Population replacement of benzimidazole-resistant Haemonchus contortus with susceptible strains: evidence of changes in the resistance status.

The spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in nematode populations threatens the viability of sheep production systems worldwide, and warrants the adoption of sensitive, practical, and standardized tests to detect AR. The aim of this study was to characterize the replacement of an Haemonchus contortus population resistant to benzimidazoles (BZDs) by a susceptible one, by means of both phenotypic and genotypic techniques. Phenotypic methods to assess BZD resistance included in vivo tests, such as the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), and in vitro tests, such as the egg hatch assay (EHA). Additionally, genotypification of polymorphisms associated with BZD resistance by sequencing a fragment of the isotype 1 ß-tubulin gene was carried out. The initial, BZD-resistant population (initial Balcarce population) exhibited an egg count reduction (ECR) of 59.3%. Following refugium replacement, the final population (final Balcarce population) exhibited an ECR of 95.2%. For the initial Balcarce population, the median effective dose (ED50) for the EHA was 0.607 µg thiabendazole (TBZ)/mL, with a rate of eclosion at a discriminating dose (EDD) of 0.1 µg TBZ/mL of 76.73%. For the final Balcarce population, ED50 was 0.02 µg TBZ/mL, and EDD was 1.97%. In the initial population, 93% of the analyzed individuals exhibited genotypic combinations associated with BZD resistance (53% Phe/Phe167-Tyr/Tyr200, 37% Phe/Tyr167-Phe/Tyr200, and 3% Phe/Tyr167-Glu/Leu198). Conversely, no combination associated with resistance was found in individuals from the final population. All of the tests were useful for detecting AR to BZDs. The results from the genetic and phenotypical studies were consistent, and the resulting information greatly aided in interpreting the outcomes of the population replacement and the potential impact of this strategy on management of AR.

The complete genomic sequence of an in vivo low replicating BLV strain.

DNA was extracted from lamb lymphocytes that were infected in vivo with a BLV strain after inoculation with the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a persistently sero-indeterminate, low viral load, BLV-infected Holstein cow (No. 41) from Argentina. The DNA was PCR amplified with a series of overlapping primers encompassing the entire BLV proviral DNA. The amplified BLV ARG 41 DNA was cloned, sequenced, and compared phylogenetically to other BLV sequences including an in vivo high replicating strain (BLV ARG 38) from the same herd in Argentina. Characterization of BLV ARG 41's deduced proteins and its relationship to other members of the PTLV/BLV genus of retroviruses are discussed.

Determination of proviral load in bovine leukemia virus-infected cattle with and without lymphocytosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine proviral load in bovine leukemia virus (BLV)-infected cattle with and without persistent lymphocytosis to assess the potential of transmitting the virus. ANIMALS: Cattle in 6 dairy herds. PROCEDURES: Blood samples from infected cows were evaluated 3 times at 6-month intervals for determination of proviral load via PCR assay, serologic results via ELISA, and hematologic status via differential cell counts. RESULTS: Infected cattle were classified into lymphocytotic and nonlymphocytotic groups. Lymphocytotic cattle consistently had > 100,000 copies of integrated provirus/mug of DNA (ie, high proviral load) in peripheral blood leukocytes. Titers of antibodies against BLVgp51 and BLVp24 indicated a strong immune response. Nonlymphocytotic cattle comprised 2 subgroups: a group with high proviral load and strong immune response, and a group with a weaker immune response, mostly against BLVp24, and a proviral load of < 100 copies/microg of DNA (ie, low proviral load). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results emphasized the importance of characterizing nonlymphocytotic BLV-infected cattle during eradication programs. The risk of transmitting BLV infection from nonlymphocytotic cattle may differ depending on the proviral load. Nonlymphocytotic cattle with high proviral load could be efficient transmitters (as efficient as lymphocytotic cattle), whereas nonlymphocytotic cattle with low proviral load could be inefficient transmitters under standard husbandry conditions. Because most cattle with low proviral load do not develop anti-BLVp24 antibodies, it appears that lack of an anti-BLVp24 antibody response may be a good marker of this condition.

Molecular analysis of a fragment of bovine leukemia virus env gene by Nested-PCR in dairy cows from Pasto, Nariño / Análisis molecular de un fragmento del gen env del virus de leucosis bovina, por PCR anidada en vacas lecheras de Pasto, Nariño / Análise molecular pela reação em cadeia da polimerase de um fragmento do gene env do vírus de leucose bovina aninhada em vacas leiteiras de Pasto, Nariño

Abstract: Introduction: Routine diagnosis for bovine leukemia is performed using indirect serologic tests, although it is recommended to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows a reliable diagnosis in early stages and in young animals. Moreover, by amplifying the DNA, it is possible to sequence fragments of the virus, which allows to identify genotypes and to construct phylogenetic trees. Objective: To analyze a fragment of the env gene of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) isolated from indirect ELISA-positive animals in dairy farms in the municipality of Pasto (Nariño). Materials and methods: Once the presence of BLV was established in 48 animals over two years old in seven dairy farms in the municipality of Pasto by indirect ELISA test, a nested PCR test was performed to confirm diagnosis and to sequence a fragment of the env gene in positive animals and their daughters. The sequences obtained were compared with the seven genotypes described worldwide by MEGA 6 program. Results: The sequences of the compared fragments do not differ from those described; but they allow their grouping into different clusters according to their similarity. The genotypes found in these farms correspond to genotype 1 and 2 described in the literature. Conclusions: Only one genotype was found on farms with proper recovery and adequate biosecurity measures, and on farms with less control in management and recovery practices, both genotypes described for the region were evident.

