the disinfection of environments at risk of contamination by FCV and NoV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza D virus (IDV) is a novel orthomyxovirus initially isolated from pigs exhibiting influenza-like disease in the USA. Since then, IDV has been detected worldwide in several host species, including livestock animals, whilst specific antibodies have been identified in humans, raising concerns about interspecies transmission and zoonotic risks. Few data regarding the seroprevalence of IDV in small ruminants have been available to date. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of antibodies against IDV in ovine serum samples in Sicily, Southern Italy. Six hundred serum samples, collected from dairy sheep herds located in Sicily in 2022, were tested by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) assays using reference strains, D/660 and D/OK, representative of two distinct IDV lineages circulating in Italy. Out of 600 tested samples, 168 (28.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by HI whilst 378 (63.0%) tested positive to either IDV strain D/660 or D/OK or to both by VN. Overall, our findings demonstrate that IDV circulates in ovine dairy herds in Sicily. Since IDV seems to have a broad host range and it has zoonotic potential, it is important to collect epidemiological information on susceptible species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-borne neurotropic virus, belonging to the Flaviviridae family and the Orthoflavivirus genus. The effective control of WNV requires a targeted preventive strategy that also needs the identification of the higher-risk populations. Hence, this study focused on a systematic literature review of WNV-acquired infection in work-related settings and the assessment of the exposure risks among different occupational categories. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies until September 2023 in multiple databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science, according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Risk of bias of collected papers was assessed by the ROB tool of the National Toxicology Program's Office of Health Assessment and Translation handbook. Results: A total of 21 studies were included in the systematic review, out of which seventeen were observational studies and four were case reports. Workers identified as at higher risk for WNV infection were military workers, veterinarians, agricultural workers, farmers, and laboratory workers with contact with infected fluids or aerosols. Conclusions: The identification of higher-risk workers could facilitate active surveillance by occupational physicians, which could improve our understanding of the epidemiology of WNV and, in addition, could help tailor appropriate preventive recommendations, reducing the overall burden of disease in high-risk areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs are known to be susceptible to influenza A viruses, although information on influenza D virus (IDV) is limited. We investigated the seroprevalence of IDV in 426 dogs in the Apulia region of Italy during 2016 and 2023. A total of 14 samples were positive for IDV antibodies, suggesting exposure to IDV in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 has become a useful adjunct to clinical testing because it is widely available and relatively inexpensive. During the period May–December 2022 (spring–summer: May–September–autumn: October–December), we assessed the presence and viability of the virus on surfaces in university settings in the Apulia region (Southern Italy) after the resumption of face-to-face teaching activities and evaluated surface monitoring as an early warning system. The sampling plan provided for the selection of 75% of the surface types (e.g., student and teacher desks, computer, handrail) in different materials (plasticized wood, wood, metal, plastic) present in different environments. Overall, 5.4% of surfaces (all students' desks) resulted in positive with RT-PCR and negative with viral culture. Greater contamination was found in the spring–summer period than in the autumn (χ2 test with Yates correction = 7.6003; p-value = 0.006). The Poisson regression model showed a direct association between the average number of COVID-19 cases among university students in the seven days following sampling and the percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive swabs on sampling day and (Intercept = 5.32498; β = 0.01847; p < 0.001). Our results show that environmental monitoring for SARS-CoV-2, especially in crowded settings such as universities, could be a useful tool for early warning, even after the end of the COVID-19 emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The genus Prototheca encompasses unicellular algae that are achlorophyllous and widespread in the environment. The genus is now included in the family Chlorellaceae, belonging to the order Chlorellales, which is included in the class, Trebouxiophyceae. Prototheca have repeatedly been reported to infect vertebrates. Cattle, dogs, and cats are the unique domestic animals in which Prototheca spp. have been reported, despite sporadic detection in goats, horses, and non-domesticated animals. Prototheca spp. have been reported to colonize different districts of the human body. Cats with protothecosis usually display a cutaneous disease, whereas dogs may develop both cutaneous and systemic forms. In this report, we identified molecularly Prototheca spp. in a cat with neurological signs. The animal presented a suspected diagnosis of multifocal lymphoma, and eventual immunological disorders/suppression likely triggered systemic diffusion of the achlorophyllic alga. Despite protothecosis not being regarded as a zoonosis, algal infections of animals should be recognized as indicators or sentinels of environmental risks for humans. Prototheca infections are rare in cats, and they are usually associated with cutaneous or subcutaneous infections by P. wickerhamii, with no evidence of neurological signs or systemic disease. In this study, we report the identification of prototheca in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a cat with neurological symptoms. Fourteen CSF samples were gathered from cats presented with neurological disease between 2012 and 2014. The inclusion criteria for the samples were an increase in CSF protein and cell number (pleocytosis), suggestive of an infectious inflammatory status of the central nervous system (CNS). Nine samples fulfilled the inclusion criteria (inflammatory samples), while five samples, used as control, did not (non-inflammatory samples). All the samples were screened molecularly for different pathogens associated with CNS disease in cats, including prototheca. Out of 14 CSF samples, only one inflammatory sample tested positive for prototheca. Upon sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the amplicon, the strain was characterized as P. bovis. This report is the first documented evidence of prototheca in the cerebrospinal fluid of a cat with neurological signs. Prototheca should be considered in the diagnostics procedures on the CNS of cats presented with infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is a newly identified virus, similar to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The pathogenicity of DCH in its host needs further investigation. In this report, a case of DCH infection was described in a cat with clinical signs and serum chemistry markers indicative of chronic hepatic disease using a multi-disciplinary diagnostic approach, combining clinical, pathological, virological, and