Comparative genomics of canine parvovirus in South America: Diversification patterns in local populations.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a significant pathogen in domestic dogs worldwide, causing a severe and often fatal disease. CPV comprises three antigenic variants (2a, 2b, and 2c) distributed unevenly among several phylogenetic groups. The present study compared genetic variability and evolutionary patterns in South American CPV populations. We collected samples from puppies suspected of CPV infection in the neighboring Argentina and Uruguay. Antigenic variants were preliminarily characterized using PCR-RFLP and partial vp2 sequencing. Samples collected in Argentina during 2008-2018 were mainly of the 2c variant. In the Uruguayan strains (2012-2019), the 2a variant wholly replaced the 2c from 2014. Full-length coding genome and vp2 sequences were compared with global strains. The 2c and 2a strains fell by phylogenetic analysis into two phylogroups (Europe I and Asia I). The 2c strains from Argentina and Uruguay clustered in the Europe I group, with strains from America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Europe I is widely distributed in South America in the dog population and is also being detected in the wildlife population. The 2a strains from Uruguay formed the distinct Asia I group with strains from Asia, Africa, America, and Oceania. This Asia I group is increasing its distribution in South America and worldwide. Our research reveals high genetic variability in adjacent synchronic samples and different evolutionary patterns in South American CPV. We also highlight the importance of ancestral migrations and local diversification in the evolution of global CPV strains.

An Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Captive Armadillos Associated with Gamma Variant in Argentina.

The current pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants represent an example of the one health concept in which humans and animals are components of the same epidemiologic chain. Animal reservoirs of these viruses are thus the focus of surveillance programs, to monitor their circulation and evolution in potentially new hosts and reservoirs. In this work, we report the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma variant infection in four specimens of Chaetophractus villosus (big hairy armadillo/armadillo peludo) in Argentina. In addition to the finding of a new wildlife species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, the identification of the Gamma variant three months after its last detection in humans in Argentina is a noteworthy result, which can be due to alternative non-exclusive scenarios, such as unidentified viral reservoirs, unrecognized circulation in humans or species-specific variation in incubation periods.

Seroprevalence of sporotrichosis infection in cats living in the Buenos Aires epizootic area.

This study aimed to perform a seroepidemiological survey on the prevalence of sporotrichosis among cats living in the Northern area of Buenos Aires, where a four-fold increase of Sporothrix brasiliensis infections were diagnosed during the last decade. For this purpose, an in-house indirect ELISA test sensitized with S. brasiliensis crude antigens was used. The ELISA test showed 100.0% sensitivity and 95.0% specificity. Antibodies against S. brasiliensis antigens were detected in 3.7% (9/241) of healthy cats evaluated, suggesting likely exposure or infection to this fungus. This ELISA test would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing sporotrichosis and for seroepidemiological surveys.

S. brasiliensis is the primary cause of feline sporotrichosis in Argentina. The seroprevalence of sporotrichosis infection in urban localities of Buenos Aires province is reported for the first time. An ELISA test using S. brasiliensis crude antigens is also described.

Identification of coronaviruses in bats and rodents in northern and central Argentina.

Due to the present pandemic situation and the many animal species that are epidemiologically involved, there has been a surge of renewed interest in investigating the coronavirus (CoV) population circulating in wildlife, especially bats and rodents, which are potential reservoirs of new human pathogens. In Argentina, information about the viruses present in these mammals is very limited. To investigate the presence of coronaviruses in this country, we obtained 457 samples from hematophagous, insectivorous, and frugivorous bats and rodents from two regions of Argentina. We report here the detection of alphacoronavirus sequences in three groups of bats as well as in rodents. Phylogenetic analysis showed the closest relationships to alphacoronaviruses from Brazil.

First characterization of a canine parvovirus causing fatal disease in coatis (Nasua nasua).

