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Olli Vapalahti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Development and validation of nucleic acid tests to diagnose Aleutian mink Disease virus
Journal of virological methods, 2019Co-Authors: J. Virtanen, Olli Vapalahti, Kirsi Aaltonen, Tarja SironenAbstract:Aleutian Disease (AD), caused by Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV), causes significant welfare problems to mink, and financial losses to the farmers. As there is no vaccine or treatment available, reliable diagnostics is important for Disease control. Here, we set up a probe-based real-time PCR (NS1-probe-PCR) to detect all strains of AMDV. PCR was validated and compared to two other real-time PCR methods (pan-AMDV- and pan-AMDO-PCR) currently used for AMDV diagnostics in Finland. The NS1-probe-PCR had a similar detection limit of 20 copies/reaction based on plasmid dilution series, and similar or better diagnostic sensitivity, when evaluated using spleen samples from mink, and stool samples from mink and foxes. None of the three PCR tests cross-reacted with other parvoviruses. The NS1-probe-PCR also showed a significantly higher specificity than the pan-AMDO-PCR with spleen samples and the best specificity with stool samples. Furthermore, it produced the results more rapidly than the other two PCRs making it a promising tool for both diagnostic and research purposes.
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Co-circulation of highly diverse Aleutian mink Disease virus strains in Finland
The Journal of general virology, 2018Co-Authors: J. Virtanen, Anna Knuuttila, Olli Vapalahti, Kirsi Aaltonen, Teemu Smura, Anna-maria Moisander-jylhä, Tarja SironenAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the causative agent of Aleutian Disease (AD), which affects mink of all genotypes and also infects other mustelids such as ferrets, martens and badgers. Previous studies have investigated diversity in Finnish AMDV strains, but these studies have been restricted to small parts of the virus genome, and mostly from newly infected farms and free-ranging mustelids. Here, we investigated the diversity and evolution of Finnish AMDV strains by sequencing the complete coding sequences of 31 strains from mink originating from farms differing in their virus history, as well as from free-ranging mink. The data set was supplemented with partial genomes obtained from 26 strains. The sequences demonstrate that the Finnish AMDV strains have considerable diversity, and that the virus has been introduced to Finland in multiple events. Frequent recombination events were observed, as well as variation in the evolutionary rate in different parts of the genome and between different branches of the phylogenetic tree. Mink in the wild carry viruses with high intra-host diversity and are occasionally even co-infected by two different strains, suggesting that free-ranging mink tolerate chronic infections for extended periods of time. These findings highlight the need for further sampling to understand the mechanisms playing a role in the evolution and pathogenesis of AMDV.
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Molecular epidemiology of Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) in Estonia, and a global phylogeny of AMDV.
Virus research, 2015Co-Authors: Aivi Leimann, Anna Knuuttila, Olli Vapalahti, Tiit Maran, Urmas SaarmaAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) causes a severe Disease called Aleutian Disease (AD). AMDV infects primarily mustelids, but also other mammal species. Recent evidence suggests that AMDV may also affect humans. To examine AMDV in different wild animals and in farmed mink in Estonia, we collected 203 blood samples from eight mammal species in 2007-2010, of which 152 were from species living in the wild (American mink, European mink, pine marten, polecat, raccoon dog, badger, otter, and stone marten) and 51 were from farmed mink. AMDV was tested by PCR amplification of NS1 and VP2 gene fragments, and was only detected in 4 free-ranging (14.8%) and 11 farmed (21.6%) American mink. No other species was positive for AMDV. In addition, the VP2 gene fragment was sequenced for 14 farmed mink isolates from Finland for which NS1 sequences were already publicly available. None of the four Estonian AMDV isolates found in free-ranging mink had identical sequences with farmed mink. In fact, isolates from free-ranging and farmed mink belonged to different clades, suggesting that the analyzed virus isolates circulating in nature are not from escapees of current farms. Two global phylogenies were built: one based on NS1 (336 bp, 151 taxa from nine countries); the other based on a combined NS1-VP2 dataset (871 bp, 40 taxa from six countries). AMDV genotypes did not cluster according to their geographic origin, suggesting that transport of farm mink from multiple source farms has been intense. Nevertheless, one subclade in both phylogenies was comprised solely of isolates from farmed mink, while several subclades comprised isolates only from free-ranging mink, indicating that some isolates may circulate more in the wild and others among farm animals.