serological information, mirroring the diagnostic approach used for HBV in human patients. Improving the intra-vitam diagnostics for DCH will be useful in developing specific treatment and control strategies. A 3-year-old female stray, shorthair cat, with clinical signs and serum chemistry markers indicative of hepatic disease, was diagnosed with domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection. Coupling molecular and serological data, the infection was seemingly contextualized into a chronic phase, since IgM anti-core antibodies, a marker of early-stage Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, were not detected. However, the cat possessed IgG anti-core, a common indicator of chronic HBV infection in human patients and did not show seroconversion to the anti-DCH surface antigen, considered protective during HBV infection and associated with long-term protective immunity. On genome sequencing, the DCH strain showed 98.3% nucleotide identity to strains previously identified in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can pose the risk of spreading mutant strains that show antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with negative impacts on the management of bacterial infections and economic implications for healthcare systems. The research and development of natural antibacterial agents could be a priority in the next years to improve a number of effective antibacterial molecules and to reduce the AMR phenomenon and its development. The present study identified the most effective concentration and contact time of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) to obtain bactericidal effects in vitro against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Six clinically isolated (wild types) bacterial strains, (Citrobacter freundii, Enterococcus feciorum, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter cioffi, Pseudomonas putrefaciens and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and two ATCCs (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans) were tested after 1 min, 3 min and 5 min of contact with TEO. The preliminary results on S. aureus after 24 h of incubation revealed a TEO concentration of 9.28 mg/mL (w/v) that completely inhibited bacteria growth, keeping cell viability. The total suppression of bacterial growth at all tested contact times was observed for all tested bacterial strains, and the results were confirmed after 48 h of incubation. Bacterial growth suppression was confirmed even with the presence of organic components. These preliminary results showed the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of TEO against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Future studies are necessary to confirm the reproducibility of these results even on other strains and to define the exact molecular mechanisms of EOs in order to consider TEO as a valid alternative to classic antibiotic therapies and subsequently to reduce the occurrence of AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Alphaherpesviruses cause genital lesions in both animals and humans. Ozone (O3) has a strong virucidal action on enveloped and naked viruses. The aim of this study was to test the in vitro virucidal and antiviral activity of an ozone/oxygen (O3/O2) gaseous mixture against caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CpHV-1). To test the virucidal activity, the virus was exposed to different concentrations (20 and 50 μg/mL) of the gaseous mixture at different time points, and a decrease in the viral titer by up to 2.0 log10 TCID50/50 μL was observed. To test the antiviral activity, the virus was exposed to different non-cytotoxic concentrations of the gaseous mixture. When MDBK cell monolayers were treated with the gas mixture after infection with CpHV-1 at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, significant antiviral activity was observed with a decrease in viral titer of 2.0 log10 TCID50/50 μL. These findings aid future studies aimed at assessing if topical treatment of genital herpes lesions in vivo with O3/O2 gaseous mixture could be a valid and safe therapeutic option in an animal model, with possible translational applications in the therapy of human herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which shares several biological similarities with CpHV-1. Alphaherpesviruses cause genital lesions and reproductive failure in both humans and animals. Their control is mainly based on prevention using hygienic prophylactic measures due to the absence of vaccines and limitations of antiviral drug therapy. Ozone is an oxidating gas showing a strong microbicidal activity on bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. The present study assessed the in vitro virucidal and antiviral activity of ozone against caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CpHV-1). The virucidal activity of a gaseous mixture containing O3 at 20 and 50 μg/mL was assessed against the virus at different contact times (30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 180 s, and 300 s). Antiviral activity of a gaseous mixture containing O3 at 20 and 50 μg/mL was evaluated against the virus after 30 s and 60 s. Ozone displayed significant virucidal activity when used at all the tested concentrations whilst significant antiviral activity was observed using ozone at 50 μg/mL. The gaseous mixture, tested in the present study, showed virucidal and antiviral activity against CpHV-1 in a dose- and time contact-dependent fashion. Ozone therapy could be evaluated in vivo for the treatment of CpHV-1-induced genital lesions in goats using topical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus found in cats and a cause of upper respiratory and oral infections. Typical clinical signs of FCV include nasal discharge, gingivitis, and stomatitis. FCV is also able to affect the joints of cats, resulting in lameness. In this study, we monitored a small outbreak of FCV limping disease in two household cats. The transmission between the two animals likely occurred indirectly via virus shed in the environment from the respiratory tract. The findings of this study highlight the need for the adoption of adequate prophylaxis measures to prevent the transmission of highly transmissible infectious diseases. Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common viral pathogen found in domestic cats. FCV is highly contagious and demonstrates a high genetic variability. Upper respiratory tract disease, oral ulcerations, salivation, and gingivitis–stomatitis have been regarded as typical clinical signs of FCV infection. Ulcerative dermatitis, abortion, severe pneumonia, enteritis, chronic stomatitis, and virulent systemic disease have been reported more sporadically. Limping syndrome has been also described either in naturally or experimentally FCV-infected cats. In this study, we monitored a small outbreak of FCV infection in two household cats, in which limping disease was monitored with a 12-day lag time. The complete genome sequence was determined for the viruses isolated from the oropharyngeal and rectal swabs of the two animals, mapping up to 39 synonymous nucleotide mutations. The four isolates were sensitive to low pH conditions and trypsin treatment, a pattern usually associated with viruses isolated from the upper respiratory tract. Overall, the asynchronous pattern of infections and the results of genome sequencing suggest that a virus of respiratory origin was transmitted between the animals and that the FCV strain was able to retain the limping disease pathotype during the transmission chain, as previously observed in experimental studies with FCV strains associated with lameness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis is an infectious disease affecting both animals and humans. Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) and biofilm-producing Salmonella spp., frequently detected in reptiles (who can then act as asymptomatic carriers for warm-blooded animals), have developed resistance to biocides; this represents a warning for the emergence of biocide/antimicrobial cross-resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) in inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm production of Salmonella spp., which had been isolated from wild reptiles housed in a Zoo in Italy. The resistance profile against different classes of antibiotics showed that all the isolates were susceptible to the tested antibiotics, despite the presence of several AMR genes. All the isolates were also tested with aqueous solutions of TEO at different dilutions (5% to 0.039%). Interestingly, TEO proved effective both in inhibiting bacterial growth at low dilutions, with MIC and MBC values ranging between 0.078% and 0.312%, and in inhibiting biofilm production, with values ranging from 0.039% to 0.156%. TEO demonstrated effective bioactivity against the biofilm producer Salmonella spp., proving to be a valid disinfectant for the prevention of salmonellosis from reptiles, a possible source of infection for humans exposed to the reptiles' environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Using the Nanopore platform, we determined the whole genome sequence of an H3N8 equine influenza virus, identified from a 2005 outbreak in Apulia, Italy. The virus was closely related (>99% at the nucleotide level) in all the genome segments to viruses identified in Poland in 2005–2008 and was an inter-lineage multi-reassortant between Florida 2 and Eurasian viruses. Massive sequencing techniques have allowed us to develop straightforward approaches for the whole genome sequencing of viruses, including influenza viruses, generating information that is useful for improving the levels and dimensions of data analysis, even for archival samples. Using the Nanopore platform, we determined the whole genome sequence of an H3N8 equine influenza virus, identified from a 2005 outbreak in Apulia, Italy, whose origin had remained epidemiologically unexplained. The virus was tightly related (>99% at the nucleotide level) in all the genome segments to viruses identified in Poland in 2005–2008 and it was seemingly introduced locally with horse trading for the meat industry. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the eight genome segments, strain ITA/2005/horse/Bari was found to cluster with sub-lineage Florida 2 in the HA and M genes, whilst in the other genes it clustered with strains of the Eurasian lineage, revealing a multi-reassortant nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Astroviruses are important human pathogens, associated with gastro-enteric disease in children and recently with encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Astroviruses have also been identified in mammals, birds, lower vertebrates and invertebrates in association with enteric and extra-intestinal diseases or, in some cases, as components of the enteric virome without a clear link with specific clinical signs. As a proof of concept, we conjugated the versatility and broad reactivity of a commonly used consensus primer set, able to amplify in a nested RT-PCR protocol the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of most members of the Astroviridae family, with a nanopore sequencing platform, in order to assess the potential of this approach to generate astroviromic data in complex matrices. Amplicons generated from mussels were used to generate libraries, either alone or in pools, and subjected to deep sequencing. Overall, we identified a variety of known and unknown RdRp sequence types, in most cases distantly related to astrovirus sequences available in the databases. Avian-origin astrovirus sequences were predominant, likely due to contamination of surface water. Astroviruses are important human enteric pathogens transmissible with contaminated food and water. Astroviruses have also been identified in mammals, birds, lower vertebrates and invertebrates. The genetic diversity of human and animal astroviruses poses a challenge for diagnostics and taxonomy. As a proof of concept, we used a panastrovirus consensus primer set, able to amplify in a nested RT-PCR protocol a 400-nt-long fragment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of most members of the Astroviridae family, in conjunction with a nanopore sequencing platform, to generate information on the astrovirome in filter-feeding mollusks. Amplicons generated from bivalve samples were used to generate libraries for deep sequencing. In three samples, only one unique RdRp sequence type was obtained. However, in seven samples and in three barcodes with eleven pooled samples, we identified a variety of known and unknown RdRp sequence types, in most cases distantly related to astrovirus sequences available in the databases. In total, 37 different sequence contigs were generated. Avian-origin astrovirus sequences were predominant, likely due to contamination of shellfish harvesting waters by marine birds. Astroviruses of the aquatic eco-system were also identified, whereas human astroviruses were not detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in poultry farms is linked to the increase in multi-resistant bacteria. Accordingly, based on the antimicrobial properties of Thyme Essential Oil (TEO), the present study evaluated the effects of TEO on the reduction of common microbial contaminants and Salmonella on poultry litter. A litter bulk sample was collected in a broiler farm and qualitative/quantitative investigations identified Escherichia coli and Mammaliicoccus lentus. The experimental contamination with Salmonella Derby wild strain was also performed. All pathogens showed phenotypic and genotypic resistance to different classes of antibiotics. The litter, split in different units, was treated with aqueous solutions of TEO at different concentrations (5% to 1.25%), demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing the total number of bacteria. The strongest antibacterial action was observed at the lowest concentration against Enterobacteriaceae, with a growth reduction compared to the positive control of 73.3% and 77.8% against E. coli and Salmonella Derby, respectively, while towards M. lentus the reduction was 50%. Our data confirm the antimicrobial activity of TEO and suggest its possible application for the treatment of poultry litter as an effective and natural approach for the prevention of diseases caused by the most common bacteria that colonize poultry farms, counteracting the onset of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norovirus (NoV) is regarded as a common cause of acute gastrointestinal illness worldwide in all age groups, with substantial morbidity across health care and community settings. The lack of in vitro cell culture systems for human NoV has prompted the use of cultivatable caliciviruses (such as feline calicivirus, FCV, or murine NoV) as surrogates for in vitro evaluation of antivirals. Essential oils (EOs) may represent a valid tool to counteract viral infections, particularly as food preservatives. In the present study, the virucidal efficacy of lemon EO (LEO) against FCV was assessed in vitro. The gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) technique was used to reveal the chemical composition of LEO. The following small molecules