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Žlabravec Z, Kvapil P, Slavec B, Zorman Rojs O, Švara T, Račnik J. Herpesvirus and Subsequent Usutu Virus Infection in a Great Grey Owl ( Strix nebulosa) at the Ljubljana Zoo, Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1200. [PMID: 38672348 PMCID: PMC11047632 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus (HV) has been known to cause disease in owls, with various clinical signs and outcomes for the last several decades. The HV DNA polymerase gene was detected in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of a male great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) in a zoological collection in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In the following 4 months, despite continuous HV detection in swabs, no clinical signs with a clear link to HV disease were observed. Hepatoprotective and immunostimulant therapies applied during this period did not prevent HV shedding. Therefore, peroral antiviral therapy with acyclovir (150 mg/kg q24 h for seven days) was performed, and the owl tested negative at the next sampling and remained negative for the next 8 months. After that, the owl again tested positive for HV presence, and the same protocol with antiviral therapy was performed. After 3 weeks with a negative test for HV presence, without any clinical signs of illness, the owl suddenly died because of Usutu virus (USUV) infection. Among all the owls at the zoo, interestingly, only the HV-positive great grey owl died because of USUV infection. The USUV sequence detected and obtained in this study clusters together with other Europe 2 sequences detected in neighboring countries. Our study shows the potential of acyclovir therapy in the prevention of herpesvirus shedding and, moreover, lowering the possibility for spreading HV to other owls and birds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of HV presence and USUV infection in a great grey owl in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Žlabravec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Pavel Kvapil
- Veterinary Department, Ljubljana Zoo, Večna Pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Tanja Švara
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Jožko Račnik
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
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Kulma M, Šakanović A, Bedina-Zavec A, Caserman S, Omersa N, Šolinc G, Orehek S, Hafner-Bratkovič I, Kuhar U, Slavec B, Krapež U, Ocepek M, Kobayashi T, Kwiatkowska K, Jerala R, Podobnik M, Anderluh G. Sequestration of membrane cholesterol by cholesterol-binding proteins inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry into Vero E6 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 716:149954. [PMID: 38704887 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Membrane lipids and proteins form dynamic domains crucial for physiological and pathophysiological processes, including viral infection. Many plasma membrane proteins, residing within membrane domains enriched with cholesterol (CHOL) and sphingomyelin (SM), serve as receptors for attachment and entry of viruses into the host cell. Among these, human coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), use proteins associated with membrane domains for initial binding and internalization. We hypothesized that the interaction of lipid-binding proteins with CHOL in plasma membrane could sequestrate lipids and thus affect the efficiency of virus entry into host cells, preventing the initial steps of viral infection. We have prepared CHOL-binding proteins with high affinities for lipids in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells. Binding of the perfringolysin O domain four (D4) and its variant D4E458L to membrane CHOL impaired the internalization of the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the pseudovirus complemented with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells was also decreased. Overall, our results demonstrate that the integrity of CHOL-rich membrane domains and the accessibility of CHOL in the membrane play an essential role in SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandra Šakanović
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Apolonija Bedina-Zavec
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simon Caserman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Neža Omersa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gašper Šolinc
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Orehek
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iva Hafner-Bratkovič
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne Fronte 13, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Ocepek
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Toshihide Kobayashi
- Lipid Biology Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan; UMR 7021 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, F-67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; EN-FIST Centre of Excellence, Trg Osvobodilne Fronte 13, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjetka Podobnik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Fusaro A, Zecchin B, Giussani E, Palumbo E, Agüero-García M, Bachofen C, Bálint Á, Banihashem F, Banyard AC, Beerens N, Bourg M, Briand FX, Bröjer C, Brown IH, Brugger B, Byrne AMP, Cana A, Christodoulou V, Dirbakova Z, Fagulha T, Fouchier RAM, Garza-Cuartero L, Georgiades G, Gjerset B, Grasland B, Groza O, Harder T, Henriques AM, Hjulsager CK, Ivanova E, Janeliunas Z, Krivko L, Lemon K, Liang Y, Lika A, Malik P, McMenamy MJ, Nagy A, Nurmoja I, Onita I, Pohlmann A, Revilla-Fernández S, Sánchez-Sánchez A, Savic V, Slavec B, Smietanka K, Snoeck CJ, Steensels M, Svansson V, Swieton E, Tammiranta N, Tinak M, Van Borm S, Zohari S, Adlhoch C, Baldinelli F, Terregino C, Monne I. High pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b in Europe-Why trends of virus evolution are more difficult to predict. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae027. [PMID: 38699215 PMCID: PMC11065109 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 2016, A(H5Nx) high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus of clade 2.3.4.4b has become one of the most serious global threats not only to wild and domestic birds, but also to public health. In recent years, important changes in the ecology, epidemiology, and evolution of this virus have been reported, with an unprecedented global diffusion and variety of affected birds and mammalian species. After the two consecutive and devastating epidemic waves in Europe in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, with the second one recognized as one of the largest epidemics recorded so far, this clade has begun to circulate endemically in European wild bird populations. This study used the complete genomes of 1,956 European HPAI A(H5Nx) viruses to investigate the virus evolution during this varying epidemiological outline. We investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of A(H5Nx) virus diffusion to/from and within Europe during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 epidemic waves, providing evidence of ongoing changes in transmission dynamics and disease epidemiology. We demonstrated the high genetic diversity of the circulating viruses, which have undergone frequent reassortment events, providing for the first time a complete overview and a proposed nomenclature of the multiple genotypes circulating in Europe in 2020-2022. We described the emergence of a new genotype with gull adapted genes, which offered the virus the opportunity to occupy new ecological niches, driving the disease endemicity in the European wild bird population. The high propensity of the virus for reassortment, its jumps to a progressively wider number of host species, including mammals, and the rapid acquisition of adaptive mutations make the trend of virus evolution and spread difficult to predict in this unfailing evolving scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Fusaro