A canine parvovirus (CPV)-like virus was detected by PCR and isolated from dead coatis in Argentina. Analysis of the full-length genome sequence revealed that it resembled CPV-but also contained a mutation in the VP2 protein (Arg377Ser) that has not been described previously. This is the first report of a CPV-like virus producing clinical disease in coatis. Genetic similarity to CPV-2c viruses detected in Brazil suggests a strong relationship between these viruses. Although the pathogenic potential of CPV- and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)-like strains in wild animals is still not completely understood, this study highlights the importance of parvoviruses as a threat to wildlife if proper conditions are present.

Detection of feline immunodeficiency virus subtypes A and B circulating in the city of Buenos Aires.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), genus Lentivirus, is responsible for feline immunodeficiency syndrome in domestic cats. FIV has been classified into six subtypes: A, B, C, D, E and F, based on regions of the env gene as well as the gag gene. In Argentina, the circulation of subtypes B and E was reported more than two decades ago. The objective of this work was to study the FIV variants circulating presently in the city of Buenos Aires in naturally infected cats utilizing a nested PCR targeting the gag gene. A phylogenetic comparison with representative sequences of five previously published subtypes shows a clustering with subtypes A and B. This is the first report of FIV subtype A in Argentina.

Genomic characterization of canine circovirus associated with fatal disease in dogs in South America.

Canine circovirus (CanineCV) was detected, together with canine parvovirus (CPV), in samples from an outbreak of fatal gastroenteritis in dogs in Argentina. We obtained the full-length genome of this recently discovered virus by overlapping PCR, designated strain UBA-Baires. Sequence analysis revealed a highly conserved genome but also showed several unique mutations in amino acids from the capsid protein that have not been previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis shows that this strain is more closely related to European strains than to viruses detected in North America or Asia. Although the pathogenic role of CanineCV in dogs is still unclear, this study highlights the importance of CanineCV as a coinfecting virus in disease development. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the involvement of CanineCV in severe clinical disease in dogs in South America. Our results expand our information on the geographical extent of this virus and contribute to the understanding of its role in disease.

Functional analysis of the latency-related gene of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and 5.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 and type 5 (BoHV-1 and BoHV-5) are two alphaherpesviruses that affect cattle with two different syndromes. While BoHV-1 mainly produces respiratory symptoms, BoHV-5 is highly neuropathogenic and responsible for meningoencephalitis in young cattle. The latency-related (LR) gene, which is not conserved between these two herpesviruses, is the only viral gene abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons. The antiapoptotic action of this gene has been demonstrated during acute infection and reactivation from latency and seems to be mainly mediated by a LR protein (ORF-2) which is truncated in amino acid 51 in the case of BoHV-5. In this work, we show that the BoHV-5 LR gene is less efficient at cell survival and apoptosis inhibition in transient as well as in established neuronal cell lines compared to its BoHV-1 homolog. We hypothesize that the BoHV-5 LR gene may have novel functions that are lacking in the BoHV-1 LR gene and that these differences may contribute to its enhanced neuropathogenesis.

ABSENCE OF PARVOVIRUS SHEDDING IN FECES OF THREATENED CARNIVORES FROM MISIONES, ARGENTINA.

Since its emergence in the 1970s, canine parvovirus (CPV) has spread worldwide and infects a wide variety of mammalian hosts, including domestic and nondomestic carnivores. Today it is one of the most important pathogenic viruses associated with high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris). In South America, the range of wild hosts has been scarcely studied and the epidemiology of CPV in wildlife is still unclear. In 2011, feces from five wild carnivores (bush dog [ Speothos venaticus] , jaguar [ Panthera onca], puma [ Puma concolor], oncilla [ Leopardus guttulus], and ocelot [ Leopardus pardalis]) were collected in Misiones, Argentina, using a detection dog. Of the 289 feces collected, 209 (72.3%) had sufficient sample remaining to be used in this study and the majority of these were genetically confirmed to individual (81.3%) and sex (78.4%) level. In fact, these samples represent a minimum of 115 individuals (10 jaguars, 13 pumas, 33 ocelots, 38 oncillas, and 21 bush dogs). Through polymerase chain reaction, a 583-bp fragment in the VP2 gene of CPV was amplified in these samples. While no samples showed evidence of infection, this does not exclude the occurrence of CPV in wild carnivores in the area, as intermittent viral shedding could condition the diagnosis of CPV in feces of infected wild mammals. Locally, it is recommended that long-term monitoring of parvovirus be continued in wildlife and expanded to domestic carnivores. Internationally, this study provides a useful contribution to the approach to the sylvatic cycle of parvovirus in wild carnivores.

