Deformed wing virus type a and b in managed honeybee colonies of Argentina.

Apis mellifera is infected by more than 24 virus species worldwide, mainly positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses of the Dicistroviridae and Iflaviridae families. Among the viruses that infect honey bees, Deformed wing virus is the most prevalent and is present as three master variants DWV-A, B, and C. Given that the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor vectors these virus variants, recombination events between them are expected, and variants and their recombinants can co-exist in mites and honeybees at the same time. In this study, we detect, through RT-qPCR, the presence of DWV-A and B in the same samples of adult bees from colonies of Argentina. Total RNA was extracted from pools of ten adult bees from 45 apiaries distributed across the main beekeeping Provinces of Argentina (Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba, Santiago del Estero, Río Negro, and Mendoza); then RT-qPCR reactions were performed to detect DWV-A and B, with specific primer pairs. After the amplifications, PCR products (204 and 660 bp amplicons for DWV-B, and ~250 bp for DWV-A) were purified and sequenced to verify that they corresponded to reported sequences, analyzing them using the Blast software. Of the 45 samples analyzed by RT-qPCR, over 90% were infected with DWV-A and 47% were also positive for DWV-B, where it was found in high prevalence specifically in colonies of A. mellifera of the Buenos Aires Province. Future studies will determine the impact of this type of the virus and its ability to recombine with the other DWV types in the apiaries of our country.

The cloning of the virus envelope glycoprotein F of canine distemper virus expressed in Pichia pastoris.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a pathogen which affects members of the Canidae family, causing an acute, often fatal, systemic disease. CDV is an RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae that contains two envelope glycoproteins: F and HA. In this study, we focused on the envelope glycoprotein F as the main target for neutralizing antibodies produced after infection or vaccination. The complete coding region of the protein (60 kDa) was expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, obtained in a recombinant form and secreted to the culture medium. Later, to analyze its immunogenicity, the protein was combined with an oily adjuvant and used to inoculate mice. The results provide evidence supporting a potential application of this recombinant protein as a subunit vaccine.

Vaginal isolation of beta-haemolytic Streptococcus from bitches with and without neonatal deaths in the litters.

The aim of the study was to identify beta-haemolytic streptococci in the vagina of bitches who had delivered healthy litters and bitches who had delivered litters in which neonatal deaths occurred. Fifty-one bitches divided into two groups were used. Group 1 (G1) included 28 bitches that had delivered healthy litters and group 2 (G2) included 23 bitches that had delivered puppies who died in the neonatal period. Two vaginal samples were taken, one in proestrus and the other at the end of gestation (EG). Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (BS) was isolated from 16 bitches (57%) in G1 and from 21 bitches (91%) in G2. The bacteriological cultures, serological tests (Streptex® ) and PCR assay allowed identification of Streptococcus canis and Streptococcus dysgalactiae in G1 and G2. Ultramicroscopic studies allowed the observation of M Protein and capsules in strains of S. dysgalactiae and S. canis in G1 and G2. The S. canis strains isolated from G2 showed thicker capsules than S. canis strains isolated from G1 (234 ± 24.2 vs 151.23 ± 28.93 nm; p < .001.). No differences were observed in capsule thickness between strains of S. dysgalactiae isolated from G1 and G2 (210 ± 13.54 vs 211.66 ± 19.67 nm; p > .70). All strains of beta-haemolytic Streptococcus isolated were penicillin sensitive. Penicillin was administered from EG to 5 days post-partum in 10 G2 females with isolation of BS (G2A). Saline solution was administered in eleven G2 females with isolation of BS (G2B). Ninety per cent of the puppies survived in G2A and 25% survived in G2B. Our results suggest BS is involved in canine neonatal deaths.

Investigation of apoptosis in cultured cells infected with equine herpesvirus 1.