were detected as major components of LEO: limonene (53%), β-pinene (14.5%), γ-terpinene (5.9%), citral (3.8%), α-pinene (2.4%), and β-thujene (1.94%). LEO at 302.0 μg/mL, exceeding the maximum non cytotoxic limit, significantly decreased viral titre of 0.75 log10 TCID50/50 μL after 8 h. Moreover, virucidal activity was tested using LEO at 3020.00 μg/mL, determining a reduction of viral titre as high as 1.25 log10 TCID50/50 μL after 8 h of time contact. These results open up perspectives for the development of alternative prophylaxis approaches for the control of NoV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common viral pathogen affecting domestic cats, which is responsible for diverse clinical presentations, commonly including upper respiratory tract signs, oral ulcerations, and a fever. In addition, FCV infection can be associated with severe pneumonia, lameness, and virulent systemic disease. In this study, we clinically and pathologically describe a rare case of FCV-associated paw and mouth disease in a febrile household cat. The FCV strains detected in the animal and in an overtly healthy cohabiting cat were analyzed to assess the phenotype and antigenic properties. Feline calicivirus (FCV) infection in cats can led to several diverse clinical presentations, ranging from mild upper respiratory signs to virulent systemic disease. Herein, we report a paw and mouth disease case in a 7-year-old household cat due to an FCV infection. An asymptomatic cat living in the same household was also infected with FCV. Clinical and pathological investigations were combined with the molecular and phenotypical characterization of the FCV strains. The RNA of the FCV was detected using qualitative and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays, and FCV antigen was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. After the whole genome analysis, the strains detected in the two cats appeared to be genetically diverse from FCVs previously detected in association with paw and mouth disease and with virulent systemic disease. Interestingly, the isolates obtained in this study were resistant to low pH conditions and slightly susceptible to bile salts, but they were susceptible to a trypsin treatment, revealing a phenotype pattern that is different from that which has been observed for respiratory FCVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases include a wide range of pathological conditions, damaging the supporting structures of the teeth. Origin and propagation of periodontal disease is believed to be caused by dysbiosis of the commensal oral microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of bacteria in the pulp cavity of teeth with severe periodontal disease with clinically intact external surface. Periodontal (P) and endodontic (E) tissue samples of root canals from six intact teeth of three patients were sampled for analysis of microbial population using Nanopore technology. Streptococcus was the predominant genus in E samples. Porphyromonas (33.4%, p = 0.047), Tannerella (41.7%, p = 0.042), and Treponema (50.0%, p = 0.0064) were significantly more present in P than in E samples. Some samples (E6 and E1) exhibited a remarkable difference in terms of microbial composition, whilst Streptococcus was a common signature in samples E2 to E5, all which were obtained from the same patient. In conclusion, bacteria were identified on both the root surface and the root canal system, thus demonstrating the possibility of bacteria to spread directly from the periodontal pocket to the root canal system even in the absence of crown’s loss of integrity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A massive periodontal destruction can affect the root canal (RC) system and potentially expose the pulpo-dentinal complex to opportunistic bacteria. Streptococcus mutans is a major pathogen of human caries and periodontal diseases, and its virulence mostly resides in the ability to adhere to collagen and form biofilms, due to collagen-binding proteins (CBPs) Cnm and Cbm. Seventeen patients affected by severe endo-periodontal lesions without caries and/or exposure of pulpal tissue were subjected to tooth extraction and samples for microbiological investigation were collected from the root surface (RS) and RC. The collected swabs were cultivated and subjected to the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for the detection of S. mutans and to the PCR for the cnm/cbm genes investigation, followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). S. mutans DNA was detected in 12/17 (70.5%) RS samples and in 8/17 (47.0%) RC samples. In the CBPs screening of positive samples, the cnm gene was detected in 4/12 (33.3%) RS and in 1/8 (12.5%) RC samples, whilst all the samples tested negative for the cbm gene. The presence of the cnm gene could enhance the local virulence of the pathogens. Therefore, S. mutans have to be included as potential periodontopathogen bacterium in severe or refractory forms of periodontal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro virucidal activity of commercial mouthwashes against SARS‐CoV‐2 and variants of concern. Materials and Methods: Antiviral activity was assessed at different time intervals, based on common use of these products by titrating residual viral infectivity on Vero E6 cells. Results: All the mouthwashes were effective to reduce the infectious titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its tested variants. Mouthwashes Listerine® Cool Mint milder taste and Listerine® Cavity Protection milder taste reduced the infectious viral titer by up to 3.9 log10 after 30 s, while mouthwash Cetilsan® Sugar Free was able to reduce the viral titer by 2.2–2.9 log10 at all tested time intervals. Mouthwash Curasept® ADS DNA Intensive treatment was less effective to decrease viral infectivity (0.7–2.2 log10 TCID50/ml at all tested time intervals). Interestingly, the Gamma variant appeared more resistant to treatment in vitro with the different mouthwashes. Conclusions: In this study, we were able to assess the ability of different mouthwashes to in vitro decrease the infectivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants, and we observed that Gamma variant of concern was more resistant to treatment with mouthwashes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) can occur through saliva and aerosol droplets deriving from the upper aerodigestive tract during coughing, sneezing, talking, and even during oral inspection or dental procedures. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro virucidal activity of commercial and experimental mouthwashes against a feline coronavirus (FCoV) strain. Commercial and experimental (commercial‐based products with addition of either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO) at different concentrations) mouthwashes were placed in contact with FCoV for different time intervals, that is, 30 s (T30), 60 s (T60), and 180 s (T180); subsequently, the virus was titrated on Crandell Reese Feline Kidney cells. An SDS‐based commercial mouthwash reduced the viral load by 5 log10 tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/50 µl at T30 while a cetylpyridinium (CPC)‐based commercial mouthwash was able to reduce the viral titer of 4.75 log10 at T60. Furthermore, five experimental mouthwashes supplemented with SDS reduced the viral titer by 4.75–5 log10 according to a dose‐ (up to 4 mM) and time‐dependent fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a life-threatening multisistemic infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Infection control relies on timely identification and isolation of infected people who can alberg the virus for up to 14 days, providing important opportunities for undetected transmission. This note describes the application of rRT-PCR test for simpler, faster and less invasive monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection using pooling strategy of samples. Seventeen positive patients were provided with sterile dry swabs and asked to self-collected 2 nasal specimens (#NS1 and #NS2). The #NS1 was individually placed in a single tube and the #NS2 was placed in another tube together with 19 NSs collected from 19 negative patients. Both tubes were then tested with conventional molecular rRT-PCR and the strength of pooling nasal testing was compared with the molecular test performed on the single NS of each positive patient. The pooling strategy detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA to a similar extent to the single test, even when Ct value is on average high (Ct 37-38), confirming that test sensibility is not substantially affected even if the pool contains only one low viral load positive sample. Furthermore, the pooling strategy have benefits for SARS-CoV-2 routinary monitoring of groups in regions with a low SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has caused a reduction in antibiotic effectiveness and an increase in mortality rates. Essential oils (EOs), known for their therapeutic efficacy, can be configured as novel broad-spectrum biocides. Accordingly, the bacteriostatic–bactericidal activity of Citrus Lemon (LEO), Pinus Sylvestris (PEO), Foeniculum Vulgaris (FEO), Ocimum Basilicum (BEO), Melissa Officinalis (MEO), Thymus Vulgaris (TEO), and Zingiber Officinalis Rosc. (GEO), at concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 40% (v/v), were tested in vitro against different E. coli and S. aureus strains using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The chemical compositions of the EOs were analyzed using GC/MS. The major components of all seven tested oils were limonene, α-pinene, anethole, estragole, citral, thymol, and zingiberene, respectively. We found that the bacteriostatic–bactericidal activity of the EOs was related to their chemotypes and concentrations, as well as the strain of the bacteria. A dose–effect correlation was found when testing GEO against S. aureus strains, whilst FEO was found to have no activity regardless of concentration. PEO, MEO, and BEO were found to have bactericidal effect with a MIC and MBC of 1.25% (v/v) against S. aureus strains, and LEO was found to have values of 1.25% (v/v) and 5% (v/v) against ATCC and clinical isolate, respectively. Interestingly, the antimicrobial activity of TEO was not related to oil concentration and the complete inhibition of growth across all E. coli and S. aureus was observed. Although preliminary, our data demonstrate the efficacy of EOs and pave the way for further investigations on their potential synergistic use with traditional drugs in the human and veterinary fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Italy was the second country affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; the virus spread mainly in Northern Italy with a subsequent diffusion to the center and southern part of the country. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the Siena province in the Tuscany region (Central Italy) during 2020. A total of 2480 serum samples collected from January to December 2020 were tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by a commercial ELISA. Positive and borderline samples were further tested for the presence of anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgM and IgG antibodies by an in-house ELISA and by a micro-neutralization assay. Out of the 2480 samples tested by the commercial ELISA, 81 (3.3%) were found to be positive or borderline for IgG and 58 (2.3%) for IgM in a total of 133 samples (5.4%) found to be positive or borderline for at least one antibody class. When the commercial ELISA and in-house ELISA/micro-neutralization assay results were combined, 26 samples (1.0%) were positive for RBD IgG, 11 (0.4%) for RBD IgM, and 23 (0.9%) for a neutralizing antibody. An increase in seroprevalence was observed during the year 2020, especially from the end of summer, consistent with the routine epidemiological surveillance of COVID-19 cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five PCV2 strains identified in this study showed the highest nt identities (99.2-100%) to PCV2 strains retrieved from the GenBank database whilst strain ITA/2021/434 was more distantly related (88.8% nt identity) to strain 71b Vicenza 36 (GenBank accession nr KP231135) identified from a domestic pig in Italy in 2008. The complete PCV genome sequence was obtained only from 11 (5 PCV2 and 6 PCV3) Italian wild boar (Table S4). The prevalence of PCV3 in wild boar in our survey was nearly as high (71%) as in Sardinia Island (77.39% in free ranging pigs and 61.54% in wild boar) [[17]], but higher than the prevalence of PCV3 detected in the Campania region (49.32%) [[15]] and in other Mediterranean countries (e.g., 42.66% in Spain) [[11]]. [Extracted from the article]

Human astroviruses (AstVs) are usually associated with acute gastroenteritis. In recent years, atypical animal‐like AstVs have been identified, but their pathogenic role in humans has not been determined. Starting from 2010, there has been a growing evidence that AstVs may also be associated with encephalitis in human and animal hosts. Some human atypical AstV strains (VA1, MLB1/MLB2) display neurotropic potential, as they have been repeatedly identified in patients with AstV‐related encephalitis, chiefly in immunosuppressed individuals. In this study, a VA1‐like AstV was identified from a single stool sample from an outbreak of foodborne acute gastroenteritis occurred in Italy in 2018. On genome sequencing, the virus was related to the VA1‐like strain UK1 (99.3% at the nucleotide level). Similar viruses were also found to circulate in paediatric patients hospitalized with AGE in the same time span, 2018, but at low prevalence (0.75%, 3/401). Gathering epidemiological data on atypical AstVs will be useful to assess the risks posed by atypical AstV infections, chiefly in medically fragile patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepadnaviruses have been identified in several animal species. The hepadnavirus prototype, human hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a major public health problem associated with chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, a novel hepadnavirus, similar to HBV, was identified in domestic cats. Since several pathogens can be shared between cats and dogs, we hypothesized that dogs could also harbor hepadnaviruses and we tested a collection of canine sera with multiple molecular strategies. Overall, hepadnavirus DNA was identified in 6.3% (40/635) of canine serum samples, although the viral load in positive sera was low (geometric mean of 2.70 × 102 genome copies per mL, range min 1.36 × 102—max 4.03 × 104 genome copies per mL). On genome sequencing, the canine hepadnaviruses revealed high nucleotide identity (about 98%) and similar organization to the domestic cat hepadnavirus. Altered hepatic markers were found in hepadnavirus-positive dogs, although the role of hepadnavirus in canine health remains to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs) are major human and animal pathogens and antiviral drugs are pursued as a complementary strategy, chiefly if vaccines are not available. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal systemic disease of felids caused by FIP virus (FIPV), a virulent pathotype of feline enteric coronavirus (FeCoV). Some antiviral drugs active on FIPV have been identified, but they are not available in veterinary medicine. ERDRP-0519 (ERDRP) is a non-nucleoside inhibitor, targeting viral RNA polymerase, effective against morbilliviruses in vitro and in vivo. Results: The antiviral efficacy of ERDRP against a type II FIPV was evaluated in vitro in Crandell Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. ERDRP significantly inhibited replication of FIPV in a dose-dependent manner. Viral infectivity was decreased by up to 3.00 logarithms in cell cultures whilst viral load, estimated by quantification of nucleic acids, was reduced by nearly 3.11 logaritms. Conclusions: These findings confirm that ERDRP is highly effective against a CoV. Experiments will be necessary to assess whether ERDRP is suitable for treatment of FIPV in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of ulcerative stomatitis was observed in a donkey (Equus asinus) dairy herd. Similar lesions were also observed on the dams' udders and, sporadically, in genital areas. The lesions typically resolved in 1-3 weeks. An α-herpesvirus, Varicellovirus, genetically related to equid herpesvirus type 3, was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a major pathogen of cats associated with either respiratory disease or systemic disease, but its possible role as an enteric pathogen is neglected. Using RT‐PCR, the RNA of FCV was identified in 25.9% (62/239) of stools of cats with enteritis and in 0/58 (0%) of cats without diarrhoea or other clinical signs. Isolates of enteric origin were obtained and a large 3.2‐kb portion of the genome was sequenced, encompassing the 3′ end of the RNA polymerase, the capsid protein precursor and the minor capsid protein. Also, the complete genome sequence of one such strain, the 160/2015/ITA, was determined. Upon sequence analysis, the enteric viruses were found to be genetically heterogeneous and to differ from each other and from isolates of respiratory origin. The enteric isolates were found to be more resistant to low pH conditions, to trypsin and to bile treatment than respiratory isolates. Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some FCVs may acquire enteric tropism and eventually act as enteric pathogens. Whether this enteric tropism is maintained stably and whether it may affect, to some extent, the ability of the virus to trigger the classical and/or hypervirulent forms of disease should be assessed. Also, FCV should be included in the diagnostic algorithms of enteric diseases of cats to gain further information about FCV strains displaying enteric pathotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine alphaherpesvirus type 2 (BoHV-2) belongs to family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesviridae and can cause two distinct, well-defined conditions: a generalized benign skin infection that somewhat mimics lumpy skin disease (LSD), referred to as Pseudo-Lumpy Skin Disease (PSLD) and a localized ulcerative mammillitis, referred to as Bovine Herpetic Mammillitis (BHM). BHM is a localized form of BoHV-2 infection that causes erosive-ulcerative self-limiting lesions on breast and nipples. BHM is chiefly a disease of lactating dairy cows and has been described sporadically in several countries. In this study we describe an outbreak of bovine herpetic mammillitis caused by BoHV-2 occurred in a dairy farm in Southern Italy. Clinical signs were observed in 26/59 lactating cows with the age ranging between 2 and 6 years. The affected animals were afebrile, showed lesions on the skin of nipples, breast and ventral surface of the abdomen, near the mammary veins and spontaneously recovered within 2 months. Results: BoHV-2 DNA was detected in the crust samples by pan-herpes PCR and real-time quantitative PCR. The virus was isolated on bovine kidney cells and was characterised by deep sequencing technologies. The nucleotide identity to BoHV-2 of the strain ITA/2018/468 retrieved in this study ranged from 98.83 to 100%. Phylogenetic analyses based on three full-length gene (glycoprotein B, thymidine kinase and glycoprotein G) sequences confirmed the close relatedness of the strain ITA/2018/468 to BoHV-2 sequences. Conclusions: The report represents a significant outbreak of BHM in a dairy farm 50 years after the last description in Italy. However, outbreaks of PLSD have been described in Europe recently, indicating that the virus is present in European territories. Improving the diagnostic algorithms and enacting specific surveillance plans could be useful to understand better the epidemiological and pathogenetic patterns of BoHV-2 infection in livestock animals, and to develop, eventually, effective prophylaxis plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel protoparvovirus species, related genetically to human bufaviruses, was identified in dogs with respiratory signs. The canine bufavirus was distantly related to the well-known canine protoparvovirus, canine parvovirus type 2, sharing low amino acid identities in the nonstructural protein 1 (40.6%) and in the capsid protein 1 (33.4%). By screening collections of fecal, nasal, and oropharyngeal samples obtained from juvenile dogs (<1 year of age), canine bufavirus DNA appeared as a common component of canine virome. The virus was common in the stool samples of dogs with or without enteric disease and in the nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples of dogs with respiratory signs. However, the virus was not detected in nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples from animals without clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesiviruses have been detected in several animal species and as accidental contaminants of cells. We detected vesiviruses in asymptomatic kennel dogs (64.8%) and symptomatic (1.1%) and asymptomatic (3.5%) household dogs in Italy. The full-length genome of 1 strain, Bari/212/07/ITA, shared 89%-90% nt identity with vesiviruses previously detected in contaminated cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latex of Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) has been shown to possess antiviral properties against some human viruses. To determine the ability of F. carica latex (F-latex) to interfere with the infection of caprine herpesvirus-1 (CpHV-1) in vitro, F-latex was resuspended in culture media containing 1% ethanol and was tested for potential antiviral effects against CpHV-1. Titration of CpHV-1 in the presence or in the absence of F-latex was performed on monolayers of Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells. Simultaneous addition of F-latex and CpHV-1 to monolayers of MDBK cells resulted in a significant reduction of CpHV-1 titres 3 days post-infection and this effect was comparable to that induced by acyclovir. The study suggests that the F-latex is able to interfere with the replication of CpHV-1 in vitro on MDBK cells and future studies will determine the mechanisms responsible for the observed antiviral activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dog circovirus (DogCV) was identified in an outbreak of enteritis in pups in Italy. The disease was observed in 6 young dachshunds pups of a litter from a breeding kennel and caused the death of 2 dogs. Upon full-genome analysis, the virus detected in one of the dead pups (strain Bari/411–13) was closely related to DogCVs that have been recently isolated in the USA. The present study, if corroborated by further reports, could represent a useful contribution to the knowledge of the pathogenic potential of DogCV and its association with