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Bianca Zecchin
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giussani
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Elisa Palumbo
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Montserrat Agüero-García
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ctra. M-106, Km 1,4 Algete, Madrid 28110, Spain
| | - Claudia Bachofen
- Federal Department of Home Affairs FDHA Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, Mittelhäusern 3147, Switzerland
| | - Ádám Bálint
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate (NEBIH), Laboratory of Virology, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Fereshteh Banihashem
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Ashley C Banyard
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Beerens
- Department of Virology Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, Lelystad 8221 RA, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Bourg
- Luxembourgish Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA), State Veterinary Laboratory, 1 Rue Louis Rech, Dudelange 3555, Luxembourg
| | - Francois-Xavier Briand
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie Avaires et Cunicoles, 41 Rue de Beaucemaine – BP 53, Ploufragan 22440, France
| | - Caroline Bröjer
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Disease, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Ian H Brown
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Brigitte Brugger
- Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority, Austurvegur 64, Selfoss 800, Iceland
| | - Alexander M P Byrne
- WOAH/FAO international reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone KT15 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Armend Cana
- Kosovo Food and Veterinary Agency, Sector of Serology and Molecular Diagnostics, Kosovo Food and Veterinary Laboratory, Str Lidhja e Pejes, Prishtina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Vasiliki Christodoulou
- Laboratory for Animal Health Virology Section Veterinary Services (1417), 79, Athalassa Avenue Aglantzia, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Zuzana Dirbakova
- Department of Animal Health, State Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 918, Zvolen 96086, Slovakia
| | - Teresa Fagulha
- I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Avenida da República, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras 2780 – 157, Portugal
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, Rotterdam 3015 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Garza-Cuartero
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), Backweston Campus, Stacumny Lane, Celbridge, Co. Kildare W23 X3PH, Ireland
| | - George Georgiades
- Thessaloniki Veterinary Centre (TVC), Department of Avian Diseases, 26th October Street 80, Thessaloniki 54627, Greece
| | - Britt Gjerset
- Immunology & Virology department, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Arboretveien 57, Oslo Pb 64, N-1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Beatrice Grasland
- Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire, de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort, Unité de Virologie, Immunologie, Parasitologie Avaires et Cunicoles, 41 Rue de Beaucemaine – BP 53, Ploufragan 22440, France
| | - Oxana Groza
- Republican Center for Veterinary Diagnostics (NRL), 3 street Murelor, Chisinau 2051, Republic of Moldova
| | - Timm Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Ana Margarida Henriques
- I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Avenida da República, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, Oeiras 2780 – 157, Portugal
| | - Charlotte Kristiane Hjulsager
- Department for Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 5 Artillerivej, Copenhagen DK-2300, Denmark
| | - Emiliya Ivanova
- National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, National Diagnostic and Research Veterinary Medical Institute (NDRVMI), 190 Lomsko Shose Blvd., Sofia 1231, Bulgaria
| | - Zygimantas Janeliunas
- National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute (NFVRAI), Kairiukscio str. 10, Vilnius 08409, Lithuania
| | - Laura Krivko
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR), Laboratory of Microbilogy and Pathology, 3 Lejupes Street, Riga 1076, Latvia
| | - Ken Lemon
- Virological Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Aldin Lika
- Animal Health Department, Food Safety and Veterinary Institute, Rruga Aleksandër Moisiu 10, Tirana 1001, Albania
| | - Péter Malik
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate (NEBIH), Laboratory of Virology, National Food Chain Safety Office, Tábornok utca 2, Budapest 1143, Hungary
| | - Michael J McMenamy
- Virological Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Stoney Road, Belfast BT4 3SD, Northern Ireland
| | - Alexander Nagy
- Department of Molecular Biology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, Praha 6-Lysolaje 16503, Czech Republic
| | - Imbi Nurmoja
- National Centre for Laboratory Research and Risk Assessment (LABRIS), Kreutzwaldi 30, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Iuliana Onita
- Institute for Diagnosis and Animal Health (IDAH), Str. Dr. Staicovici 63, Bucharest 050557, Romania
| | - Anne Pohlmann
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, Greifswald-Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Sandra Revilla-Fernández
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Robert Koch Gasse 17, Mödling 2340, Austria
| | - Azucena Sánchez-Sánchez
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ctra. M-106, Km 1,4 Algete, Madrid 28110, Spain
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Poultry Centre, Heinzelova 55, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- University of Ljubljana – Veterinary Faculty/National Veterinary Institute, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Krzysztof Smietanka
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, Puławy 24-100, Poland
| | - Chantal J Snoeck
- Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Department of Infection and Immunity, 29 Rue Henri Koch, Esch-sur-Alzette 4354, Luxembourg
| | - Mieke Steensels
