Partial VP1 sequencing of Brazilian infectious bursal disease virus strains

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is classified according to the antigenicity and virulence into classical virulent (cv), very virulent (vv), and antigenic variant strains. The molecular basis for the IBDV antigenic variation is well established and is associated to the capsid protein, VP2 (gene VP2 of segment A), whereas both VP2 and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, VP1 (gene VP1 of segment B), have been correlated with the virulence. In this study, seventeen Brazilian IBDV samples previously characterized by the VP2 gene as cv (three) and vv (fourteen) strains were genetically and molecularly analyzed for their VP1 gene. All of the strains kept with the same cv or vv classification except one sample, Br/03/DR. This sample was classified as vv by its VP2 gene, but it was most closely related to the cv strains by its VP1 partial sequence and phylogeny. Studies on the phylogeny of VP1 have suggested a possible reassortment event that originated the vvVP1. In this case, the sample carrying vvVP2 and cvVP1 could be a descendant of IBDV ancestors prior to the reassortment of vvVP1; alternatively, it could be the result of a genetic exchange between the segments of different strains or with a live attenuated vaccine. Nevertheless, this is the first report of natural genetic reassortment of IBDV in Brazil.

In vitro evaluation of the antiviral potential of Guettarda angelica against animal herpesviruses / Avaliação in vitro do potencial antiviral de Guettarda angelica contra herpesvírus animais

Background: The number of antiviral studies using plant extracts has increased in the last decades, and the results have shown that plants are potential sources of compounds that are able to inhibit and/or decrease viral infections. The selection of these plants by ethnopharmacological criteria increases the probability of fi nding new substances with signifi cant pharmacological and biological activities. Hence, Brazil has an advantage in this area due to its extensive biodiversity and ethnological diversity. Guettarda angelica is a plant from the Brazilian Caatinga region the roots of which are popularly used for various therapeutic purposes, including veterinary use. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of extracts of plant parts from G. angelica against three animal herpesviruses: bovine (BoHV-1), suid (SuHV-1) and equine (EHV-1) herpesviruses type 1.Materials, Methods & Results: The extracts of roots, leaves and seeds of G. angelica were initially screened for in vitro antiviral activity against these herpesviruses using the virus yield reduction assay. The MDBK cells were used in assays with BoHV-1 and SuHV-1, and the Vero cells with EHV-1. For these assays, the cells previously treated with the extracts in non-cytotoxic concentrations were inoculated with logarithmic dilutions of each virus. The viral inhibitory activity of extracts

Background: The number of antiviral studies using plant extracts has increased in the last decades, and the results have shown that plants are potential sources of compounds that are able to inhibit and/or decrease viral infections. The selection of these plants by ethnopharmacological criteria increases the probability of fi nding new substances with signifi cant pharmacological and biological activities. Hence, Brazil has an advantage in this area due to its extensive biodiversity and ethnological diversity. Guettarda angelica is a plant from the Brazilian Caatinga region the roots of which are popularly used for various therapeutic purposes, including veterinary use. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of extracts of plant parts from G. angelica against three animal herpesviruses: bovine (BoHV-1), suid (SuHV-1) and equine (EHV-1) herpesviruses type 1.Materials, Methods & Results: The extracts of roots, leaves and seeds of G. angelica were initially screened for in vitro antiviral activity against these herpesviruses using the virus yield reduction assay. The MDBK cells were used in assays with BoHV-1 and SuHV-1, and the Vero cells with EHV-1. For these assays, the cells previously treated with the extracts in non-cytotoxic concentrations were inoculated with logarithmic dilutions of each virus. The viral inhibitory activity of extracts

Antibody responses in mice after immunization with inactivated bovine respiratory syncytial virus using different adjuvants