enteritis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) associated to canine pneumovirus (CnPnV) infection is reported. The outbreak occurred in a shelter of the Apulia region and involved 37 out of 350 dogs that displayed cough and/or nasal discharge with no evidence of fever. The full-genomic characterisation showed that the causative agent (strain Bari/100-12) was closely related to CnPnVs that have been recently isolated in the USA, as well as to murine pneumovirus, which is responsible for respiratory disease in mice. The present study represents a useful contribution to the knowledge of the pathogenic potential of CnPnV and its association with CIRD in dogs. Further studies will elucidate the pathogenicity and epidemiology of this novel pneumovirus, thus addressing the eventual need for specific vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CpHV-1) is an alphaherpesvirus causing genital disease leading to abortion in adult pregnant goats and a systemic disease with high morbility and mortality in kids. Further, Caprine herpesvirus 1 infection represents a valuable large animal model for human herpesvirus induced genital disease, exploitable for pathogenic studies, new vaccines and antiviral molecules testing. Here, the bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) based vector derived from an apathogenic isolate of BoHV-4 and expressing the immunodominant CpHV-1 glycoprotein D (BoHV-4-A-gDcpgD106ΔTK) was constructed and its ability to protect goats against CpHV-1 induced genital disease evaluated. The subcutaneous route of recombinant BoHV-4 administration was first tested in vivo/ex vivo by in vivo image analysis and in vitro by goat skin primary cultures preparation and transduction. Next, an exploratory immunization and safety study in goats was performed with two recombinant BoHV4, BoHV-4-A-g DcpgD106ΔTK or BoHV-4-CMV-IgK-gE2gD-TM. In both cases no clinical signs were evident but a good titer of serum neutralizing antibodies was produced in all inoculated animals. When a challenge experiment was performed in a new group of animals using a highly pathogenic dose of CpHV-1, all the vaccinated goats with BoHV-4-A-g DcpgD106ΔTK were protected toward CpHV-1 induced genital disease respect to the unvaccinated control which showed typical vaginal lesions with a high grade of clinical score as well as a long lasting viral shedding. In summary, the data acquired in the present study validate BoHV-4-based vector as a safe and effective viral vector for goat vaccination against CpHV-1 induced genital disease and pave the way for further applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunogenicity and the efficacy of a beta-propiolactone-inactivated caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) vaccine adjuvanted with MF59™ were tested in goats. Following two subcutaneous immunizations, goats developed high titers of CpHV-1-specific serum and vaginal IgG and high serum virus neutralization (VN) titers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated in vitro with inactivated CpHV-1 produced high levels of soluble IFN-gamma and exhibited high frequencies of IFN-gamma producing cells while soluble IL-4 was undetectable. On the other hand, control goats receiving the inactivated CpHV-1 vaccine without adjuvant produced only low serum antibody responses. A vaginal challenge with virulent CpHV-1 was performed in all vaccinated goats and in naϊve goats to assess the efficacy of the two vaccines. Vaginal disease was not detected in goats vaccinated with inactivated CpHV-1 plus MF59TM and these animals had undetectable levels of infectious challenge virus in their vaginal washes. Goats vaccinated with inactivated CpHV-1 in the absence of adjuvant exhibited a less severe disease when compared to naϊve goats but shed titers of challenge virus that were similar to those of naϊve goats. Detection and quantitation of latent CpHV-1 DNA in sacral ganglia in challenged goats revealed that the inactivated CpHV-1 plus MF59™ vaccine was able to significantly reduce the latent viral load when compared either to the naϊve goats or to the goats vaccinated with inactivated CpHV-1 in the absence of adjuvant. Thus, a vaccine composed of inactivated CpHV-1 plus MF59™ as adjuvant was strongly immunogenic and induced effective immunity against vaginal CpHV-1 infection in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, a HoBi-like pestivirus was isolated from clinically affected calves in Italy. This European virus reproduced a milder form of disease under experimental conditions and was genetically related to previously reported HoBi-like strains. Isolation of this novel virus from a clinical outbreak may have implications for cattle health and prophylactic programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on the diagnosis of goat sera with Caprine herpesvirus 1 antibodies. It references a study by Maria Tempesta and colleagues, published in the 2010 issue of the "Journal of the Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation." The researchers assessed the differences between the serum neutralization (SN) test and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). They found that ELISA offers rapid results and is less expensive than SN.

Coronaviruses of potential recombinant origin with porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), referred to as a new subtype (IIb) of canine coronavirus (CCoV), were recently identified in dogs in Europe. To assess the distribution of the TGEV-like CCoV subtype, during 2001-2008 we tested fecal samples from dogs with gastroenteritis. Of 1,172 samples, 493 (42.06%) were positive for CCoV. CCoV-II was found in 218 samples, and CCoV-I and CCoV-II genotypes were found in 182. Approximately 20% of the samples with CCoV-II had the TGEV-like subtype; detection rates varied according to geographic origin. The highest and lowest rates of prevalence for CCoV-II infection were found in samples from Hungary and Greece (96.87% and 3.45%, respectively). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the CCoV-IIb strains were related to prototype TGEV-like strains in the 5' and the 3' ends of the spike protein gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses of potential recombinant origin with porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), referred to as a new subtype (IIb) of canine coronavirus (CCoV), were recently identified in dogs in Europe. To assess the distribution of the TGEV-like CCoV subtype, during 2001-2008 we tested fecal samples from dogs with gastroenteritis. Of 1,172 samples, 493 (42.06%) were positive for CCoV. CCoV-II was found in 218 samples, and CCoV-I and CCoVII genotypes were found in 182. Approximately 20% of the samples with CCoV-II had the TGEV-like subtype; detection rates varied according to geographic origin. The highest and lowest rates of prevalence for CCoV-II infection were found in samples from Hungary and Greece (96.87% and 3.45%, respectively). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the CCoV-IIb strains were related to prototype TGEV-like strains in the 5′ and the 3′ ends of the spike protein gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical score (A) and viral shedding (B) in goats vaginally infected with CpHV-1 and treated with fig latex (goats A, B, C). Goat D was left untreated. The latex of Ficus carica Linn. (Moraceae) has been shown to interfere with the replication of caprine herpesvirus (CpHV)-1 in vitro. The present study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of vaginal administration of fig latex in goats experimentally infected with CpHV-1. The fig latex reduced the clinical signs of the herpetic disease although it slightly influenced the titres of CpHV-1 shed. Thus, the fig latex maintained a partial efficacy in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) can induce infections that are difficult to prevent and to treat due to the involvement of host genetic factors and immune mechanisms. These two viruses areimportant examples of viral immune evasion of the host's innate immune response. The innate immune system provides an early form of host protection from infectious diseases without pre-exposure and plays an essential role in determining the outcome of viral infections. The mechanisms that the innate immune system utilizes to counteract infections are based on therecognition of a relatively limited set of molecular structures that are either products of microbes (virus, bacteria, fungi, parasites) or expressed by injured or dead host cells. This review provides a brief overview of the main mechanisms achieved by host's innate immunity, focusing primarily on the immune escape mechanisms developed and carried out by FCoV and FeHV-1 during infection. Over time, feline viruses have acquired elaborateopportunistic properties, making their infections particularly difficult to prevent and treat. Feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1), due to the involvement of host genetic factors and immune mechanisms in the development of the disease and more severe forms, are important examples of immune evasion of the host's innate immune response by feline viruses.It is widely accepted that the innate immune system, which providesan initial universal form of the mammalian host protection from infectious diseases without pre-exposure, plays an essential role in determining the outcome of viral infection.The main components of this immune systembranchare represented by the internal sensors of the host cells that are able to perceive the presence of viral component, including nucleic acids, to start and trigger the production of first type interferon and to activate the cytotoxicity by Natural Killercells, often exploited by viruses for immune evasion.In this brief review, we providea general overview of the principal tools of innate immunity, focusing on the immunologic escape implemented byFCoVand FeHV-1 duringinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the possible role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its associated oral lesions, a pilot case–control study was performed. A total of 31 patients (18 females and 13 males) were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: group A included 16 patients with diagnosis of SLE and group B included 15 healthy individuals. Salivary swab samples were collected and subjected to molecular screening by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the detection of EBV DNA. EBV DNA was significantly detected in 8/16 (50%) SLE patients and in 5/7 (71.4%) subjects with SLE-associated oral lesions. Since EBV is one of the most common viruses in the human population, it is difficult to understand if it is the causative agent of SLE or, vice versa, if SLE is able to trigger the reactivation of EBV. This study highlights a significant association between the presence of EBV and both SLE and SLE-related oral lesions and provides rationale for further investigation into the role of EBV in SLE pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient with an unusual endo-periodontal lesion, without coronal decay or damage, likely caused by a deep periodontal lesion with subsequent endodontic bacterial migration, required medical care. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to assess the endodontic microbiota in vestibular and palatal canals after tooth extraction, evidencing a predominant population (Fusobacterium nucleatum) in one endodontic canal, and a mixed bacterial population with six major populations almost equally distributed in the other endodontic canal (F. nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, P. endodontis, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Prevotella multiformis). These data could suggest different, separated ecologic niches in the same endodontic system, with potentially different pathogenicity levels, clinical manifestations and prognoses for every single canal of the same tooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although in humans West Nile virus is mainly the cause of mild or sub-clinical infections, in some cases a neuroinvasive disease may occur predominantly in the elderly. In Italy, several cases of West Nile virus infection are reported every year. Tuscany was the first Italian region where the virus was identified; however, to date only two cases of infection have been reported in humans. This study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of antibodies against West Nile virus in the area of Siena Province to estimate the recent circulation of the virus. Human serum samples collected in Siena between 2016 and 2019 were tested for the presence of antibodies against West Nile virus by ELISA. ELISA positive samples were further evaluated using immunofluorescence, micro neutralization, and plaque reduction neutralization assays. In total, 1.9% (95% CI 1.2–3.1) and 1.4% (95% CI 0.8–2.4) of samples collected in 2016–2017 were positive by ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies were found in 0.7% (95% CI 0.3–1.5) of samples. Additionally, 0.9% (95% CI 0.4–1.7) and 0.65% (95% CI 0.3–1.45) of samples collected in 2018–2019 were positive by ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The prevalence of neutralizing antibodies was 0.5% (95% CI 0.2–1.3). Although no human cases of West Nile infection were reported in the area between 2016 and 2019 and virus prevalence in the area of Siena Province was as low as less than 1%, the active asymptomatic circulation confirms the potential concern of this emergent virus for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African lions (Panthera leo) are susceptible to viral diseases of domestic carnivores, including feline calici-virus infection. We report the identification of a novel enteric calicivirus, genetically related to human noroviruses of genogroup IV, in a lion cub that died of severe hemorrhagic enteritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepadnaviruses infect several animal species. The prototype species, human hepatitis B virus (HBV), increases the risk of liver diseases and may cause cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently a novel hepadnavirus, similar to HBV, has been identified through transcriptomics studies in a domestic cat with large cell lymphoma in Australia. Herewith, a collection of 390 feline serum samples was screened for hepadnavirus. Overall, the virus was identified in 10.8% of the sera with a significantly higher prevalence (17.8%) in the sera of animals with a clinical suspect of infectious disease. Upon genome sequencing, the virus was closely related (97.0% nt identity) to the prototype Australian feline virus Sydney 2016. The mean and median values of hepadnavirus in the feline sera were 1.3 × 106 and 2.1 × 104 genome copies per mL (range 3.3 × 100–2.5 × 107 genome copies per mL). For a subset of hepadnavirus-positive samples, information on the hemato-chemical parameters was available and in 10/20 animals a profile suggestive of liver damage was present. Also, in 7/10 animals with suspected hepatic disease, virus load was >104 genome copies per mL, i.e. above the threshold considered at risk of active hepatitis and liver damage for HBV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]