- Avian Virology and Immunology, Sciensano, Rue Groeselenberg 99, Ukkel 1180, Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Vilhjálmur Svansson
- Biomedical Center, Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldnavegi 3 112 Reykjavík Ssn. 650269 4549, Keldur 851, Iceland
| | - Edyta Swieton
- Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantow 57, Puławy 24-100, Poland
| | - Niina Tammiranta
- Finnish Food Authority, Animal Health Diagnostic Unit, Veterinary Virology, Mustialankatu 3, Helsinki FI-00790, Finland
| | - Martin Tinak
- Department of Animal Health, State Veterinary Institute, Pod Dráhami 918, Zvolen 96086, Slovakia
| | - Steven Van Borm
- Avian Virology and Immunology, Sciensano, Rue Groeselenberg 99, Ukkel 1180, Ukkel, Belgium
| | - Siamak Zohari
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Travvägen 20, Uppsala 75189, Sweden
| | - Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Gustav III:s boulevard 40, Solna 169 73, Sweden
| | | | - Calogero Terregino
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
| | - Isabella Monne
- European Reference Laboratory (EURL) for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, viale dell'universita 10, Legnaro, Padua 35020, Italy
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Žlabravec Z, Slavec B, Rožmanec E, Koprivec S, Dovč A, Zorman Rojs O. First Report of Marek's Disease Virus in Commercial Turkeys in Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:250. [PMID: 38254418 PMCID: PMC10812425 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Marek's disease (MD), caused by Mardivirus gallidalpha 2 (GaAHV-2), also known as MD virus (MDV), is a lymphoproliferative disease that primarily affects chickens. Recently, MDV has been detected in lymphomatous tumors in turkeys in various countries. Between 2021 and 2023, three cases ranging from no to severe clinical disorders (depression, lameness, and increased mortality) occurred in commercial turkey flocks in Slovenia. In all cases, MDV was detected by PCR in DNA samples extracted from organs developing tumor infiltrations. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the meq gene revealed that the GaAHV-2 detected has molecular features of a very virulent pathotype and genetic similarity with GaAHV-2 detected in chickens in Tunisia. This is the first report of MDV in commercial turkeys in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Žlabravec
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Ema Rožmanec
- Veterinarska Ambulanta PP, d.o.o., Potrčeva cesta 10, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia
| | - Saša Koprivec
- Institute of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Dovč
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (Z.Ž.)
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Štrbenc M, Kuhar U, Lainšček D, Orehek S, Slavec B, Krapež U, Malovrh T, Majdič G. Rehoming and Other Refinements and Replacement in Procedures Using Golden Hamsters in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Research. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2616. [PMID: 37627407 PMCID: PMC10451472 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective vaccines are needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Forty golden hamsters were inoculated with two promising vaccine candidates and eighteen animals were used in pilot trials with viral challenge. ELISA assays were performed to determine endpoint serum titres for specific antibodies and virus neutralisation tests were used to evaluate the efficacy of antibodies. All tests with serum from vaccinated hamsters were negative even after booster vaccinations and changes in vaccination protocol. We concluded that antibodies did not have sufficient neutralising properties. Refinements were observed at all steps, and the in vitro method (virus neutralisation test) presented a replacement measure and ultimately lead to a reduction in the total number of animals used in the project. The institutional animal welfare officer and institutional designated veterinarian approved the reuse or rehoming of the surplus animals. Simple socialization procedures were performed and ultimately 19 animals were rehomed, and feedback was collected. Recently, FELASA published recommendations for rehoming of animals used for scientific and educational purposes, with species-specific guidelines, including mice, rats, and rabbits. Based on our positive experience and feedback from adopters, we concluded that the rehoming of rodents, including hamsters, is not only possible, but highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malan Štrbenc
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Duško Lainšček
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.L.); (S.O.)
| | - Sara Orehek
- Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (D.L.); (S.O.)
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Tadej Malovrh
- Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (T.M.)
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Institute for Preclinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Škrbec M, Dovč A, Hrženjak NM, Slavec B, Žlabravec Z, Kočar N, Rojs OZ, Račnik J. Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection of Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Slovenia between 2017 and 2021. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040516. [PMID: 37111402 PMCID: PMC10143470 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidial parasite that primarily infects domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is the causative agent of encephalitozoonosis, a disease with an internationally recognized seroprevalence among rabbits. This study determines the presence, clinical manifestation, and serological status of encephalitozoonosis in pet rabbits in Slovenia using various diagnostic procedures. From 2017 to 2021, 224 pet rabbit sera were collected and tested for encephalitozoonosis with the indirect immunofluorescence assay. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against E. cuniculi were confirmed in 160 (65.6%) cases. Most seropositive rabbits suffered from neurological clinical signs or signs of gastrointestinal disorders such as recurrent hypomotilities, chronic weight loss, cachexia, or anorexia, and fewer showed clinical signs related to the urinary system or phacoclastic uveitis. A quarter of the positively tested rabbits presented without clinical signs. Hematological and biochemical blood analysis confirmed that seropositive animals had elevated globulin and deviated albumin levels in comparison to the normal reference values of non-infected animals. Furthermore, rabbits with neurological clinical signs showed statistically significant higher levels of globulins and total protein. Sixty-eight whole-body radiographs and thirty-two abdominal ultrasound reports were analyzed, looking for changes in the shape or size of the urinary bladder, presence of urinary sludge or uroliths, and any abnormalities related to the kidneys (shape, size, or nephrolites). The results suggest that neurological defects in the urinary bladder caused by E. cuniculi lead to a distended urinary bladder and consequently dysuria, incontinence, urine scalding, and sludgy urine.