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) causes pneumonia in young cattle. Modified-live-virus (MLV) and inactivated vaccines are currently used for the control of clinical effects of BRSV infections in cattle. On the present research, the stimulation of specific anti-BRSV immunoglobulin isotypes was investigated, through the use of different commercially available adjuvants (Water-in-oil emulsion, Quil A, Aluminum-hydroxide) in inbred mice (Balb/C and C57BL/6). BRSV antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results were compared to the antibody levels induced by immunization of animals using live-BRSV-virus. Water-in-oil emulsion and alum- adjuvant preparations induced higher levels of IgG1 immunoglobulins, whereas Quil A favored the production of IgG2 antibodies, this last being a more appropriate response profile for the specific case of BRSV. Not using adjuvants resulted in poor levels of specific antibodies. The isotype profile of specific antibodies obtained varied greatly depending on the adjuvants used. This information may be useful for the formulation of more effective BRSV inactivated vaccines; however, these findings have to be confirmed in cattle.

O vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) causa pneumonia em bovinos jovens. Vacinas de vírus vivo modificado (MLV) e vacinas inativadas são atualmente utilizadas para o controle dos efeitos clínicos de infecções pelo BRSV em bovinos. No presente trabalho, investigou-se a estimulação dos isotipos de imunoglobulinas específicas anti-BRSV, através da utilização de diferentes adjuvantes disponíveis comercialmente (água em óleo de emulsão, Quil A, hidróxido de alumínio) em camundongos isogênicos (Balb/C e C57BL/6). Anticorpos contra o BRSV foram medidos usando-se um ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), e os resultados foram comparados com os níveis de anticorpos induzidos pela imunização de animais utilizando-se o BRSV vivo. As preparações em que se empregou óleo mineral e alumínio como adjuvantes induziram altos níveis de imunoglobulinas IgG1, enquanto QuilA favoreceu a produção de anticorpos de classe IgG2, sendo este último um perfil de resposta mais desejável para o caso específico de BRSV. A não utilização de adjuvantes resultou em baixa produção de anticorpos específicos. O perfil de isotipos de imunoglobulinas secretados variou bastante conforme o adjuvante utilizado. Esta informação pode ser útil futuramente na formulação de vacinas inativadas mais eficazes contra o BRSV. Todavia, esses achados devem ser confirmados em bovinos.

Antibody responses in mice after immunization with inactivated bovine respiratory syncytial virus using different adjuvants

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) causes pneumonia in young cattle. Modified-live-virus (MLV) and inactivated vaccines are currently used for the control of clinical effects of BRSV infections in cattle. On the present research, the stimulation of specific anti-BRSV immunoglobulin isotypes was investigated, through the use of different commercially available adjuvants (Water-in-oil emulsion, Quil A, Aluminum-hydroxide) in inbred mice (Balb/C and C57BL/6). BRSV antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results were compared to the antibody levels induced by immunization of animals using live-BRSV-virus. Water-in-oil emulsion and alum- adjuvant preparations induced higher levels of IgG1 immunoglobulins, whereas Quil A favored the production of IgG2 antibodies, this last being a more appropriate response profile for the specific case of BRSV. Not using adjuvants resulted in poor levels of specific antibodies. The isotype profile of specific antibodies obtained varied greatly depending on the adjuvants used. This information may be useful for the formulation of more effective BRSV inactivated vaccines; however, these findings have to be confirmed in cattle.

O vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) causa pneumonia em bovinos jovens. Vacinas de vírus vivo modificado (MLV) e vacinas inativadas são atualmente utilizadas para o controle dos efeitos clínicos de infecções pelo BRSV em bovinos. No presente trabalho, investigou-se a estimulação dos isotipos de imunoglobulinas específicas anti-BRSV, através da utilização de diferentes adjuvantes disponíveis comercialmente (água em óleo de emulsão, Quil A, hidróxido de alumínio) em camundongos isogênicos (Balb/C e C57BL/6). Anticorpos contra o BRSV foram medidos usando-se um ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), e os resultados foram comparados com os níveis de anticorpos induzidos pela imunização de animais utilizando-se o BRSV vivo. As preparações em que se empregou óleo mineral e alumínio como adjuvantes induziram altos níveis de imunoglobulinas IgG1, enquanto QuilA favoreceu a produção de anticorpos de classe IgG2, sendo este último um perfil de resposta mais desejável para o caso específico de BRSV. A não utilização de adjuvantes resultou em baixa produção de anticorpos específicos. O perfil de isotipos de imunoglobulinas secretados variou bastante conforme o adjuvante utilizado. Esta informação pode ser útil futuramente na formulação de vacinas inativadas mais eficazes contra o BRSV. Todavia, esses achados devem ser confirmados em bovinos.

