The Experts below are selected from a list of 1611 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Christian Gortazar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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mitochondrial phylogeography of the European Wild Boar the effect of climate on genetic diversity and spatial lineage sorting across europe
Journal of Biogeography, 2014Co-Authors: Sibelle T Vilaca, Daniela Biosa, Frank E Zachos, Laura Iacolina, Julia Kirschning, Paulo C Alves, Ladislav Paule, Christian GortazarAbstract:Aim Climate changes in the past had a deep impact on the evolutionary history of many species and left genetic signatures that are often still detectable today. We investigated the geographical pattern of mitochondrial DNA diversity in the European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Our final aims were to clarify the influence of present and past climatic conditions, infer the geographical position of glacial refugia, and suggest post-glacial spatial dynamics. Location Europe. Methods D-loop sequences were obtained for 763 individuals from Portugal to western Russia. Phylogenetic, multivariate and interpolation methods were used to describe the genetic and geographical patterns. Climatic suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was predicted using MaxEnt. The effect of present and past suitability on the observed patterns of diversity was evaluated by multiple linear regression. Results We confirmed the existence of a ubiquitous mitochondrial clade in Europe (E1), an endemic clade in Italy (E2) and a few East Asian haplotypes (A), presumably introgressed from domestic pigs. No Near Eastern haplotypes were detected. Genetic divergence was not simply related to geographical distance. A clear south–north decreasing gradient of diversity was observed, with maximum levels in putative glacial refugia. Latitudinal variation in climatic conditions during the LGM was shown to be a good predictor of current genetic diversity. Moreover, an unexpected similarity between Iberia and eastern Europe was observed, while central European populations showed a higher affinity to the Italian gene pool. Main conclusions The current distribution of mitochondrial genetic diversity was highly influenced by past climatic events, especially those related to the LGM, and is consistent with a major contribution of the Italian peninsula and the Balkans to the post-glacial recolonization of northern areas. More recent processes, such as restocking and extensive hunting, probably acted at rather local scales, without great impact on the global pattern of mitochondrial diversity.
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of the European Wild Boar the effect of climate on genetic diversity and spatial lineage sorting across europe
2014Co-Authors: Daniela Biosa, Christian Gortazar, Frank E Zachos, Laura Iacolina, Julia Kirschning, Paulo C Alves, Ladislav Paule, Tomasz Borowik, Vadim E Sidorovich, Stefano CostaAbstract:Aim Climate changes in the past had a deep impact on the evolutionary history of many species and left genetic signatures that are often still detectable today. We investigated the geographical pattern of mitochondrial DNA diversity in the European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa). Our final aims were to clarify the influence of present and past climatic conditions, infer the geographical position of glacial refugia, and suggest post-glacial spatial dynamics.
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Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from Wild ungulates in south-central Spain
Veterinary Research, 2010Co-Authors: Christian Gortazar, Joaquin Vicente, Ramon A Juste, Pelayo Acevedo, Sofía Samper, Joseba M. Garrido, Isabel G. Fernández-de-mera, Patricia Gavín, Carlos Martín, Manuel De La PuenteAbstract:The role of European Wild ungulates in the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) is still under discussion. This study describes the geographical distribution and molecular typing of 77 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates belonging either to M. bovis or to M. caprae, cultivated from hunter harvested red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in 24 Spanish localities, and compares them with spoligotypes detected previously in humans, livestock or Wild animals, as described in the literature. The distribution of the molecular type patterns suggests that the population of M. tuberculosis complex strains isolated from Spanish Wild ungulates is spatially structured despite the lack of important geographical barriers and despite the increasingly frequent Wildlife translocations. Red deer and the European Wild Boar can share the same molecular types in localities in which the M. tuberculosis complex was isolated from both species. Strains of bovine and caprine origin do circulate in the same local Wildlife populations. Six out of 11 spoligotypes were similar to types described in human cases. The isolation of TB strains in fenced estates from Wild animals that have not had contact with domestic livestock for at least the past two decades, strongly suggests that the M. tuberculosis complex is able to survive in these populations. Therefore, Wildlife including cervids and the Wild Boar need to be considered in the epidemiology and control of tuberculosis. epidemiology / reservoir / typing / tuberculosis / Wildlife
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evaluation of baits for oral vaccination of European Wild Boar piglets
Research in Veterinary Science, 2009Co-Authors: Cristina Ballesteros, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Joaquin Vicente, Mario Canales, Angelo Lasagna, Jose A Gamarra, Ricardo CarrascogarciaAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate new baits for the oral delivery of vaccine preparations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets. Baits were prepared using a matrix composed of Wild Boar feed, wheat flour, paraffin, sacarose and cinnamon-truffle powder attractant with polyethylene capsules dipped into the matrix to introduce vaccine formulation. Physical stability studies demonstrated that baits were stable for at least three days at temperatures as high as 42 °C. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing the membrane-displayed BM95-MSP1a fusion protein were used to test bacterial viability in the baits and the antibody response in orally immunized Wild Boar. The E. coli viability was not significantly affected after bait incubation at 25 and 37 °C for 96 h. Bait acceptance studies using artificial feeders in the field showed that baits were accepted by 2–3 month-old animals, the preferred age for vaccination. Orally immunized Wild Boar piglets excreted recombinant E. coli in the feces and developed antibody titers to recombinant BM95-MSP1a protein, thus confirming that vaccine composition was released and reached the Wild Boar gastrointestinal track. The results of these experiments support the use of these baits for oral delivery of vaccine formulations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets.