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Janezic S, Mahnic A, Kuhar U, Kovač J, Jenko Bizjan B, Koritnik T, Tesovnik T, Šket R, Krapež U, Slavec B, Malovrh T, Battelino T, Rupnik M, Zohar Cretnik T. SARS-CoV-2 molecular epidemiology in Slovenia, January to September 2021. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200451. [PMID: 36820641 PMCID: PMC9951254 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.8.2200451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSequencing of SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive samples was introduced in Slovenia in January 2021. Our surveillance programme comprised three complementary schemes: (A) non-targeted sequencing of at least 10% of samples, (B) sequencing of samples positive after PCR screening for variants of concern (VOC) and (C) sequencing as per epidemiological indication.AimWe present the analysis of cumulative data of the non-targeted surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and variant-dependent growth kinetics for the five most common variants in Slovenia for the first 9 months of 2021.MethodsSARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive samples, from January to September 2021, were selected for sequencing according to the national surveillance plan. Growth kinetics studies were done on Vero E6 cells.ResultsAltogether 15,175 genomes were sequenced and 64 variants were detected, of which three successively prevailed. Variant B.1.258.17 was detected in ca 80% of samples in January and was replaced, within 9 weeks, by the Alpha variant. The number of cases decreased substantially during the summer of 2021. However, the introduction of the Delta variant caused a fourth wave and completely outcompeted other variants. Other VOC were only detected in small numbers. Infection of Vero E6 cells showed higher replication rates for the variants Alpha and Delta, compared with B.1.258.17, B.1.258, and B.1.1.70, which dominated in Slovenia before the introduction of the Alpha and Delta variants.ConclusionInformation on SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity provided context to the epidemiological data of PCR-positive cases, contributed to control of the initial spread of known VOC and influenced epidemiological measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Janezic
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Aleksander Mahnic
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kovač
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Jenko Bizjan
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tom Koritnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Tine Tesovnik
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Šket
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Malovrh
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | | | - CISLD NGS team
- Members of the CISLD NGS team, UMC Ljubljana are listed under Collaborators
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8
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Zadravec M, Račnik J, Slavec B, Ballmann MZ, Kaján GL, Doszpoly A, Zorman-Rojs O, Marhold C, Harrach B. Novel adenoviruses from captive psittacine birds in Slovenia. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 90-91:101902. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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9
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Žlabravec Z, Slavec B, Vrezec A, Kuhar U, Zorman Rojs O, Golob Z, Račnik J. Detection of Herpesviruses in Wild Bird Casualties in Slovenia. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:822212. [PMID: 35280151 PMCID: PMC8916610 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.822212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The complete host range of avian herpesviruses in wild birds is unknown, and information about nucleotide sequences is available only in limited cases. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of herpesviruses in wild birds and to gain more information about their phylogenetic relationship. Oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs from 447 wild birds from 15 different orders presented as wildlife casualties were examined for herpesvirus presence with PCR targeting a fragment of the DNA polymerase gene. Herpesviruses were detected in oropharyngeal and/or cloacal swabs in 34 (7.5%) birds belonging to 11 species from six different avian orders: Accipitriformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Passeriformes, and Strigiformes. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that various herpesviruses sequences are present in the wild bird population. Some herpesviruses are host species–specific, whereas in some cases very similar sequences were detected through different avian orders, which confirms findings that herpesviruses are not always restricted to bird species. It seems that herpesvirus transmission could occur by predation from avian prey, and even by superpredation—for example, large owls, such as the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) or Ural owl (Strix uralensis), preying on smaller raptors. This can lead to greater infection exposure and is in line with the fact that raptors were the most infected species group. Nevertheless, the individual or simultaneous detection of herpesviruses in oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs shows that both swab samples should be used for herpesvirus detection in wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Žlabravec
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Al Vrezec
- Department for Organism and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urška Kuhar
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zlatko Golob
- Golob d.o.o. Clinic for Small, Wild, and Exotic Animals, Shelter for Protected Wildlife, Muta, Slovenia
| | - Jožko Račnik
- Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Jožko Račnik
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Račnik J, Kočevar A, Slavec B, Korva M, Rus KR, Zakotnik S, Zorec TM, Poljak M, Matko M, Rojs OZ, Županc TA. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Human to Domestic Ferret. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2450-2453. [PMID: 34424180 PMCID: PMC8386788 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.210774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of natural infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmitted from an owner to a pet ferret in the same household in Slovenia. The ferret had onset of gastroenteritis with severe dehydration. Whole-genome sequencing of the viruses isolated from the owner and ferret revealed a 2-nt difference.
