Genetic heterogeneity of bovine hepacivirus in Italy.

Viruses similar to human hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the Hepacivirus genus have been identified in several animal hosts, including cattle. Since its first discovery in Germany, bovine hepacivirus (BovHepV) has been described in several countries globally. However, limited data are available on BovHepV epidemiology and genetic variability. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of BovHepV in Italy. Viral RNA was identified in 37 (0.15%) of 24,820 bovine sera, with titres ranging from 1.09 × 103 to 8.27 × 106 RNA copies/ml. Upon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR and NS3 genomic portions, the Italian BovHepV strains segregated into at least four distinct subtypes (A, B, C and F) that are also co-circulating globally.

Prevalence and risk factors for Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 detection in domestic cats in Italy.

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1), a novel gammaherpesvirus of domestic cats identified in 2014, has been detected in different countries demonstrating a worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of FcaGHV1 in Italy using a molecular epidemiological approach. FcaGHV1 DNA was detected with virus-specific real-time PCR in ≃1% of 2659 feline blood samples tested. Analysis of risk factors showed that being male and coinfection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) increase the likelihood of FcaGHV1 detection. One-third of FcaGHV1-positive cats also tested positive for FIV provirus, whereas coinfections with feline panleukopenia virus were not demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to confirm the risk factors for FcaGHV1 detection and the pathobiology of the virus.

Feline calicivirus infection in cats with virulent systemic disease, Italy.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious viral pathogen that usually causes a mild, self-limiting respiratory disease. More recently, highly virulent FCV strains have emerged and have been associated with severe systemic infection, referred to as virulent systemic disease (VSD). The objective of this study is to report VSD cases in Italian cats along with the molecular characterization of two detected FCV strains. Three client-owned cats showed clinical signs resembling to those described for VSD cases. The cats were subjected to molecular investigations for detection of FCV and other feline pathogens. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were performed on internal organs of one cat; molecular characterization of two detected FCV strains was obtained through sequence and phylogenetic analyses. Putative VS-FCV strains were detected in all three cats, which were co-infected with feline panleukopenia virus. The cat submitted to histopathology and immunohistochemistry displayed severe histological changes and FCV antigens in internal organs. Two Italian FCV strains, for which amplification of ORF2 was successful, were strictly related and formed a unique phylogenetic cluster. These viruses did not show consistent changes in the amino acid sequences with respect to reference VS-FCVs. The results of our study confirm that VS-FCV strains are circulating in Italy and that VSD diagnosis is complicated since both genetic and clinical markers have not been identified so far.