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gene expression profiles of European Wild Boar naturally infected with mycobacterium bovis
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2009Co-Authors: Ruth C Galindo, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Patricia Ayoubi, Victoria Naranjo, Katherine M KocanAbstract:Abstract Global gene expression profiles were analyzed in European Wild Boar naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis. Spleen RNA was extracted from 23 M. bovis-infected and 17 uninfected animals and analyzed using a Pigoligoarray representing 20,400 genes. Differentially expressed sequences (N = 161) were identified affecting cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell communication and signal transduction, cell growth and/or maintenance, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, DNA repair, immune response, metabolism and energy pathways, protein metabolism, regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of gene expression, regulation of nucleic acid metabolism, regulation of physiological processes, and transport. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of mRNA levels was used to corroborate microarray results of selected genes. Immune response genes were among the most represented differentially expressed sequences and were selected for further discussion. Beta-defensin 129, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 and B-cell receptor-associated protein 29 were overexpressed in infected animals. Lower expression levels of the immune response genes galectin-1, complement component C1qB and certain HLA class I and class II histocompatibility antigens and immunoglobulin chains were found in infected animals. This study identified new mechanisms by which naturally infected European Wild Boar respond to M. bovis infection and how the pathogen circumvents host immune responses to establish infection. Gene expression studies in naturally infected Wildlife reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis are important for functional genomics and vaccine studies to aid in disease control in Wildlife.
Sandra Blome - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The African swine fever virus isolate Belgium 2018/1 shows high virulence in European Wild Boar.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Marieeve Schoder, Julia Sehl, Angele Breithaupt, Marylene Tignon, Anna Maria Gager, Melina Fischer, Martin Beer, Sandra BlomeAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and complex viral diseases in domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Over the last decade, the disease has spread to several European and Asian countries and is now one of the major threats to profitable pig production world‐wide. One of the more recently affected western countries is Belgium. To date, only Wild Boar are affected in a rather defined area in the Luxembourg region close to France, Luxembourg, and Germany. While detailed sequence analyses were recently performed, biological characterization was still pending. Here, we report on the experimental inoculation of four sub‐adult Wild Boar to further characterize the virus and its distribution in different tissues. After oronasal inoculation with the virus strain “Belgium 2018/1”, all animals developed an acute and severe disease course with typical pathomorphological and histopathological lesions. Organs and blood samples were positive in qPCR, haemadsorption test and antigen lateral flow devices (LFD). Virus and viral genome were also detected in genitals and accessory sex glands of two Boars. There were no antibodies detectable in commercial antibody ELISAs, antibody LFDs, and indirect immunoperoxidase tests. Thus, the genotype II ASF virus isolate “Belgium 2018/1” showed a highly virulent phenotype in European Wild Boar similar to parental viruses like Armenia 2007 and other previously characterized ASFV strains. The study also provided a large set of well characterized sample materials for test validation and assay harmonization.