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validation of an automated elisa system for detection of antibodies to Aleutian mink Disease virus using blood samples collected in filter paper strips
Virology Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Anna Knuuttila, Pirjo Aronen, Majvor Eerola, Ian A Gardner, Annamaija Virtala, Olli VapalahtiAbstract:Background Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the cause of a chronic immune complex Disease, Aleutian Disease (AD), which is common in mink-producing countries. In 2005, implementation of an AMDV eradication programme in Finland created a need for an automated high-throughput assay. The aim of this study was to validate an AMDV-VP2 -recombinant antigen ELISA, which we developed earlier, in an automated assay format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and to determine the accuracy of this test compared with the reference standard (counter-current immunoelectrophoresis, CIEP).
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Validation of an automated ELISA system for detection of antibodies to Aleutian mink Disease virus using blood samples collected in filter paper strips
Virology Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Anna Knuuttila, Pirjo Aronen, Majvor Eerola, Ian A Gardner, Annamaija Virtala, Olli VapalahtiAbstract:Background Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the cause of a chronic immune complex Disease, Aleutian Disease (AD), which is common in mink-producing countries. In 2005, implementation of an AMDV eradication programme in Finland created a need for an automated high-throughput assay. The aim of this study was to validate an AMDV-VP2 -recombinant antigen ELISA, which we developed earlier, in an automated assay format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and to determine the accuracy of this test compared with the reference standard (counter-current immunoelectrophoresis, CIEP). Methods A blood sampling method based on filter paper 12-strips (blood combs) and a device to introduce these strips to an ELISA plate for elution of the samples were developed. Blood and serum samples were collected from 761 mink from two farms with low (2%) and high (81%) seroprevalences of AMDV infection in 2008. ELISA sensitivity and specificity were estimated with a Bayesian 2-test 2-population model that allowed for conditional dependence between CIEP and ELISA. Agreement between the two tests was assessed with kappa statistic and proportion agreement. Results The sensitivity and specificity of the automated ELISA system were estimated to be 96.2% and 98.4%, respectively. Agreement between CIEP and ELISA was high, with a kappa value of 0.976 and overall proportion agreement of 98.8%. Conclusions The automated ELISA system combined with blood comb sampling is an accurate test format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and offers several advantages, including improved blood sampling and data handling, fast sample throughput time, and reductions in costs and labour inputs.
Marshall E Bloom - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Capsid Proteins of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus Activate Caspases and Are Specifically Cleaved during Infection
Journal of virology, 2009Co-Authors: Fang Cheng, Marshall E Bloom, Sonja M. Best, Aaron Yun Chen, David J. Pintel, Jianming QiuAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is currently the only known member of the genus Amdovirus in the family Parvoviridae. It is the etiological agent of Aleutian Disease of mink. We have previously shown that a small protein with a molecular mass of approximately 26 kDa was present during AMDV infection and following transfection of capsid expression constructs (J. Qiu, F. Cheng, L. R. Burger, and D. Pintel, J. Virol. 80:654-662, 2006). In this study, we report that the capsid proteins were specifically cleaved at aspartic acid residue 420 (D420) during virus infection, resulting in the previously observed cleavage product. Mutation of a single amino acid residue at D420 abolished the specific cleavage. Expression of the capsid proteins alone in Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells reproduced the cleavage of the capsid proteins in virus infection. More importantly, capsid protein expression alone induced active caspases, of which caspase-10 was the most active. Active caspases, in turn, cleaved capsid proteins in vivo. Our results also showed that active caspase-7 specifically cleaved capsid proteins at D420 in vitro. These results suggest that viral capsid proteins alone induce caspase activation, resulting in cleavage of capsid proteins. We also provide evidence that AMDV mutants resistant to caspase-mediated capsid cleavage increased virus production approximately 3- to 5-fold in CrFK cells compared to that produced from the parent virus AMDV-G at 37°C but not at 31.8°C. Collectively, our results indicate that caspase activity plays multiple roles in AMDV infection and that cleavage of the capsid proteins might have a role in regulating persistent infection of AMDV.