Many viruses alter different stages of apoptosis of infected cells as a strategy for successful infection. Few studies have addressed mechanisms of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) strain-induced cell death. We investigated the effect of an abortigenic strain (AR8 strain) on heterologous Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells and homologous equine dermis (ED) cells cell lines. We compared morphologic and biochemical features of early and late apoptosis at different postinfection times. We investigated translocation of phosphatidylserine to the cell surface, nuclear fragmentation and changes in the cytoskeleton using flow cytometry and annexin V/propidium iodide staining, DNA laddering, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase UTP nick-end labeling assay and immunofluorescence staining of cytokeratin 18 cleavage. AR8 EVH-1 strain interfered with apoptosis in both cell lines, particularly during the middle stage of the replication cycle; this was more evident in ED cells. Although this antiapoptotic effect has been reported for other alpha herpesviruses, our findings may help elucidate how EHV-1 improves its infectivity during its cycle.

An effective and simplified DO-stat control strategy for production of rabies glycoprotein in Pichia pastoris.

The glycoprotein (G-protein) of rabies virus is responsible for viral attachment to the host cell surface and induces virus neutralization antibodies. In the present study, the G-protein gene of rabies virus CVS strain was cloned, sequenced and expressed in the yeast, Pichia pastoris, as a secreted protein, using a simplified DO-stat control feeding strategy. This strategy involves the addition of methanol when the dissolved oxygen (DO) level rises above the setpoint avoiding methanol accumulation and oxygen limitation. The G-protein expression was evaluated by SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and western blot assays. Like native G-protein, the recombinant G-protein was found reactive when it was challenged against specific antibodies. The data indicate that the recombinant G-protein can be easily expressed and isolated, and may be useful as a safe source in the production of diagnostic kits and subunit vaccines to prevent rabies.

Protective effects of intranasal immunization with recombinant glycoprotein d in pregnant BALB/c mice challenged with different strains of equine herpesvirus 1.

Equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 induces respiratory infection, neurological disorders and abortion in horses. Most of the currently available attenuated or inactivated vaccines against this infection are administered intramuscularly and only provide partial protection against the respiratory disease. The present study examines the effect of intranasal immunization with purified EHV-1 recombinant glycoprotein D (gD) in BALB/c mice followed by challenge with three different EHV-1 strains during early to mid-pregnancy. The induced viral infection was evaluated by virus isolation, DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction, histopathology and immunohistochemical localization of antigen in the lung, placenta and uterus. Non-immunized mice showed clinical signs of infection, positive virus isolation from lungs and uteri, and abortion induced by one of the virus strains. Endometrial lesions developed in some of these animals that have been described previously only in horses. Immunized mice and their offspring had no viral infection or typical lesions. Intranasally administered gD therefore induced partial or complete protection against three different EHV-1 strains in BALB/c mice.

First molecular detection of co-infection of honey bee viruses in asymptomatic Bombus atratus in South America / Primeira detecção molecular de co-infecção de vírus de abelhas em Bombus atratus assintomática na América do Sul

Pollination is critical for food production and has the particularity of linking natural ecosystems with agricultural production systems. Recently, losses of bumblebee species have been reported worldwide. In this study, samples from a commercial exploitation of bumblebees of Argentina with a recent history of deaths were studied using a multiplex PCR for the detection of the honey bee viruses most frequently detected in South America. All samples analysed were positive for co-infections with Deformed wing virus, Black queen cell virus and Sacbrood virus. This is the first report of infection of Bombus atratus with honey bee viruses. A better understanding of viral infections in bumblebees and of the epidemiology of viruses could be of great importance as bumblebees can serve as possible viral reservoirs, resulting in pathogen spillover towards honey bees and native bumblebees.

A polinização é essencial para a produção de alimentos e tem como particularidade a conexão entre os ecossistemas naturais com sistemas de produção agrícola. Recentemente, as perdas de espécies de bumblebee em todo o mundo têm sido relatadas. Neste trabalho, amostras de uma exploração comercial de bumblebee da Argentina, com recente história de mortes foram estudadas utilizando uma Multiplex PCR para a detecção de vírus de abelha mais frequentemente detectados na América do Sul. Todas as amostras analisadas foram positivas para as co-infecções com Deformed wing virus, Black queen cell viruses e Sacbrood virus. Este trabalho descreve o primeiro relato de infecção de Bombus atratus com vírus de abelhas. Uma melhor compreensão das infecções virais em bumblebee e da epidemiologia dos vírus poderia ser de grande importância, uma vez que tais abelhas podem servir como reservatório viral, com possível repercussão tanto na produtividade de abelhas melíferas como afetando-as diretamente.