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the african swine fever virus isolate belgium 2018 1 shows high virulence in European Wild Boar
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Marieeve Schoder, Julia Sehl, Angele Breithaupt, Marylene Tignon, Anna Maria Gager, Melina Fischer, Martin Beer, Sandra BlomeAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and complex viral diseases in domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Over the last decade, the disease has spread to several European and Asian countries and is now one of the major threats to profitable pig production world‐wide. One of the more recently affected western countries is Belgium. To date, only Wild Boar are affected in a rather defined area in the Luxembourg region close to France, Luxembourg, and Germany. While detailed sequence analyses were recently performed, biological characterization was still pending. Here, we report on the experimental inoculation of four sub‐adult Wild Boar to further characterize the virus and its distribution in different tissues. After oronasal inoculation with the virus strain “Belgium 2018/1”, all animals developed an acute and severe disease course with typical pathomorphological and histopathological lesions. Organs and blood samples were positive in qPCR, haemadsorption test and antigen lateral flow devices (LFD). Virus and viral genome were also detected in genitals and accessory sex glands of two Boars. There were no antibodies detectable in commercial antibody ELISAs, antibody LFDs, and indirect immunoperoxidase tests. Thus, the genotype II ASF virus isolate “Belgium 2018/1” showed a highly virulent phenotype in European Wild Boar similar to parental viruses like Armenia 2007 and other previously characterized ASFV strains. The study also provided a large set of well characterized sample materials for test validation and assay harmonization.
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pathogenesis of african swine fever in domestic pigs and European Wild Boar lessons learned from recent animal trials
Virus Research, 2019Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Martin Beer, Laura Zani, Jane Huhr, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Over the last decade, African swine fever (ASF) has changed from an exotic disease of Sub-Saharan Africa to a considerable and serious threat to pig industry in Central Europe and Asia. With the introduction of genotype II strains into the European Union in 2014, the disease has apparently found a fertile breeding ground in the abundant Wild Boar population. Upon infection with highly virulent ASF virus (ASFV), a haemorrhagic fever like illness with high lethality is seen in naive domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Despite intensive research, virulence factors, host-virus interactions and pathogenesis are still far from being understood, and neither vaccines nor treatment exist. However, to better understand the disease, and to work towards a safe and efficacious vaccine, this information is needed. The presented review targets the knowledge gained over the last five years with regard to ASF pathogenesis in the broader sense but with a focus on the pandemic genotype II strains. In this way, it is designed as an update and supplement to existing review articles on the same topic.
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biological characterization of african swine fever virus genotype ii strains from north eastern estonia in European Wild Boar
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Imbi Nurmoja, Martin Beer, Anja Petrov, Christiane Breidenstein, Laura Zani, Jan Hendrik Forth, Maarja Kristian, Arvo Viltrop, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Due to its impact on animal health and pig industry, African swine fever (ASF) is regarded as one of the most important viral diseases of pigs. Following the ongoing epidemic in the Transcaucasian countries and the Russian Federation, African swine fever virus was introduced into the Estonian Wild Boar population in 2014. Epidemiological investigations suggested two different introductions into the southern and the north-eastern part of Estonia. Interestingly, outbreak characteristics varied considerably between the affected regions. While high mortality and mainly virus-positive animals were observed in the southern region, mortality was low in the north-eastern area. In the latter, clinically healthy, antibody-positive animals were found in the hunting bag and detection of virus was rare. Two hypotheses could explain the different behaviour in the north-east: (i) the frequency of antibody detections combined with the low mortality is the tail of an older, so far undetected epidemic wave coming from the east, or (ii) the virus in this region is attenuated and leads to a less severe clinical outcome. To explore the possibility of virus attenuation, a re-isolated ASFV strain from the north-eastern Ida-Viru region was biologically characterized in European Wild Boar. Oronasal inoculation led to an acute and severe disease course in all animals with typical pathomorphological lesions. However, one animal recovered completely and was subsequently commingled with three sentinels of the same age class to assess disease transmission. By the end of the trial at 96 days post-initial inoculation, all animals were completely healthy and neither virus nor viral genomes were detected in the sentinels or the survivor. The survivor, however, showed high antibody levels. In conclusion, the ASFV strain from north-eastern Estonia was still highly virulent but nevertheless, one animal recovered completely. Under the experimental conditions, no transmission occurred from the survivor to susceptible sentinel pigs.