Criterios diagnósticos para la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia felina y el virus de la leucemia felina en gatos domésticos de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Viral diagnostic criteria for Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cross-sectional study was carried out on cats attending the Small Animal Hospital at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Blood samples from 255 cats with symptoms compatible with FIV or FeLV infection, collected between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed by serology (immunochromatography, IA) and by hemi-nested PCR (n-PCR). The IA and n-PCR assays showed similar percentages of positivity for FIV while the n-PCR test was more sensitive for FeLV. Differences between the diagnostic tests and their choice according to the age of the animal are discussed. The clinical histories of ninety of the 255 cats showed blood profiles similar to others previously reported and revealed a higher risk of infection in male adult cats with outdoor access.

Para determinar la prevalencia en la ciudad de Buenos Aires del virus de la inmunodeficiencia felina (FIV) y del virus de la leucemia felina (FeLV), y analizar los factores de riesgo que pudieran estar asociados a ellos, se realizó un estudio transversal en gatos atendidos en el Hospital de Pequeños Animales de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron por serología (inmunocromatografía --#91;IA--#93;) y por hemi-nested PCR (n-PCR) 255 muestras de sangre de gatos con síntomas compatibles con infección por FIV o FeLV. La IA y la n-PCR revelaron porcentajes similares de animales positivos para FIV, mientras que para FeLV el diagnóstico por n-PCR resultó más sensible. Se discuten las diferencias halladas entre los métodos diagnósticos y su elección según la edad del animal. Las historias clínicas de 90 de los 255 gatos mostraron perfiles sanguíneos similares a otros ya reportados y revelaron el mayor riesgo de infección con ambos virus en machos adultos con acceso al exterior.

Viral diagnostic criteria for Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A cross-sectional study was carried out on cats attending the Small Animal Hospital at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Blood samples from 255 cats with symptoms compatible with FIV or FeLV infection, collected between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed by serology (immunochromatography, IA) and by hemi-nested PCR (n-PCR). The IA and n-PCR assays showed similar percentages of positivity for FIV while the n-PCR test was more sensitive for FeLV. Differences between the diagnostic tests and their choice according to the age of the animal are discussed. The clinical histories of ninety of the 255 cats showed blood profiles similar to others previously reported and revealed a higher risk of infection in male adult cats with outdoor access.

The latency related gene of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and 5 and its modulation of cellular processes.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) and bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) are important pathogens of cattle. The diseases they produce are quite different, with BoHV-5 being more neuropathogenic than BoHV-1 which mainly induces respiratory symptoms. The sequencing of the entire BoHV-5 genome has shown that most of the differences between these viruses are found in the immediate early and LR (latency related) genes. The LR gene is the only viral gene abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons, is essential for viral reactivation and seems to have an anti-apoptotic function which can be observed in vivo and in vitro. This gene spans two potential ORFs (1 and 2) which can also be found as a fused version, an ORF-E protein encoded within the promoter region and two miRNAs located within the 5' UTR segment. Most of the essential functions of the LR gene seem to be located within the ORF-2 which has been found to modulate components of cell signaling/cycle pathways. In this review we present a comparative sequence analysis of the LR gene of several BoHV-5 isolates, their differences with the BoHV-1 homologue and the potential impact this may have on its function. The LR gene was found to be highly conserved in all sequenced BoHV-5 strains. ORF-1 shares 60 % homology compared to BoHV-1 whereas the BoHV-5 homologue of ORF-2 is truncated at amino acid 51. Preliminary studies analyzing the emerging transcripts from the BoHV-5 LR gene in infected cells, as well as in stably transfected cells, indicates that their products are, in fact, missing crucial components of the anti-apoptotic function when compared to the BoHV-1 LR gene. In addition these transcripts maintain a region that, similar to what is found in BoHV-1, would produce a miRNA with the potential to recognize a region within the BoHV-5 immediate early gene. All together, these BoHV-5 characteristics suggest that this virus would not possess the same repertoire of latency maintaining functions as BoHV-1. Implications for BoHV-5 neuropathogenic potential are discussed.