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effect of a valine residue at codon 352 of the vp2 capsid protein on in vivo replication and pathogenesis of Aleutian Disease parvovirus in mink
American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2001Co-Authors: M Mccrackin A Stevenson, James M Fox, James B Wolfinbarger, Marshall E BloomAbstract:Objective—To determine whether a group of 3 genetic differences in the nonstructural protein (NS1) or 1 genetic difference in the structural protein (VP2) of Aleutian Disease parvovirus (ADV) is responsible for an increase in the in vivo replication and pathogenicity of G/U-8, a chimera of ADV-G (nonpathogenic) and ADVUtah (pathogenic), compared with G/U-10. Animals—32 eight-month-old female sapphire mink (Mustela vison). Procedure—Chimeric viruses were constructed, propagated in vitro, and used to inoculate mink. Antiviral antibody responses, presence of serum viral nucleic acid, and serum gamma globulin concentrations were monitored for 120 days following inoculation. Histologic examination of the liver, kidneys, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes was performed after necropsy. Results—A chimera containing only the 3 amino acid substitutions in NS1 did not elicit measurable responses indicative of replication or pathogenicity in inoculated mink. Serum antiviral antibody responses, frequency of detection ...
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parvovirus infections in wild carnivores
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2001Co-Authors: A Steinel, Marshall E Bloom, Colin R Parrish, U TruyenAbstract:Various parvoviruses infect carnivores and can cause Disease. In this review article the knowledge about infections of free-ranging or captive carnivores with the feline parvoviruses, feline panleukopenia virus, and canine parvovirus, including the antigenic types CPV-2a and -2b, as well as Aleutian Disease of mink virus and minute virus of canines are summarized. Particular emphasis is placed on description of the evolution of canine parvovirus which apparently involved wild carnivore hosts.
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Aleutian mink Disease parvovirus in wild riparian carnivores in Spain.
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2001Co-Authors: Sisco Mañas, James B Wolfinbarger, Juan Carlos Ceña, Mariano Domingo, Marshall E BloomAbstract:Serious declines in populations of native European mink (Mustela lutreola) have occurred in Europe. One responsible factor may be infectious Diseases introduced by exotic American mink (Mustela vison). In order to investigate a possible role for Aleutian mink Disease parvovirus (ADV), we surveyed native riparian carnivores and feral American mink. When serum samples from 12 free-ranging European and 16 feral American mink were tested, antibodies to ADV were detected from three of nine European mink. ADV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in whole cell DNA from four of seven carcasses; two American mink, one European mink and a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). Lesions typical of Aleutian Disease were present in one of the American mink. A portion of the ADV VP2 capsid gene was sequenced and the results suggested that two sequence types of ADV were circulating in Spain, and that the Spanish ADVs differed from other described isolates from North America and Europe. Future conservation and restoration efforts should include measures to avoid introduction or spread of ADV infection to native animals.
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replication of Aleutian mink Disease parvovirus in vivo is influenced by residues in the vp2 protein
Journal of Virology, 1999Co-Authors: James M Fox, M Mccrackin A Stevenson, Marshall E BloomAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease parvovirus (ADV) causes both chronic and acute Diseases in mink. The chronic Disease, termed Aleutian Disease (AD), is associated with a persistent infection of adult mink and is characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, plasmacytosis, increased CD8+ lymphocytes and an immune complex disorder (10). Affected animals maintain viremia and high levels of antiviral antibodies throughout the course of Disease. Macrophages have been identified as sites of restricted virus replication, and infection of these cells is thought to lead to the immune disturbances (2, 33, 34). The acute Disease is a fulminant, fatal interstitial pneumonitis resulting from permissive ADV infection of type II alveolar cells in newborn mink. In addition, milder forms of both Diseases have been reported and inapparent infections have been recognized (3, 5, 6, 10, 24). Although host factors contribute to the outcome of ADV infections, the major determinants of Disease variability and severity are virally encoded (8, 9, 14, 37). Highly virulent isolates of ADV such as ADV-Utah and ADV-TR cause severe Disease in both newborn and adult mink of either the Aleutian or non-Aleutian genotypes, but have not been successfully propagated in cell culture (1, 4, 25, 37). In contrast, ADV-G does not replicate to detectable levels in adult mink of either genotype, but does replicate permissively in cultures of Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cells (1, 4, 14, 37). Thus, the ability of ADV to replicate either in vitro or in vivo is regulated by sequences within the viral genome. The development of full-length infectious molecular clones of ADV-G has greatly facilitated attempts to identify virally