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evolution and molecular epidemiology of classical swine fever virus during a multi annual outbreak amongst European Wild Boar
Journal of General Virology, 2016Co-Authors: Katja V Goller, Christoph Staubach, Martin Beer, Sophie Rossi, Mariefrederique Le Potier, Claudia Gabriel, Mireille Le Dimna, Matthias Merboth, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Classical swine fever is a viral disease of pigs that carries tremendous socio-economic impact. In outbreak situations, genetic typing is carried out for the purpose of molecular epidemiology in both domestic pigs and Wild Boar. These analyses are usually based on harmonized partial sequences. However, for high-resolution analyses towards the understanding of genetic variability and virus evolution, full-genome sequences are more appropriate. In this study, a unique set of representative virus strains was investigated that was collected during an outbreak in French free-ranging Wild Boar in the Vosges-du-Nord mountains between 2003 and 2007. Comparative sequence and evolutionary analyses of the nearly full-length sequences showed only slow evolution of classical swine fever virus strains over the years and no impact of vaccination on mutation rates. However, substitution rates varied amongst protein genes; furthermore, a spatial and temporal pattern could be observed whereby two separate clusters were formed that coincided with physical barriers.
Martin Beer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The African swine fever virus isolate Belgium 2018/1 shows high virulence in European Wild Boar.
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Marieeve Schoder, Julia Sehl, Angele Breithaupt, Marylene Tignon, Anna Maria Gager, Melina Fischer, Martin Beer, Sandra BlomeAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and complex viral diseases in domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Over the last decade, the disease has spread to several European and Asian countries and is now one of the major threats to profitable pig production world‐wide. One of the more recently affected western countries is Belgium. To date, only Wild Boar are affected in a rather defined area in the Luxembourg region close to France, Luxembourg, and Germany. While detailed sequence analyses were recently performed, biological characterization was still pending. Here, we report on the experimental inoculation of four sub‐adult Wild Boar to further characterize the virus and its distribution in different tissues. After oronasal inoculation with the virus strain “Belgium 2018/1”, all animals developed an acute and severe disease course with typical pathomorphological and histopathological lesions. Organs and blood samples were positive in qPCR, haemadsorption test and antigen lateral flow devices (LFD). Virus and viral genome were also detected in genitals and accessory sex glands of two Boars. There were no antibodies detectable in commercial antibody ELISAs, antibody LFDs, and indirect immunoperoxidase tests. Thus, the genotype II ASF virus isolate “Belgium 2018/1” showed a highly virulent phenotype in European Wild Boar similar to parental viruses like Armenia 2007 and other previously characterized ASFV strains. The study also provided a large set of well characterized sample materials for test validation and assay harmonization.
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the african swine fever virus isolate belgium 2018 1 shows high virulence in European Wild Boar
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Marieeve Schoder, Julia Sehl, Angele Breithaupt, Marylene Tignon, Anna Maria Gager, Melina Fischer, Martin Beer, Sandra BlomeAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important and complex viral diseases in domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Over the last decade, the disease has spread to several European and Asian countries and is now one of the major threats to profitable pig production world‐wide. One of the more recently affected western countries is Belgium. To date, only Wild Boar are affected in a rather defined area in the Luxembourg region close to France, Luxembourg, and Germany. While detailed sequence analyses were recently performed, biological characterization was still pending. Here, we report on the experimental inoculation of four sub‐adult Wild Boar to further characterize the virus and its distribution in different tissues. After oronasal inoculation with the virus strain “Belgium 2018/1”, all animals developed an acute and severe disease course with typical pathomorphological and histopathological lesions. Organs and blood samples were positive in qPCR, haemadsorption test and antigen lateral flow devices (LFD). Virus and viral genome were also detected in genitals and accessory sex glands of two Boars. There were no antibodies detectable in commercial antibody ELISAs, antibody LFDs, and indirect immunoperoxidase tests. Thus, the genotype II ASF virus isolate “Belgium 2018/1” showed a highly virulent phenotype in European Wild Boar similar to parental viruses like Armenia 2007 and other previously characterized ASFV strains. The study also provided a large set of well characterized sample materials for test validation and assay harmonization.