Identification, molecular and phylogenetic analysis of poxvirus in skin lesions of southern right whale.

Poxvirus skin disease has been reported in several species of cetaceans, principally in odontocetes, and a single report in mysticetes. Southern right whales Eubalaena australis in Peninsula Valdes, Argentina, show a variety of skin lesions of unknown etiology, and the number of these lesions has increased in recent years. Samples from dead whales were taken in order to establish the etiology of these lesions. One calf and one adult presented ring-type lesions, characterized by a circumscribed and slightly raised area of skin. Lesions were histologically characterized by the presence of microvesicles and vacuolated cells in the stratum spinosum, along with hyperplasia of the stratum corneum and eosinophilic inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed aggregations of virions with typical poxvirus morphology. PCR of cetacean poxvirus (CPV) DNA polymerase, DNA topoisomerase I and parapoxvirus DNA polymerase gene fragments was done, and confirmed the presence of poxvirus in one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the detected poxvirus belongs to the CPV-2 group. This is the first confirmed report of poxvirus in southern right whales in Argentina.

Antiviral activity of lambda-carrageenan prepared from red seaweed (Gigartina skottsbergii) against BoHV-1 and SuHV-1.

The antiviral effect of polysaccharides has been known for many years. Carrageenans are considered a good alternative for the prevention of a wide range of diseases, mainly caused by enveloped viruses. The advantages lie on their high availability, low cost and low induction of resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of two viral pathogens of veterinary interest to the presence of lambda-carrageenan. This is the first report of a lambda-carrageenan having antiviral activity against animal viruses belonging to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, BoHV-1 (bovine herpesvirus type 1) strain Cooper and SuHV-1 (suid herpesvirus type 1) strain Bartha. Lambda-carrageenan was able to reduce infectivity of both viruses with a more pronounced effect against BoHV-1. These results proved, as previously shown for human herpes virus type 1, that these compounds could be used as potential antiviral agents in the veterinary field.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study viruses.

Caenorhabditis elegans is a worm that has been extensively studied, and it is today an accepted model in many different biological fields. C. elegans is cheap to maintain, it is transparent, allowing easy localization studies, and it develops from egg to adult in around 4 days. Many mutants, available to the scientific community, have been developed. This has facilitated the study of the role of particular genes in many cellular pathways, which are highly conserved when compared with higher eukaryotes. This review describes the advantages of C. elegans as a laboratory model and the known mechanisms utilized by this worm to fight pathogens. In particular, we describe the strong C. elegans RNAi machinery, which plays an important role in the antiviral response. This has been shown in vitro (C. elegans cell cultures) as well as in vivo (RNAi-deficient strains) utilizing recently described viruses that have the worm as a host. Infections with mammalian viruses have also been achieved using chemical treatment. The role of viral genes involved in pathogenesis has been addressed by evaluating the phenotypes of transgenic strains of C. elegans expressing those genes. Very simple approaches such as feeding the worm with bacteria transformed with viral genes have also been utilized. The advantages and limitations of different approaches are discussed.