Antibody responses in mice after immunization with inactivated bovine respiratory syncytial virus using different adjuvants

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) causes pneumonia in young cattle. Modified-live-virus (MLV) and inactivated vaccines are currently used for the control of clinical effects of BRSV infections in cattle. On the present research, the stimulation of specific anti-BRSV immunoglobulin isotypes was investigated, through the use of different commercially available adjuvants (Water-in-oil emulsion, Quil A, Aluminum-hydroxide) in inbred mice (Balb/C and C57BL/6). BRSV antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the results were compared to the antibody levels induced by immunization of animals using live-BRSV-virus. Water-in-oil emulsion and alum- adjuvant preparations induced higher levels of IgG1 immunoglobulins, whereas Quil A favored the production of IgG2 antibodies, this last being a more appropriate response profile for the specific case of BRSV. Not using adjuvants resulted in poor levels of specific antibodies. The isotype profile of specific antibodies obtained varied greatly depending on the adjuvants used. This information may be useful for the formulation of more effective BRSV inactivated vaccines; however, these findings have to be confirmed in cattle.

O vírus respiratório sincicial bovino (BRSV) causa pneumonia em bovinos jovens. Vacinas de vírus vivo modificado (MLV) e vacinas inativadas são atualmente utilizadas para o controle dos efeitos clínicos de infecções pelo BRSV em bovinos. No presente trabalho, investigou-se a estimulação dos isotipos de imunoglobulinas específicas anti-BRSV, através da utilização de diferentes adjuvantes disponíveis comercialmente (água em óleo de emulsão, Quil A, hidróxido de alumínio) em camundongos isogênicos (Balb/C e C57BL/6). Anticorpos contra o BRSV foram medidos usando-se um ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), e os resultados foram comparados com os níveis de anticorpos induzidos pela imunização de animais utilizando-se o BRSV vivo. As preparações em que se empregou óleo mineral e alumínio como adjuvantes induziram altos níveis de imunoglobulinas IgG1, enquanto QuilA favoreceu a produção de anticorpos de classe IgG2, sendo este último um perfil de resposta mais desejável para o caso específico de BRSV. A não utilização de adjuvantes resultou em baixa produção de anticorpos específicos. O perfil de isotipos de imunoglobulinas secretados variou bastante conforme o adjuvante utilizado. Esta informação pode ser útil futuramente na formulação de vacinas inativadas mais eficazes contra o BRSV. Todavia, esses achados devem ser confirmados em bovinos.

Comparative evaluation of conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) for detection of avian metapneumovirus subtype A

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) belongs to Metapneumovirus genus of Paramyxoviridae family. Virus isolation, serology, and detection of genomic RNA are used as diagnostic methods for AMPV. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection of six subgroup A AMPV isolates (AMPV/A) viral RNA by using different conventional and real time RT-PCR methods. Two new RT-PCR tests and two real time RT-PCR tests, both detecting fusion (F) gene and nucleocapsid (N) gene were compared with an established test for the attachment (G) gene. All the RT-PCR tested assays were able to detect the AMPV/A. The lower detection limits were observed using the N-, F- based RRT-PCR and F-based conventional RT-PCR (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). The present study suggests that the conventional F-based RT-PCR presented similar detection limit when compared to N- and F-based RRT-PCR and they can be successfully used for AMPV/A detection.