encoded host range and pathogenicity determinants (7–10). Subgenomic clones have been used to determine the ADV-Utah sequence and to construct chimeric viruses between ADV-G and ADV-Utah in an attempt to identify regions of the viral genome responsible for encoding host range and/or replication determinants (8, 9). Experiments with these chimeras map sequences governing in vitro and in vivo viral replication to the VP2 capsid gene (8, 9). Recent work has identified two chimeric ADV viruses, G/U-8 and G/U-10, that are capable of replicating both in vitro and in vivo (9). Both of these viruses contain a short segment of the ADV-Utah VP2 gene (corresponding to amino acid residues 360 to 589) substituted into the ADV-G genome. Both induce viremia, anti-ADV antibodies, and typical but mild pathological changes. This segment of VP2 is the minimal ADV-Utah VP2 region necessary to impart in vivo replication competence to ADV-G. The G/U-8 virus replicated better in vivo, inducing higher antibody titers and persistent viremia, whereas the G/U-10 virus produced only transient viremia (9). The G/U-8 virus contains an additional VP2 mutation, I352V, and a small segment of the ADV-Utah NS1 protein not present in G/U-10. The G/U-8 and G/U-10 viruses are the first molecularly cloned ADVs that can replicate both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we prepared site-directed mutants of ADV-G to determine how substitutions at defined locations in the VP2 protein affected in vivo replication. We tested each virus for the ability to replicate in vitro, and those that replicated in cell culture were injected into mink. The ability of each mutant virus to induce viremia, an antibody response, and pathology was compared to those of ADV-Utah and G/U-10.
Anna Knuuttila - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Co-circulation of highly diverse Aleutian mink Disease virus strains in Finland
The Journal of general virology, 2018Co-Authors: J. Virtanen, Anna Knuuttila, Olli Vapalahti, Kirsi Aaltonen, Teemu Smura, Anna-maria Moisander-jylhä, Tarja SironenAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the causative agent of Aleutian Disease (AD), which affects mink of all genotypes and also infects other mustelids such as ferrets, martens and badgers. Previous studies have investigated diversity in Finnish AMDV strains, but these studies have been restricted to small parts of the virus genome, and mostly from newly infected farms and free-ranging mustelids. Here, we investigated the diversity and evolution of Finnish AMDV strains by sequencing the complete coding sequences of 31 strains from mink originating from farms differing in their virus history, as well as from free-ranging mink. The data set was supplemented with partial genomes obtained from 26 strains. The sequences demonstrate that the Finnish AMDV strains have considerable diversity, and that the virus has been introduced to Finland in multiple events. Frequent recombination events were observed, as well as variation in the evolutionary rate in different parts of the genome and between different branches of the phylogenetic tree. Mink in the wild carry viruses with high intra-host diversity and are occasionally even co-infected by two different strains, suggesting that free-ranging mink tolerate chronic infections for extended periods of time. These findings highlight the need for further sampling to understand the mechanisms playing a role in the evolution and pathogenesis of AMDV.
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Molecular epidemiology of Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) in Estonia, and a global phylogeny of AMDV.
Virus research, 2015Co-Authors: Aivi Leimann, Anna Knuuttila, Olli Vapalahti, Tiit Maran, Urmas SaarmaAbstract:Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) causes a severe Disease called Aleutian Disease (AD). AMDV infects primarily mustelids, but also other mammal species. Recent evidence suggests that AMDV may also affect humans. To examine AMDV in different wild animals and in farmed mink in Estonia, we collected 203 blood samples from eight mammal species in 2007-2010, of which 152 were from species living in the wild (American mink, European mink, pine marten, polecat, raccoon dog, badger, otter, and stone marten) and 51 were from farmed mink. AMDV was tested by PCR amplification of NS1 and VP2 gene fragments, and was only detected in 4 free-ranging (14.8%) and 11 farmed (21.6%) American mink. No other species was positive for AMDV. In addition, the VP2 gene fragment was sequenced for 14 farmed mink isolates from Finland for which NS1 sequences were already publicly available. None of the four Estonian AMDV isolates found in free-ranging mink had identical sequences with farmed mink. In fact, isolates from free-ranging and farmed mink belonged to different clades, suggesting that the analyzed virus isolates circulating in nature are not from escapees of current farms. Two global phylogenies were built: one based on NS1 (336 bp, 151 taxa from nine countries); the other based on a combined NS1-VP2 dataset (871 bp, 40 taxa from six countries). AMDV genotypes did not cluster according to their geographic origin, suggesting that transport of farm mink from multiple source farms has been intense. Nevertheless, one subclade in both phylogenies was comprised solely of isolates from farmed mink, while several subclades comprised isolates only from free-ranging mink, indicating that some isolates may circulate more in the wild and others among farm animals.