Resumen: Introducción: El diagnóstico de rutina para la leucosis bovina se realiza con pruebas serológicas indirectas, aunque se recomienda usar la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), que permite un diagnóstico confiable en fases iniciales y en animales jóvenes. Además, mediante la amplificación del ADN se pueden secuenciar fragmentos del virus, que permite identificar los genotipos presentes y construir árboles filogenéticos. Objetivo: Analizar un fragmento del gen env del virus de leucosis bovina (VLB) aislado de animales positivos a ELISA indirecta en fincas lecheras del municipio de Pasto, Nariño. Materiales y métodos: Una vez establecida la presencia del VLB en 48 animales mayores de dos años en siete fincas lecheras del municipio de Pasto mediante la prueba de ELISA indirecta, se realizó una prueba de PCR anidada para confirmar el diagnóstico y secuenciar un fragmento del gen env en los animales positivos y sus hijas. Las secuencias obtenidas se compararon con los siete genotipos descritos en el mundo mediante el programa MEGA 6. Resultados: Las secuencias de los fragmentos comparados no difieren de las descritas; pero permiten su agrupación en diferentes clústeres de acuerdo con su similitud. Los genotipos encontrados en estas fincas corresponden al genotipo 1 y 2 descritos en la literatura. Conclusiones: En las fincas con reposición propia y adecuadas medidas de bioseguridad solo se encontró un genotipo y en las fincas con menor control en las prácticas de manejo y de reposición se encontraron los dos genotipos descritos para la región.

Resumo: Introdução: O diagnóstico de rotina para a leucose bovina se realiza com provas serológicas indiretas, mesmo que se recomenda usar a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), que permite um diagnóstico confiável em fases iniciais e em animais jovens. Além do mais, mediante a amplificação do ADN se podem sequenciar fragmentos do vírus, que permite identificar os genótipos presentes e construir árvores filogenéticas. Objetivo: Analisar um fragmento do gene env do vírus de leucose bovina (VLB) isolado de animais positivos a ELISA indireta em fazendas leiteiras do município de Pasto, Nariño. Materiais e métodos: Uma vez estabelecida a presença do VLB em 48 animais maiores de dois anos em sete fazendas leiteiras do município de Pasto mediante a prova de ELISA indireta, se realizou uma prova de PCR aninhada para confirmar o diagnóstico e sequenciar um fragmento do gene env nos animais positivos e suas filhas. As sequências obtidas foram compararam com os sete genótipos descritos no mundo mediante o programa MEGA 6. Resultados: As sequências dos fragmentos comparados não diferem das descritas; mas permitem a sua agrupação em diferentes clusters de acordo com sua similitude. Os genótipos encontrados nestas fazendas correspondem ao genótipo 1 e 2 descritos na literatura. Conclusões: Nas fazendas com reposição própria e adequadas medidas de biossegurança somente se encontrou um genótipo e nas fazendas com menos controle nas práticas de manejo e de reposição se encontraram os dois genótipos descritos para a região.

Host soluble factors that regulate the synthesis of the major core protein of the bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in a naturally infected neoplastic B-cell line.

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a B-cell tropic Deltaretrovirus that induces a lifelong infection and causes a fatal lymphosarcoma in less than 10% of the infected cattle. BLV is usually present in its host in a transcriptional repressed state but becomes de-repressed a few hours after the infected lymphocytes are cultured in vitro. In the present study we have examined the effect of soluble host factors and various substances on the synthesis of the major BLV protein (p24) in a permanent culture (cell line NBC-10) of neoplastic B-lymphocytes derived from BLV-infected cattle. Certain batches of fetal calf serum (FCS) and bovine platelet lysates (PLy) induced a rapid and drastic increase of the synthesis of BLVp24 in the NBC-10 cells. Neutralization experiments with specific antibodies demonstrated that the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was responsible for the stimulatory activity of FCS and PLy on the synthesis of BLVp24 in the NBC-10 cells. Recombinant TGF-beta also stimulated the synthesis of BLVp24 in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from BLV-infected cattle. Mitogens, phorbol-myristate-acetate and prostaglandin E(2), previously shown to stimulate the expression of BLV in cultures of PBMC, did not induce the synthesis of BLVp24 in cultures of NBC-10 cells. Plasma, serum and milk from BLV-negative cattle inhibited the synthesis of BLVp24 induced by FCS, PLy or TGF-beta in the NBC-10 cells. The blocking activity was found in the whey and the beta-casein fractions of bovine milk. The relevance of these findings with regard to the previously reported plasma factor (PBB) with blocking activity on the expression of BLV in short-term PBMC cultures is discussed. Based on the information obtained in the present study we have standardized a reproducible and rapid assay system for the identification of factors that regulate the synthesis of BLVp24 in naturally infected neoplastic B cells.