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pathogenesis of african swine fever in domestic pigs and European Wild Boar lessons learned from recent animal trials
Virus Research, 2019Co-Authors: Jutta Pikalo, Martin Beer, Laura Zani, Jane Huhr, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Over the last decade, African swine fever (ASF) has changed from an exotic disease of Sub-Saharan Africa to a considerable and serious threat to pig industry in Central Europe and Asia. With the introduction of genotype II strains into the European Union in 2014, the disease has apparently found a fertile breeding ground in the abundant Wild Boar population. Upon infection with highly virulent ASF virus (ASFV), a haemorrhagic fever like illness with high lethality is seen in naive domestic pigs and Wild Boar. Despite intensive research, virulence factors, host-virus interactions and pathogenesis are still far from being understood, and neither vaccines nor treatment exist. However, to better understand the disease, and to work towards a safe and efficacious vaccine, this information is needed. The presented review targets the knowledge gained over the last five years with regard to ASF pathogenesis in the broader sense but with a focus on the pandemic genotype II strains. In this way, it is designed as an update and supplement to existing review articles on the same topic.
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biological characterization of african swine fever virus genotype ii strains from north eastern estonia in European Wild Boar
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Imbi Nurmoja, Martin Beer, Anja Petrov, Christiane Breidenstein, Laura Zani, Jan Hendrik Forth, Maarja Kristian, Arvo Viltrop, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Due to its impact on animal health and pig industry, African swine fever (ASF) is regarded as one of the most important viral diseases of pigs. Following the ongoing epidemic in the Transcaucasian countries and the Russian Federation, African swine fever virus was introduced into the Estonian Wild Boar population in 2014. Epidemiological investigations suggested two different introductions into the southern and the north-eastern part of Estonia. Interestingly, outbreak characteristics varied considerably between the affected regions. While high mortality and mainly virus-positive animals were observed in the southern region, mortality was low in the north-eastern area. In the latter, clinically healthy, antibody-positive animals were found in the hunting bag and detection of virus was rare. Two hypotheses could explain the different behaviour in the north-east: (i) the frequency of antibody detections combined with the low mortality is the tail of an older, so far undetected epidemic wave coming from the east, or (ii) the virus in this region is attenuated and leads to a less severe clinical outcome. To explore the possibility of virus attenuation, a re-isolated ASFV strain from the north-eastern Ida-Viru region was biologically characterized in European Wild Boar. Oronasal inoculation led to an acute and severe disease course in all animals with typical pathomorphological lesions. However, one animal recovered completely and was subsequently commingled with three sentinels of the same age class to assess disease transmission. By the end of the trial at 96 days post-initial inoculation, all animals were completely healthy and neither virus nor viral genomes were detected in the sentinels or the survivor. The survivor, however, showed high antibody levels. In conclusion, the ASFV strain from north-eastern Estonia was still highly virulent but nevertheless, one animal recovered completely. Under the experimental conditions, no transmission occurred from the survivor to susceptible sentinel pigs.
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evolution and molecular epidemiology of classical swine fever virus during a multi annual outbreak amongst European Wild Boar
Journal of General Virology, 2016Co-Authors: Katja V Goller, Christoph Staubach, Martin Beer, Sophie Rossi, Mariefrederique Le Potier, Claudia Gabriel, Mireille Le Dimna, Matthias Merboth, Sandra BlomeAbstract:Classical swine fever is a viral disease of pigs that carries tremendous socio-economic impact. In outbreak situations, genetic typing is carried out for the purpose of molecular epidemiology in both domestic pigs and Wild Boar. These analyses are usually based on harmonized partial sequences. However, for high-resolution analyses towards the understanding of genetic variability and virus evolution, full-genome sequences are more appropriate. In this study, a unique set of representative virus strains was investigated that was collected during an outbreak in French free-ranging Wild Boar in the Vosges-du-Nord mountains between 2003 and 2007. Comparative sequence and evolutionary analyses of the nearly full-length sequences showed only slow evolution of classical swine fever virus strains over the years and no impact of vaccination on mutation rates. However, substitution rates varied amongst protein genes; furthermore, a spatial and temporal pattern could be observed whereby two separate clusters were formed that coincided with physical barriers.