Effects of different anesthetics in the murine model of EHV-1 infection.

Mice are commonly used as an experimental model to investigate the Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection. This model easily reproduces the disease, and the clinical signs are more or less similar to those observed in the horse, the natural host. During natural infection, the acute course of respiratory infection is mandatory for the development of adaptive immune response. Since interactions between EHV-1 and anesthetics are possible, the study investigated whether the early events of murine pulmonary immune response could be affected by different anesthetics. Therefore, mice were experimentally infected with a unique EHV-1 strain under the effects of ether, ketamine/xylazine, or isoflurane. Clinical signs and histopathological lesions in the lungs were described, and the cell death and proliferation rates of sham-inoculated or infected animals were quantified using immunohistochemistry. Clinical signs were more severe in animals anesthetized with ether. Qualitative differences in the recruited inflammatory cells were observed following application of anesthesia. The level of infection between the infected groups was not statistically significant. However, lungs from ketamine/xylazine-anesthetized animals showed the highest cell death rates, whereas those from isoflurane-anesthetized animals showed the highest proliferation rates. It has been emphasized that anesthetics alone or their interactions with EHV-1 modify the response against the infection. An appropriate selection of the anesthetic during experimental studies is relevant to minimize wrong conclusions.

First molecular detection of co-infection of honey bee viruses in asymptomatic Bombus atratus in South America.

Pollination is critical for food production and has the particularity of linking natural ecosystems with agricultural production systems. Recently, losses of bumblebee species have been reported worldwide. In this study, samples from a commercial exploitation of bumblebees of Argentina with a recent history of deaths were studied using a multiplex PCR for the detection of the honey bee viruses most frequently detected in South America. All samples analysed were positive for co-infections with Deformed wing virus, Black queen cell virus and Sacbrood virus. This is the first report of infection of Bombus atratus with honey bee viruses. A better understanding of viral infections in bumblebees and of the epidemiology of viruses could be of great importance as bumblebees can serve as possible viral reservoirs, resulting in pathogen spillover towards honey bees and native bumblebees.

Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Argentinian Equid Herpesvirus 1 strains.

Equid Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has long been causally implicated in the occurrence of abortion, neonatal death, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders in horses. This study analyzed for the first time the characteristics of the genomic section of Argentinian EHV-1 strains and reconstructed the phylogeny in order to establish their origin. The phylogenetic dataset included 22 Argentinian strains and four additional reference strains isolated in other countries. The intergenic region between ORF 62 and ORF 63 was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis carried out by parsimony algorithms showed that six of the Argentinian strains had the same origin as British and Japanese strains. The mapping of symptoms caused by EHV-1 suggested that neonatal disease developed through convergent evolution, which would constitute an adaptation mechanism of the virus. This study constitutes the first analysis carried out in South-American strains that establishes the phylogenetic relationship between Argentinian strains and rebuilds the evolutionary history of symptoms. This study focuses on a very important aspect of evolution of Herpesviridae infecting perissodactyls and attempts to shed light on the evolution of symptoms, an issue of high clinical interest.

Complete genome amplification of equine influenza virus subtype 2.

This work reports a method for rapid amplification of the complete genome of equine influenza virus subtype 2 (H3N8). A ThermoScript reverse transcriptase instead of the avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase or Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase was used. This enzyme has demonstrated higher thermal stability and is described as suitable to make long cDNA with a complex secondary structure. The product obtained by this method can be cloned, used in later sequencing reactions or nested-PCR with the purpose of achieving a rapid diagnosis and characterization of the equine influenza virus type A. This detection assay might be a valuable tool for diagnosis and screening of field samples as well as for conducting molecular studies.