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validation of an automated elisa system for detection of antibodies to Aleutian mink Disease virus using blood samples collected in filter paper strips
Virology Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Anna Knuuttila, Pirjo Aronen, Majvor Eerola, Ian A Gardner, Annamaija Virtala, Olli VapalahtiAbstract:Background Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the cause of a chronic immune complex Disease, Aleutian Disease (AD), which is common in mink-producing countries. In 2005, implementation of an AMDV eradication programme in Finland created a need for an automated high-throughput assay. The aim of this study was to validate an AMDV-VP2 -recombinant antigen ELISA, which we developed earlier, in an automated assay format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and to determine the accuracy of this test compared with the reference standard (counter-current immunoelectrophoresis, CIEP).
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Validation of an automated ELISA system for detection of antibodies to Aleutian mink Disease virus using blood samples collected in filter paper strips
Virology Journal, 2014Co-Authors: Anna Knuuttila, Pirjo Aronen, Majvor Eerola, Ian A Gardner, Annamaija Virtala, Olli VapalahtiAbstract:Background Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV) is the cause of a chronic immune complex Disease, Aleutian Disease (AD), which is common in mink-producing countries. In 2005, implementation of an AMDV eradication programme in Finland created a need for an automated high-throughput assay. The aim of this study was to validate an AMDV-VP2 -recombinant antigen ELISA, which we developed earlier, in an automated assay format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and to determine the accuracy of this test compared with the reference standard (counter-current immunoelectrophoresis, CIEP). Methods A blood sampling method based on filter paper 12-strips (blood combs) and a device to introduce these strips to an ELISA plate for elution of the samples were developed. Blood and serum samples were collected from 761 mink from two farms with low (2%) and high (81%) seroprevalences of AMDV infection in 2008. ELISA sensitivity and specificity were estimated with a Bayesian 2-test 2-population model that allowed for conditional dependence between CIEP and ELISA. Agreement between the two tests was assessed with kappa statistic and proportion agreement. Results The sensitivity and specificity of the automated ELISA system were estimated to be 96.2% and 98.4%, respectively. Agreement between CIEP and ELISA was high, with a kappa value of 0.976 and overall proportion agreement of 98.8%. Conclusions The automated ELISA system combined with blood comb sampling is an accurate test format for the detection of anti-AMDV antibodies in mink blood and offers several advantages, including improved blood sampling and data handling, fast sample throughput time, and reductions in costs and labour inputs.
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development and evaluation of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant vp2 capsids for the detection of antibodies to Aleutian mink Disease virus
Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2009Co-Authors: Anna Knuuttila, Pirjo Aronen, Auli Saarinen, Olli VapalahtiAbstract:Aleutian Disease (AD), a common infectious Disease in farmed minks worldwide, is caused by Aleutian mink Disease virus (AMDV). Serodiagnosis of AD in minks has been based on detection of AMDV antibodies by counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) since the 1980s. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) for identifying AMDV antibodies from mink sera. AMDV capsid protein (VP2) of a Finnish wild-type strain was expressed by the baculovirus system in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 insect cells and was shown to self-assemble to VLPs (with an ultrastructure similar to that of the actual virion). A direct immunoglobulin G ELISA was established using purified recombinant AMDV VP2 VLPs as an antigen. Sera from farmed minks were collected to evaluate the AMDV VP2 ELISA (n = 316) and CIE (n = 209) based on AMDV VP2 recombinant antigen in parallel with CIE performed using a commercially available traditional antigen. CIE performed with the recombinant antigen had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and ELISA a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 97%, with reference to CIE performed with the commercial antigen. The results show that the recombinant AMDV VP2 VLPs are antigenic and that AMDV VP2 ELISA is sensitive and specific and encourage further development of the method for high-throughput diagnostics, involving hundreds of thousands of samples in Finland annually.