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11
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Žlabravec Z, Krapež U, Slavec B, Vrezec A, Rojs OZ, Račnik J. Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Herpesviruses Detected in Wild Owls in Slovenia. Avian Dis 2019; 62:397-403. [PMID: 31119924 DOI: 10.1637/11899-051418-reg.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Herpesvirus (HV) was detected using PCR in the organs of eight of 55 wild owls (14.5%) from seven species that were found dead in various locations in Slovenia between 1995 and 2015. HV was detected in three species: the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo), Ural owl (Strix uralensis), and long-eared owl (Asio otus). Phylogenetic analysis of partial DNA polymerase gene nucleotide sequences showed that the detected HVs are similar to the avian and mammal alphaherpesviruses. Two sequences were very similar to known bird HV sequences. One sequence was identical to the columbid herpesvirus 1 (CoHV1) sequence, and the other was very similar to the gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV2) sequence. The phylogenetic tree revealed a lower similarity of the other six analyzed Slovenian sequences with the sequences of alphaherpesviruses of birds and mammals. This is the first study to report the detection of different HVs in owls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Žlabravec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Al Vrezec
- National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Slovenian Museum of Natural History, Prešernova 20, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jožko Račnik
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals, and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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12
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Kogovšek P, Ambrožič-Avguštin J, Dovč A, Dreo T, Hristov H, Krapež U, Ravnikar M, Slavec B, Lotrič M, Žel J, Zorman Rojs O. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification: rapid molecular detection of virulence genes associated with avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in poultry. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1500-1510. [PMID: 30476321 PMCID: PMC6377436 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with pathogenic Escherichia coli can lead to different animal- and human-associated diseases. E. coli infections are common in intensive poultry farming, and important economic losses can be expected during infections with avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) strains followed by colibacillosis. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays were developed for rapid detection of 3 APEC-associated virulence genes: sitA, traT, and ompT. All 3 LAMP assays are shown to be specific, repeatable, and reproducible. High sensitivities of the assays are shown, where as few as 1,000 bacterial cells/mL can be detected in different matrices. On-site applicability of this LAMP method is demonstrated through testing of different sample types, from animal swabs and tissues, and from environmental samples collected from 6 commercial poultry farms. All 3 virulence genes were detected at high rates (above 85%) in samples from layer and broiler chickens with clinical signs and, interestingly, high prevalence of those genes was detected also in samples collected from clinically healthy broiler flock (above 75%) while lower prevalence was observed in remaining 3 clinically healthy chicken flocks (less than 75%). Importantly, these virulence genes were detected in almost all of the air samples from 11 randomly selected poultry houses, indicating air as an important route of E. coli spread. Three LAMP assays that target APEC-associated virulence genes are shown to be sensitive and robust and are therefore applicable for rapid on-site testing of various sample types, from animal swabs to air. This on-site LAMP testing protocol offers rapid diagnostics, with results obtained in <35 min, and it can be applied to other important microorganisms to allow the required prompt measures to be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alenka Dovč
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Dreo
- National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Ravnikar
- National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Wine Research Centre, University of Nova Gorica, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Jana Žel
- National Institute of Biology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Zorman Rojs
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Rojs OZ, Zdovc I, Dovč A, Žgajnar J, Slavec B, Krapež U, Ambrožič JA. Presence and distribution of extended-spectrum and AmpC beta-lactamases-producing Escherichia coli on poultry farms in Slovenia. J APPL POULTRY RES 2019. [DOI: 10.3382/japr/pfy021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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14
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Dovč A, Jereb G, Krapež U, Gregurić-Gračner G, Pintarič Š, Slavec B, Knific RL, Kastelic M, Kvapil P, Mićunović J, Vadnjal S, Ocepek M, Zadravec M, Zorman-Rojs O. Occurrence of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Common and Noninvasive Diagnostic Sampling from Parrots and Racing Pigeons in Slovenia. Avian Dis 2017; 60:487-92. [PMID: 27309292 DOI: 10.1637/11373-011116-reg] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Airborne pathogens can cause infections within parrot (Psittaciformes) and pigeon (Columbiformes) holdings and, in the case of zoonoses, can even spread to humans. Air sampling is a useful, noninvasive method which can enhance the common sampling methods for detection of microorganisms in bird flocks. In this study, fecal and air samples were taken from four parrot holdings. Additionally, cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs as well as air samples were taken from 15 racing pigeon holdings. Parrots were examined for psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV), proventricular dilatation disease virus (PDDV), adenoviruses (AdVs), avian paramyxovirus type-1 (APMV-1), avian influenza virus (AIV), Chlamydia psittaci (CP), and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). MAC and AdVs were detected in three parrot holdings, CP was detected in two parrot holdings, and PBFDV and PDDV were each detected in one parrot holding. Pigeons were examined for the pigeon circovirus (PiCV), AdVs, and CP; PiCV and AdVs were detected in all investigated pigeon holdings and CP was detected in five pigeon holdings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alenka Dovč
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Jereb
- B University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Sanitary Engineering, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gordana Gregurić-Gračner
- C University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Welfare, Heinzelova 55, 10.000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Štefan Pintarič
- D University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Environmental and Animal Hygiene with Ethology, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Renata Lindtner Knific
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Pavel Kvapil
- E Zoo Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jasna Mićunović
- F University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanka Vadnjal
- G University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Food Hygiene, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Ocepek
- F University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Microbiology and Parasitology, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Zadravec
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olga Zorman-Rojs