O metapneumovírus aviário (AMPV) pertence ao gênero Metapneumovirus, família Paramyxoviridae. Isolamento viral, sorologia e detecção do RNA genômico são atualmente as técnicas utilizadas para o diagnóstico desse agente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a detecção de RNA viral de seis isolados de AMPV, subtipo A (AMPV/A), utilizando diferentes métodos de RT-PCR convencional e real time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR). Duas novas técnicas de RT-PCR convencional e duas técnicas de RRT-PCR, ambas para a detecção dos genes da nucleoproteína (N) e da proteína de fusão (F), foram comparadas com um RT-PCR previamente estabelecido para a detecção do AMPV (gene da glicoproteína -G). Todos esses métodos foram capazes de detectar os isolados AMPV/A. As técnicas RRT-PCR (genes F e N) mostraram os menores limites de detecção (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). Os resultados sugerem que as técnicas RT-PCR convencional (gene F) e as técnicas de RRT-PCR (gene F e N) desenvolvidas no presente estudo podem ser utilizadas com sucesso para a detecção do AMPV/A. Além disso, o RRT-PCR gera resultados rápidos e sensíveis, o que o torna uma ferramenta alternativa para o isolamento viral.

Comparative evaluation of conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) for detection of avian metapneumovirus subtype A

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) belongs to Metapneumovirus genus of Paramyxoviridae family. Virus isolation, serology, and detection of genomic RNA are used as diagnostic methods for AMPV. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection of six subgroup A AMPV isolates (AMPV/A) viral RNA by using different conventional and real time RT-PCR methods. Two new RT-PCR tests and two real time RT-PCR tests, both detecting fusion (F) gene and nucleocapsid (N) gene were compared with an established test for the attachment (G) gene. All the RT-PCR tested assays were able to detect the AMPV/A. The lower detection limits were observed using the N-, F- based RRT-PCR and F-based conventional RT-PCR (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). The present study suggests that the conventional F-based RT-PCR presented similar detection limit when compared to N- and F-based RRT-PCR and they can be successfully used for AMPV/A detection.

O metapneumovírus aviário (AMPV) pertence ao gênero Metapneumovirus, família Paramyxoviridae. Isolamento viral, sorologia e detecção do RNA genômico são atualmente as técnicas utilizadas para o diagnóstico desse agente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a detecção de RNA viral de seis isolados de AMPV, subtipo A (AMPV/A), utilizando diferentes métodos de RT-PCR convencional e real time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR). Duas novas técnicas de RT-PCR convencional e duas técnicas de RRT-PCR, ambas para a detecção dos genes da nucleoproteína (N) e da proteína de fusão (F), foram comparadas com um RT-PCR previamente estabelecido para a detecção do AMPV (gene da glicoproteína -G). Todos esses métodos foram capazes de detectar os isolados AMPV/A. As técnicas RRT-PCR (genes F e N) mostraram os menores limites de detecção (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). Os resultados sugerem que as técnicas RT-PCR convencional (gene F) e as técnicas de RRT-PCR (gene F e N) desenvolvidas no presente estudo podem ser utilizadas com sucesso para a detecção do AMPV/A. Além disso, o RRT-PCR gera resultados rápidos e sensíveis, o que o torna uma ferramenta alternativa para o isolamento viral.

Comparative evaluation of conventional RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR) for detection of avian metapneumovirus subtype A

Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) belongs to Metapneumovirus genus of Paramyxoviridae family. Virus isolation, serology, and detection of genomic RNA are used as diagnostic methods for AMPV. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection of six subgroup A AMPV isolates (AMPV/A) viral RNA by using different conventional and real time RT-PCR methods. Two new RT-PCR tests and two real time RT-PCR tests, both detecting fusion (F) gene and nucleocapsid (N) gene were compared with an established test for the attachment (G) gene. All the RT-PCR tested assays were able to detect the AMPV/A. The lower detection limits were observed using the N-, F- based RRT-PCR and F-based conventional RT-PCR (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). The present study suggests that the conventional F-based RT-PCR presented similar detection limit when compared to N- and F-based RRT-PCR and they can be successfully used for AMPV/A detection.