Janet E Foley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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endemic skunk amdoparvovirus in free ranging striped skunks mephitis mephitis in california
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Elle Glueckert, Deana L Clifford, Maris Brennwhite, Jennine Ochoa, Mourad W Gabriel, Greta M Wengert, Janet E FoleyAbstract:The genus Amdoparvovirus includes the newly discovered skunk amdoparvovirus and the well-characterized Aleutian Disease virus which causes significant health impacts in farmed mink worldwide. In 2010-2013, an outbreak of fatal amdoparvovirus-associated Disease was documented in free-ranging striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from the San Francisco Bay Area of California. To characterize the geographic distribution, earliest occurrence and abundance of this virus, as well as possible impacts on sympatric mustelids of conservation concern, we tested blood samples from skunks throughout California and fishers (Pekania pennanti) from northern California for amdoparvovirus DNA. Amdoparvovirus DNA was detected in 64.8% of sampled skunks (140/216), and test-positive skunks were distributed widely throughout the state, from as far north as Humboldt County and south to San Diego County. The first test-positive skunks were detected from 2004, prior to the 2010-2013 outbreak. No significant spatial or temporal clustering of infection was detected. Although healthy and clinically ill animals tested positive for amdoparvovirus DNA, histopathologic evaluation of a subset from clinically ill skunks indicated that positive PCR results were associated with pneumonia as well as there being more than one inflammatory type lesion. None of 38 fishers were PCR-positive. Given the widespread geographic distribution and lack of a clear epizootic centre, our results suggest the presence of an endemic skunk-associated amdoparvovirus strain or species. However, if the virus is not host-specific, skunks' ubiquitous presence across rural and urban habitats may pose a risk to susceptible domestic and wild species including mustelids of conservation concern such as fishers and Pacific martens (Martes caurina).
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Aleutian Disease VIRUS-LIKE VIRUS ( AMDOPARVOVIRUS SP.) INFECTING FREE-RANGING STRIPED SKUNKS ( MEPHITIS MEPHITIS) IN THE MIDWESTERN USA.
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Federico Giannitti, Mohammadreza Sadeghi, Marc Schwabenlander, Janet E FoleyAbstract:ABSTRACT: Aleutian Disease virus (ADV) and closely related (ADV-like) viruses are Parvoviridae members (genus Amdoparvovirus) that primarily infect farmed mustelids and have been detected in humans and free-ranging Carnivora from North America. We describe ADV-like/Amdoparvovirus sp. infection in four free-ranging striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) from the Midwestern US.
Tomy Joseph - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Beyond Rabies: Are Free-Ranging Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in British Columbia Reservoirs of Emerging Infection?
Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Ann P Britton, Helen Schwantje, Tony Redford, J. J. Bidulka, Andrea P. Scouras, Ken R. Sojonky, E. Zabek, Tomy JosephAbstract:Wild animal reservoirs are an important source of emerging and zoonotic infection. Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are a reservoir of skunk strain rabies virus in Canada, with the exception of some areas including the province of British Columbia (BC). Beyond rabies, the reservoir status of skunks for emerging and zoonotic pathogens in BC is unknown. From March 2011 to February 2015, 50 free-ranging skunks were necropsied and tested for 4 pathogens: influenza A, Aleutian Disease virus (ADV), Leptospira spp. and Salmonella spp. Two skunks (4%) with respiratory Disease caused by influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 were detected during the human flu season suggesting that skunks may represent a target population for reverse zoonosis of this strain of influenza A virus. High prevalence of ADV infection was detected (43/50, 86%). Two of the infected skunks exhibited Aleutian Disease (AD) suggesting that skunks act as both a reservoir and a target population for the virus. Most studies of ADV have focused on the potential for infection of free-ranging species living near mink farms. Our study suggests that urban skunks may be a primary host for the virus independent of domestic mink. Whether skunks act as a reservoir of ADV infection for other peridomestic species will depend on host specificity of the viral strains. Leptospira interrogans was detected in 18% (9/49) of the skunks. Identification of the serovar(s) detected is needed to determine any public health risk of leptospirosis following exposure to infected skunks. Salmonella spp. was isolated from three of 43 skunks (7%), specifically S. Typhimurium, S. Muenchen and S. Enteritidis. These serotypes cause Disease in humans, but the low prevalence of infection suggests there is a low risk for zoonotic transmission.