- A University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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15
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Kvapil P, Pirš T, Slavec B, Luštrik R, Zemljič T, Bártová E, Stranjac B, Kastelic M. Tear production, intraocular pressure and conjunctival bacterial flora in selected captive wild ruminants. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:52-57. [PMID: 28493440 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluation of tear production (Schirmer's tear test, STT) and measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) were performed in a population of captive wild ungulates in a Slovenian ZOO during routine annual health check. ANIMALS STUDIED In total, 10 fallow deer (Dama dama), 25 mouflons (Ovis aries musimon), 20 alpine ibexes (Capra ibex), and three alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) were included in the study. METHODS Tear production was performed by Schirmer's tear test, IOP was measured with an applanation tonometer, and ophthalmological examination was conducted with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Conjunctival swabs were taken and submitted for aerobic bacteriology and for detection of Chlamydia spp. and Mycoplasma spp. tested by PCR. RESULTS Average tear production (in mm/min) was 17.8 ± 3.16 for fallow deer, 17.9 ± 3.87 for mouflons, and 11.7 ± 3.87 for ibexes. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP, in mm Hg) was 14.1 ± 2.48 for fallow deer, 14.9 ± 2.20 for mouflons, and 13.1 ± 2.43 for ibexes. For chamois, average tear production and IOP were 14.5 ± 3.0 and 10.2 ± 2.5, respectively; this is the first record of STT I and IOP in chamois. Bacteriological swabs were positive for bacteria in 100% of the fallow deer, 56% of mouflons, 35% of ibexes, and 100% of chamois. Gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Moraxella spp., Chlamydia spp., and Mycoplasma spp. were not detected. CONCLUSION The reported values were obtained in animals under manual restraint only to be applicative in similar conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Kvapil
- ZOO Ljubljana, Večna pot 70, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia.,Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tř. 1946/1, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
| | - Tina Pirš
- Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Institute for Health Care of Poultry, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Roman Luštrik
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Zemljič
- Veterinarske storitve s.p., Milčinskega ulica 62, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tř. 1946/1, Brno, 61200, Czech Republic
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Zadravec M, Slavec B, Krapež U, Gombač M, Švara T, Poljšak-Prijatelj M, Gruntar I, Račnik J. Trichomonosis outbreak in a flock of canaries (Serinus canaria f. domestica) caused by a finch epidemic strain of Trichomonas gallinae. Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:90-93. [PMID: 28413077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present paper, an outbreak of trichomonosis in a flock of 15 breeding pairs of canaries is described. Trichomonosis was diagnosed on characteristic clinical signs, microscopic examination of crop/esophageal swabs, gross pathology and histopathology. Trichomonads were successfully grown in culture media and were characterized by multi-locus sequence typing. The three genomic loci ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, 18S rRNA and Fe-hydrogenase were analyzed. Molecular characterization confirmed the finch trichomonosis strain, identical to the strain that caused emerging disease in free-living passerine birds in Europe. Flock treatment with metronidazole (200mg/L) in drinking water for 5days was partially effective. After individual treatment with oral application of metronidazole (20mg/kg SID) for 5days no further clinical signs were observed in the flock over next 30 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Zadravec
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Brigita Slavec
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Uroš Krapež
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mitja Gombač
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Wildlife, Fish and Bees, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tanja Švara
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Wildlife, Fish and Bees, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mateja Poljšak-Prijatelj
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Zaloška 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Igor Gruntar
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Joško Račnik
- Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Zadravec M, Trilar T, Slavec B, Gruntar I, Račnik J. No evidence of Trichomonas gallinae in free-living non-fringilid passerine birds in Slovenia. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-0998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Cizelj I, Berčič RL, Slavec B, Narat M, Dovč P, Benčina D. Multilocus sequence analysis forMycoplasma synoviaemolecular genotyping. Br Poult Sci 2016; 56:658-65. [DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2015.1113506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bolha L, Bencina D, Cizelj I, Oven I, Slavec B, Rojs OZ, Narat M. Effect of Mycoplasma synoviae and lentogenic Newcastle disease virus coinfection on cytokine and chemokine gene expression in chicken embryos. Poult Sci 2014; 92:3134-43. [PMID: 24235222 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma synoviae and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are 2 avian pathogens that cause modulation in expression of a variety of cytokine and chemokine genes in chickens. However, there is limited data about gene modulation after coinfection with these 2 pathogens and even less data about gene modulation after infection of chicken embryos. In this study, the effect of M. synoviae type strain WVU 1853 and lentogenic LaSota vaccine strain of NDV infection on cytokine and chemokine gene expression in chicken embryos was analyzed in the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus by using quantitative real-time PCR. Three types of infection were performed; infection with M. synoviae on d 10, infection with NDV on d 17; and consecutive infection with both pathogens, where M. synoviae was inoculated on d 10 and NDV on d 17. Thus, simulation of consecutive infection that may occur after NDV infection of the M. synoviae-infected host was performed. Mycoplasma synoviae infection of embryos resulted in intensive upregulation of cytokine and chemokine genes, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-16, IL-18, MIP-1β (CCL4), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), XCL1, and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF), with different expression profiles in the 4 organs. Inoculation of lentogenic NDV significantly upregulated IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-16 genes in spleen and IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-16, IL-21, XCL1, and MIP-1β (CCL4) genes in the thymus, but to a lesser extent than M. synoviae. However, no genes were upregulated by NDV in the liver and bursa of Fabricius. Overall effect of NDV inoculation, regarding the number of modulated cytokine and chemokine genes and the extent of expression, was lower than M. synoviae. When NDV was introduced after on-going M. synoviae infection, most M. synoviae-induced cytokine and chemokine genes were significantly downregulated. This study provides the first evidence in chicken embryos that consecutive infection with NDV could suppress expression of cytokine and chemokine genes being significantly upregulated by the previous M. synoviae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Bolha