Jose De La Fuente - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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evaluation of baits for oral vaccination of European Wild Boar piglets
Research in Veterinary Science, 2009Co-Authors: Cristina Ballesteros, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Joaquin Vicente, Mario Canales, Angelo Lasagna, Jose A Gamarra, Ricardo CarrascogarciaAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate new baits for the oral delivery of vaccine preparations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets. Baits were prepared using a matrix composed of Wild Boar feed, wheat flour, paraffin, sacarose and cinnamon-truffle powder attractant with polyethylene capsules dipped into the matrix to introduce vaccine formulation. Physical stability studies demonstrated that baits were stable for at least three days at temperatures as high as 42 °C. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing the membrane-displayed BM95-MSP1a fusion protein were used to test bacterial viability in the baits and the antibody response in orally immunized Wild Boar. The E. coli viability was not significantly affected after bait incubation at 25 and 37 °C for 96 h. Bait acceptance studies using artificial feeders in the field showed that baits were accepted by 2–3 month-old animals, the preferred age for vaccination. Orally immunized Wild Boar piglets excreted recombinant E. coli in the feces and developed antibody titers to recombinant BM95-MSP1a protein, thus confirming that vaccine composition was released and reached the Wild Boar gastrointestinal track. The results of these experiments support the use of these baits for oral delivery of vaccine formulations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets.
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gene expression profiles of European Wild Boar naturally infected with mycobacterium bovis
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, 2009Co-Authors: Ruth C Galindo, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Patricia Ayoubi, Victoria Naranjo, Katherine M KocanAbstract:Abstract Global gene expression profiles were analyzed in European Wild Boar naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis. Spleen RNA was extracted from 23 M. bovis-infected and 17 uninfected animals and analyzed using a Pigoligoarray representing 20,400 genes. Differentially expressed sequences (N = 161) were identified affecting cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell communication and signal transduction, cell growth and/or maintenance, cytoskeleton organization and biogenesis, DNA repair, immune response, metabolism and energy pathways, protein metabolism, regulation of cell proliferation, regulation of gene expression, regulation of nucleic acid metabolism, regulation of physiological processes, and transport. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of mRNA levels was used to corroborate microarray results of selected genes. Immune response genes were among the most represented differentially expressed sequences and were selected for further discussion. Beta-defensin 129, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 and B-cell receptor-associated protein 29 were overexpressed in infected animals. Lower expression levels of the immune response genes galectin-1, complement component C1qB and certain HLA class I and class II histocompatibility antigens and immunoglobulin chains were found in infected animals. This study identified new mechanisms by which naturally infected European Wild Boar respond to M. bovis infection and how the pathogen circumvents host immune responses to establish infection. Gene expression studies in naturally infected Wildlife reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis are important for functional genomics and vaccine studies to aid in disease control in Wildlife.
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expression of immunoregulatory genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of European Wild Boar immunized with bcg
Veterinary Microbiology, 2009Co-Authors: Jose Manuel Perez De Lastra, Ruth C Galindo, Christian Gortazar, Francisco Ruizfons, Alicia Aranaz, Jose De La FuenteAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the expression of immunoregulatory genes in European Wild Boar ( Sus scrofa ) immunized with BCG. Eighteen immunoregulatory genes were selected for expression analysis based on their role in host immune response during tuberculosis and/or for their association with resistance to bovine tuberculosis in European Wild Boar populations. Initially, mRNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in spleen samples from Mycobacterium bovis -infected ( N = 18) and uninfected ( N = 22) European Wild Boar. Statistical analysis of qRT-PCR data revealed that four genes, complement component C3, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and RANTES were downregulated in infected animals ( P 15-fold increase) at 5 wpi, whereas transcripts for RANTES and IL-4 showed a peak (>2-fold increase) at 13 wpi in BCG-immunized animals when compared to non-immunized controls. The pattern of expression of these genes over the time provides the first description of BCG specific immune response in European Wild Boar. These results provide new insights into the molecular basis of Wild Boar response to M. bovis infection and BCG vaccination and may be used to monitor BCG vaccination in this species.
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development and validation of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against mycobacterium bovis in European Wild Boar
BMC Veterinary Research, 2008Co-Authors: O Aurtenetxe, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Marta Barral, Joaquin Vicente, Ramon A JusteAbstract:Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a significant problem in some parts of Spain largely because of contacts between cattle and Wildlife reservoirs in extensive grazing systems. European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the species involved in the transmission of the disease to other species. Fast and simple detection methods would be critical for assessing infection prevalence, study the mechanisms of pathogen transmission and monitoring the effects of TB control measures.