O metapneumovírus aviário (AMPV) pertence ao gênero Metapneumovirus, família Paramyxoviridae. Isolamento viral, sorologia e detecção do RNA genômico são atualmente as técnicas utilizadas para o diagnóstico desse agente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a detecção de RNA viral de seis isolados de AMPV, subtipo A (AMPV/A), utilizando diferentes métodos de RT-PCR convencional e real time RT-PCR (RRT-PCR). Duas novas técnicas de RT-PCR convencional e duas técnicas de RRT-PCR, ambas para a detecção dos genes da nucleoproteína (N) e da proteína de fusão (F), foram comparadas com um RT-PCR previamente estabelecido para a detecção do AMPV (gene da glicoproteína -G). Todos esses métodos foram capazes de detectar os isolados AMPV/A. As técnicas RRT-PCR (genes F e N) mostraram os menores limites de detecção (10(0.3) to 10¹ TCID50 mL-1). Os resultados sugerem que as técnicas RT-PCR convencional (gene F) e as técnicas de RRT-PCR (gene F e N) desenvolvidas no presente estudo podem ser utilizadas com sucesso para a detecção do AMPV/A. Além disso, o RRT-PCR gera resultados rápidos e sensíveis, o que o torna uma ferramenta alternativa para o isolamento viral.

In vitro evaluation of the antiviral potential of Guettarda angelica against animal herpesviruses / Avaliação in vitro do potencial antiviral de Guettarda angelica contra herpesvírus animais

Background: The number of antiviral studies using plant extracts has increased in the last decades, and the results have shown that plants are potential sources of compounds that are able to inhibit and/or decrease viral infections. The selection of these plants by ethnopharmacological criteria increases the probability of fi nding new substances with signifi cant pharmacological and biological activities. Hence, Brazil has an advantage in this area due to its extensive biodiversity and ethnological diversity. Guettarda angelica is a plant from the Brazilian Caatinga region the roots of which are popularly used for various therapeutic purposes, including veterinary use. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of extracts of plant parts from G. angelica against three animal herpesviruses: bovine (BoHV-1), suid (SuHV-1) and equine (EHV-1) herpesviruses type 1.Materials, Methods & Results: The extracts of roots, leaves and seeds of G. angelica were initially screened for in vitro antiviral activity against these herpesviruses using the virus yield reduction assay. The MDBK cells were used in assays with BoHV-1 and SuHV-1, and the Vero cells with EHV-1. For these assays, the cells previously treated with the extracts in non-cytotoxic concentrations were inoculated with logarithmic dilutions of each virus. The viral inhibitory activity of extracts

Background: The number of antiviral studies using plant extracts has increased in the last decades, and the results have shown that plants are potential sources of compounds that are able to inhibit and/or decrease viral infections. The selection of these plants by ethnopharmacological criteria increases the probability of fi nding new substances with signifi cant pharmacological and biological activities. Hence, Brazil has an advantage in this area due to its extensive biodiversity and ethnological diversity. Guettarda angelica is a plant from the Brazilian Caatinga region the roots of which are popularly used for various therapeutic purposes, including veterinary use. The aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro antiviral activity of extracts of plant parts from G. angelica against three animal herpesviruses: bovine (BoHV-1), suid (SuHV-1) and equine (EHV-1) herpesviruses type 1.Materials, Methods & Results: The extracts of roots, leaves and seeds of G. angelica were initially screened for in vitro antiviral activity against these herpesviruses using the virus yield reduction assay. The MDBK cells were used in assays with BoHV-1 and SuHV-1, and the Vero cells with EHV-1. For these assays, the cells previously treated with the extracts in non-cytotoxic concentrations were inoculated with logarithmic dilutions of each virus. The viral inhibitory activity of extracts