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, 1230 DomŽale, Slovenia; and
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Slavec B, Krapež U, Račnik J, Hari A, Wernig JM, Dovč A, Zadravec M, Lindtner-Knific R, Marhold C, Zorman-Rojs O. Surveillance of Influenza A Viruses in Wild Birds in Slovenia from 2006 to 2010. Avian Dis 2012; 56:999-1005. [DOI: 10.1637/10175-041012-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Krapez U, Slavec B, Steyer AF, Pintaric S, Dobeic M, Rojs OZ, Dovc A. Prevalence of pigeon circovirus infections in feral pigeons in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Avian Dis 2012; 56:432-5. [PMID: 22856208 DOI: 10.1637/9929-091211-case.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) was detected by real-time PCR in cloacal swabs, pharyngeal swabs, and serum samples taken from 74 feral pigeons (Columba livia var. domestica) that were caught at various locations in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. PiCV infections were detected in the majority of the tested birds. The highest (74.3%) detection rate was observed in the cloacal swabs and the lowest (31.1%) in serum samples. PiCV DNA was more readily detected in the cloacal swabs, pharyngeal swabs, and serum samples of birds younger than 1 yr. Molecular analysis of partial open reading frame V1 sequences showed that PiCV strains detected in feral pigeons share high nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities with PiCV strains detected in ornamental, racing, meat, and feral pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Krapez
- Institute of Poultry Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Cesta v Mestni log 47, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Zocevic A, Vorimore F, Marhold C, Horvatek D, Wang D, Slavec B, Prentza Z, Stavianis G, Prukner-Radovcic E, Dovc A, Siarkou VI, Laroucau K. Molecular characterization of atypical Chlamydia and evidence of their dissemination in different European and Asian chicken flocks by specific real-time PCR. Environ Microbiol 2012; 14:2212-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2012.02800.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zorman Rojs O, Krapež U, Slavec B, Juršič-Cizerl R, Poljanec T. Field efficacy of different vaccines against infectious bursal disease in broiler flocks. Acta Vet Hung 2011; 59:385-98. [PMID: 21727070 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2011.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A field study was performed to determine the efficacy of three commercially available vaccines against infectious bursal disease (IBD) in commercial broilers raised in a high IBD virus (IBDV) risk area. Live attenuated intermediate and intermediate plus vaccines were used in four flocks. Birds were vaccinated orally at the estimated vaccination time. Three broiler flocks were vaccinated subcutaneously with a turkey herpesvirus (HVT)-IBD vector vaccine at one day old. Evaluation of the efficacy of different vaccines was focused on humoral immune response, bursa/body weight (B/Bw) ratio, molecular detection of IBDV in ileocaecal tonsils and bursa of Fabricius, and production parameters. The serological results showed that although the uptake of all three vaccine strains was confirmed in the lymphoid organs, no significant antibody response to vaccination was detected in flocks vaccinated with intermediate and intermediate plus vaccines. A significant increase in antibody titres detected in flocks vaccinated with the vector vaccine indicated its ability to induce an immune response in birds with a high level of maternally derived antibodies. Observations obtained in this field trial did not confirm the expected reduction of the B/Bw ratio in flocks vaccinated with less attenuated vaccines. No significant differences were observed between birds vaccinated with the vector vaccine and those immunised with the intermediate plus vaccine. Very virulent IBDV was confirmed in the flock vaccinated with the intermediate vaccine. The infection induced reduced B/Bw and moderate mortality but did not affect the production parameters. Field infection was not detected in broilers vaccinated with the intermediate plus vaccine and the vector vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Zorman Rojs
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | | | - Tea Poljanec
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
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Slavec B, Berčič RL, Cizelj I, Narat M, Zorman-Rojs O, Dovč P, Benčina D. Variation of vlhA gene in Mycoplasma synoviae clones isolated from chickens. Avian Pathol 2011; 40:481-9. [PMID: 21830862 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2011.604840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma synoviae synthesizes haemagglutinin VlhA, which cleaves into the N-terminal part, a lipoprotein MSPB, and a C-terminal part MSPA. Previous studies have shown that the 3'-end of the expressed vlhA gene can recombine with vlhA pseudogenes in a process called gene conversion, but there have been no data about diversification of the expressed vlhA gene in M. synoviae populations replicating in chickens. Following intratracheal inoculation with the M. synoviae strain ULB 02/T6, which showed only minor vlhA gene variation prior to inoculation, we investigated temporal changes in MSPB epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 3B4 and 50, as well as diversification of the vlhA gene sequence in M. synoviae populations recovered from chicken tracheas. In cultures isolated 8 and 18 days post inoculation (p.i.), most colonies showed variation of MSPB epitopes for mAbs 3B4 and 50. They also changed 3'-end vlhA gene sequences. Further diversity of the vlhA gene occurred in cultures isolated 8 weeks and 5 months p.i. The vlhA gene sequences from isolated cultures shared only 65 to 80% sequence identity with vlhA gene of the inoculated ULB 02/T6 culture. Notably, in most of those cultures their vlhA gene sequences contained stop codons potentially causing premature terminations of translation. Interestingly, in one culture isolated 8 weeks p.i. (clone T6-8W/IT2A) the 3'-vlhA gene sequence was identical in the last 1140 bases to that of the first vlhA pseudogene positioned the most far (upstream) of the expressed vlhA gene. This is the first demonstration of temporal diversity of the vlhA gene in M. synoviae populations isolated from chicken tracheas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigita Slavec
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Krapez U, Steyer AF, Slavec B, Barlic-Maganja D, Dovc A, Racnik J, Rojs OZ. Molecular characterization of avian paramyxovirus type 1 (Newcastle disease) viruses isolated from pigeons between 2000 and 2008 in Slovenia. Avian Dis 2010; 54:1075-80. [PMID: 20945791 DOI: 10.1637/9161-111709-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fourteen avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1; Newcastle disease) viruses isolated from dead free-living and domestic pigeons in Slovenia between 2000 and 2008 were analyzed by a molecular characterization of a part of the fusion protein gene, which included the region encoding the fusion protein cleavage site. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Slovene pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) viruses do not cluster together but instead are divided into two groups--4bi and 4bii--of sublineage 4b. Nine Slovenian strains were placed in group 4bii. Five other strains clustered together with PPMV-1 from group 4bi. The sequence of the fusion protein cleavage site of all Slovenian strains was typical for pathogenic APMV-1. The 112RRQKRF117 motif was present in the strains from group 4bii, whereas strains from group 4bi displayed the 112GRQKRF117 motif.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Krapez