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evidence of the role of European Wild Boar as a reservoir of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Veterinary Microbiology, 2008Co-Authors: Victoria Naranjo, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Joaquin VicenteAbstract:Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is caused by Mycobacterium bovis and closely related mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. They have an extensive host range and may cause zoonotic TB. A major obstacle to bTB eradication in livestock is the implication of Wildlife in the natural cycle of the pathogen. The identification of Wildlife reservoir hosts is crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. The European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is frequently considered a spillover or dead end host rather than a true reservoir, and scientific evidence is conflicting outside Mediterranean Spain. The aim of this review is to update current scientific evidence of the Wild Boar as a TB reservoir and to underline those aspects that need further research. Evidences supporting that Wild Boar is a TB reservoir host include: (i) presence of common M. tuberculosis complex genotypes in Wild Boar, domestic and Wild animals and humans, (ii) high prevalence of M. bovis among Wild Boar in estates fenced for decades in complete absence of contact with domestic livestock, and other Wild ungulates (iii) TB lesions are frequently seen in thoracic lymph nodes and lungs, suggesting that respiratory infection and excretion may occur, and (iv) extensive tuberculous lesions in more than one anatomical region occur in a high proportion of juvenile Wild Boar that probably represents the main source of mycobacterial excretion. Hence, epidemiological, pathological and microbiological evidence strongly suggests that, at least in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems, Wild Boar are able to maintain TB infection in the Wild and are most probably able to transmit the disease to other species, acting as a true Wildlife reservoir. These results expand the list of Wildlife species that act as natural reservoirs of TB in different parts of the world and suggest the need to control the infection in Wild Boar populations for the complete eradication of the disease in Spain.
Joaquin Vicente - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates from Wild ungulates in south-central Spain
Veterinary Research, 2010Co-Authors: Christian Gortazar, Joaquin Vicente, Ramon A Juste, Pelayo Acevedo, Sofía Samper, Joseba M. Garrido, Isabel G. Fernández-de-mera, Patricia Gavín, Carlos Martín, Manuel De La PuenteAbstract:The role of European Wild ungulates in the epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) is still under discussion. This study describes the geographical distribution and molecular typing of 77 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates belonging either to M. bovis or to M. caprae, cultivated from hunter harvested red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in 24 Spanish localities, and compares them with spoligotypes detected previously in humans, livestock or Wild animals, as described in the literature. The distribution of the molecular type patterns suggests that the population of M. tuberculosis complex strains isolated from Spanish Wild ungulates is spatially structured despite the lack of important geographical barriers and despite the increasingly frequent Wildlife translocations. Red deer and the European Wild Boar can share the same molecular types in localities in which the M. tuberculosis complex was isolated from both species. Strains of bovine and caprine origin do circulate in the same local Wildlife populations. Six out of 11 spoligotypes were similar to types described in human cases. The isolation of TB strains in fenced estates from Wild animals that have not had contact with domestic livestock for at least the past two decades, strongly suggests that the M. tuberculosis complex is able to survive in these populations. Therefore, Wildlife including cervids and the Wild Boar need to be considered in the epidemiology and control of tuberculosis. epidemiology / reservoir / typing / tuberculosis / Wildlife
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evaluation of baits for oral vaccination of European Wild Boar piglets
Research in Veterinary Science, 2009Co-Authors: Cristina Ballesteros, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Joaquin Vicente, Mario Canales, Angelo Lasagna, Jose A Gamarra, Ricardo CarrascogarciaAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate new baits for the oral delivery of vaccine preparations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets. Baits were prepared using a matrix composed of Wild Boar feed, wheat flour, paraffin, sacarose and cinnamon-truffle powder attractant with polyethylene capsules dipped into the matrix to introduce vaccine formulation. Physical stability studies demonstrated that baits were stable for at least three days at temperatures as high as 42 °C. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing the membrane-displayed BM95-MSP1a fusion protein were used to test bacterial viability in the baits and the antibody response in orally immunized Wild Boar. The E. coli viability was not significantly affected after bait incubation at 25 and 37 °C for 96 h. Bait acceptance studies using artificial feeders in the field showed that baits were accepted by 2–3 month-old animals, the preferred age for vaccination. Orally immunized Wild Boar piglets excreted recombinant E. coli in the feces and developed antibody titers to recombinant BM95-MSP1a protein, thus confirming that vaccine composition was released and reached the Wild Boar gastrointestinal track. The results of these experiments support the use of these baits for oral delivery of vaccine formulations to 2–4 month-old Wild Boar piglets.