- Institute of Poultry Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbiceva 60, SI-1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Krapež U, Slavec B, Barlič-Maganja D, Rojs OZ. Molecular analysis of infectious bronchitis viruses isolated in Slovenia between 1990 and 2005: a retrospective study. Virus Genes 2010; 41:414-6. [PMID: 20844944 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-010-0528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen infectious bronchitis viruses (IBV) isolated from broiler and broiler breeder flocks in Slovenia between 1990 and 2005 were molecularly characterised. IBV strains were divided into four genotypes by the analysis of the S1 gene region. Four strains belonged to the Massachusetts genotype, one strain was placed into the QX genotype, one strain formed a cluster together with the B1648 strain and nine strains were classified into the 624/I genotype. Nine Slovenian strains of the 624/I genotype formed two subgroups independently of the time of isolation and the geographical origin. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial N gene sequences revealed lower sequence variability and different clustering of the Slovenian IBV. Fourteen strains were grouped together with the strains H120 and D1466. One strain formed a cluster with the strain 793/B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uroš Krapež
- Institute of Poultry Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Cesta v Mestni Log 47, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Fratnik Steyer A, Rojs OZ, Krapež U, Slavec B, Barlič-Maganja D. A diagnostic method based on MGB probes for rapid detection and simultaneous differentiation between virulent and vaccine strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1. J Virol Methods 2010; 166:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2010.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 02/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Berčič RL, Slavec B, Lavrič M, Narat M, Zorman-Rojs O, Dovč P, Benčina D. A survey of avian Mycoplasma species for neuraminidase enzymatic activity. Vet Microbiol 2008; 130:391-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Revised: 02/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zorman Rojs O, Krapež U, Slavec B, Mankoč S, Jurišič-Cizerl R, Barlič-Maganja D. Molecular characterisation of infectious bursal disease viruses isolated in recent acute outbreaks in Slovenia. Acta Vet Hung 2008; 56:255-64. [PMID: 18669253 DOI: 10.1556/avet.56.2008.2.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2004 and then in 2006 several outbreaks of infectious bursal disease (IBD) were reported in broiler and broiler breeder flocks in Slovenia. In this report ten recently emerged IBD viruses (IBDV) were characterised by sequence analysis of the VP2 hypervariable region and compared to previous Slovene IBDV strains from 1995/1996 and to some representative serotype 1 IBDV strains of different pathotypes. On the basis of nucleotide and amino acid identities, phylogenetic analyses and the presence of very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) conserved amino acid substitutions, all Slovene isolates from recent outbreaks were identified as vvIBDV. Although some unique nucleotide exchanges and amino acid substitutions have been observed, the results of this study indicated that recent vvIBDV isolates are closely related with those from outbreaks in the 1990s. However, acute IBD has not been reported in commercial flocks in Slovenia for some years. This could lead to the conclusion that poor biosecurity and relaxed vaccination could be responsible for the re-emergence of vvIBDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Zorman Rojs
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Uroš Krapež
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Brigita Slavec
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Sara Mankoč
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
| | | | - Darja Barlič-Maganja
- 1 University of Ljubljana Veterinary Faculty Gerbičeva 60 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
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Bercic RL, Slavec B, Lavric M, Narat M, Bidovec A, Dovc P, Bencina D. Identification of major immunogenic proteins of Mycoplasma synoviae isolates. Vet Microbiol 2008; 127:147-54. [PMID: 17720337 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2007.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2007] [Revised: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 07/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma synoviae isolates differ in patterns of immunogenic proteins, but most of them have not been identified yet. The main aim of this study was their identification in two closely related M. synoviae isolates, ULB 02/P4 and ULB 02/OV6, recovered recently from chickens in Slovenia. N-terminal sequencing identified 17 M. synoviae proteins. Amongst them were 14 major, highly expressed but previously unidentified proteins, including enzymes, chaperones and putative lipoproteins. ULB 02/P4 proteins with increasing molecular weight (M(w)) in the region above the lipoprotein MSPB (approximately 40 kDa) were elongation factor EF-Tu, enolase, NADH oxidase, haemagglutinin MSPA, ATP synthase beta chain, trigger factor, pyruvate kinase and chaperone DnaK. Enolase (approximately 47 kDa) seemed to be immunogenic for chickens infected with M. synoviae, whereas EF-Tu, which might cross-react with antibodies to the P1 adhesin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, was not. ULB 02/OV6 synthesized several immunogenic proteins and those with M(w) of approximately 70, 78, 82, 90, 110 and 160 kDa, cross-reacted with antibodies to Mycoplasma gallisepticum. They remain to be identified, because besides putative lipoproteins, protein bands of 78, 82, 85 and 110 kDa contained also dehydrogenase PdhD, elongation factor EF-G, enzyme PtsG and putative neuraminidase, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Lucijana Bercic
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, Domzale, Slovenia
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Bencina D, Slavec B, Narat M. Antibody response to GroEL varies in patients with acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 43:399-406. [PMID: 15708314 DOI: 10.1016/j.femsim.2004.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2004] [Accepted: 10/08/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although heat-shock proteins represent major antigens in a wide spectrum of bacterial infections, their immunogenicity is not known for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. M. pneumoniae is a major human respiratory pathogen and it has been suggested that its groEL gene might be dispensable in vitro. Using the specific monoclonal antibody 2C2/C3 we found an abundant synthesis of about 58 kDa GroEL in M. pneumoniae reference strains and in 15 clinical isolates examined at low and higher passages. In patients with acute respiratory disease caused by M. pneumoniae immunoblot analyses showed relatively low prevalence of systemic antibodies against its GroEL protein. Whereas all patients had strong antibody response to the P1 adhesin, only 5 of 29 patients (17.2%) had antibodies to GroEL. Among them, patient RI raised an early and very strong antibody response to GroEL. During the convalescent phase, levels of his serum IgG (mainly IgG2) to GroEL increased and were higher than levels of IgG to P1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusan Bencina
- Department of Animal Sciences, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1230 Domzale, Slovenia
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