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development and validation of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for antibodies against mycobacterium bovis in European Wild Boar
BMC Veterinary Research, 2008Co-Authors: O Aurtenetxe, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Marta Barral, Joaquin Vicente, Ramon A JusteAbstract:Background Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) remains a significant problem in some parts of Spain largely because of contacts between cattle and Wildlife reservoirs in extensive grazing systems. European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the species involved in the transmission of the disease to other species. Fast and simple detection methods would be critical for assessing infection prevalence, study the mechanisms of pathogen transmission and monitoring the effects of TB control measures.
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evidence of the role of European Wild Boar as a reservoir of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
Veterinary Microbiology, 2008Co-Authors: Victoria Naranjo, Christian Gortazar, Jose De La Fuente, Joaquin VicenteAbstract:Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is caused by Mycobacterium bovis and closely related mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. They have an extensive host range and may cause zoonotic TB. A major obstacle to bTB eradication in livestock is the implication of Wildlife in the natural cycle of the pathogen. The identification of Wildlife reservoir hosts is crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. The European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is frequently considered a spillover or dead end host rather than a true reservoir, and scientific evidence is conflicting outside Mediterranean Spain. The aim of this review is to update current scientific evidence of the Wild Boar as a TB reservoir and to underline those aspects that need further research. Evidences supporting that Wild Boar is a TB reservoir host include: (i) presence of common M. tuberculosis complex genotypes in Wild Boar, domestic and Wild animals and humans, (ii) high prevalence of M. bovis among Wild Boar in estates fenced for decades in complete absence of contact with domestic livestock, and other Wild ungulates (iii) TB lesions are frequently seen in thoracic lymph nodes and lungs, suggesting that respiratory infection and excretion may occur, and (iv) extensive tuberculous lesions in more than one anatomical region occur in a high proportion of juvenile Wild Boar that probably represents the main source of mycobacterial excretion. Hence, epidemiological, pathological and microbiological evidence strongly suggests that, at least in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems, Wild Boar are able to maintain TB infection in the Wild and are most probably able to transmit the disease to other species, acting as a true Wildlife reservoir. These results expand the list of Wildlife species that act as natural reservoirs of TB in different parts of the world and suggest the need to control the infection in Wild Boar populations for the complete eradication of the disease in Spain.
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lesions associated with mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in the European Wild Boar
Tuberculosis, 2007Co-Authors: M P Martinhernando, Francisco Ruizfons, Jose De La Fuente, Dolors Vidal, Marta Barral, Joaquin Vicente, Ursula Hofle, Joseba M. Garrido, Christian GortazarAbstract:Summary Information on lesion distribution and characteristics is essential to determine the significance of a species as a reservoir host for tuberculosis (TB). Herein, we describe the extension and distribution of lesions in 127 Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex culture positive European Wild Boars ( Sus scrofa ), and use this information to discuss the role of this Wildlife species in TB epidemiology in Mediterranean Spain. Macroscopic TB-compatible lesions were detected in 105 of 127 Wild Boars (82.68%). Only microscopic lesions were found in 11 Wild Boars (8.66%). Lesions were not evident in 11 Wild Boars (8.66%). A total of 49 Wild Boars had lesions confined to one anatomical region (42.2%, localized TB), while 67 animals had lesions in more than one anatomical region (57.8%, generalized TB). Head lymph nodes (LNs), particularly the mandibular LNs, were most frequently affected (107/116, 92.24%), and 43 Wild Boar had only mandibular LN lesions. Histopathology evidenced TB lesions in 38.1% of the lungs, 23% of the livers and 13% of the spleens examined. Mammary gland lesions were observed in three cases. When TB lesions were localized, granulomas characterized by a mixed inflammatory cell population were more predominant, whereas strongly necrotic-calcified granulomas were more prevalent in generalized cases of TB infection. Large lesions in more than one anatomical region were more frequent among juveniles. The histopathological characteristics of the tuberculous reaction and the associated tissue damage in various organs, together with the gross pathology, indicate that at least those Wild Boar with large lesions and generalized infections have the potential to excrete mycobacteria by several routes. This finding, in the context of unusually high densities of Wild Boar and fencing and feeding, reinforces the suggestion that Wild Boar can act as a true TB reservoir under the particular circumstances of Mediterranean Spain. Further studies on the routes of excretion as well as the effect of altering management methods would be of interest to confirm the role of Wild Boar in TB epidemiology in Spain.
