Abstract:

El virus de la diarrea viral bovina (BVDV) es causante de importantes pérdidas económicas a nivel mundial. La proteína E2 es la inmunodominante del virus y es la candidata para desarrollar vacunas de subunidad. Para mejorar su inmunogenicidad, una versión truncada de la E2 (tE2) se fusionó a un anticuerpo de cadena simple (APCH), que se dirige a las células presentadoras de antígeno. Se expresaron las proteínas APCH-tE2 y tE2 en el sistema de baculovirus y su inmunogenicidad fue evaluada y comparada en cobayos; la proteína APCH-tE2 fue la que indujo la mejor respuesta humoral. Por dicha razón se la evaluó en bovinos utilizando 1,5 μg de antígeno. Los animales presentaron altos títulos de anticuerpos neutralizantes contra BVDV hasta un año posinmunización. Esta nueva vacuna está en proceso de escalado y se transfirió al sector privado. Actualmente se está evaluando para su registro como la primera vacuna argentina de subunidad para bovinos.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important cause of economic losses world-wide. E2 is an immunodominant protein and a promising candidate to develop subunit vaccines.To improve its immunogenicity, a truncated E2 (tE2) was fused to a single chain antibody named APCH, which targets to antigen-presenting cells. APCH-tE2 and tE2 proteins were expressed inthe baculovirus system and their immunogenicity was firstly compared in guinea pigs. APCH-tE2 vaccine was the best one to evoke a humoral response, and for this reason, it was selected fora cattle vaccination experiment. All the bovines immunized with 1.5 µg of APCH-tE2 developedhigh levels of neutralizing antibodies against BVDV up to a year post-immunization, demon-strating its significant potential as a subunit vaccine. This novel vaccine is undergoing scale-upand was transferred to the private sector. Nowadays, it is being evaluated for registration asthe first Argentinean subunit vaccine for cattle.

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bellido, Demian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Vetanco; Argentina

Author affiliation: Escribano, José M.. Algenex; España

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, María José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Wigdorovitz, Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to develop and test a multivalent subunit vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) based on the E2 virus glycoprotein belonging to genotypes 1a, 1b and 2a, immunopotenti- ated by targeting these antigens to antigen-presenting cells. The E2 antigens were expressed in insect cells by a baculovirus vector as fusion proteins with a single chain antibody, named APCH I, which recognizes the ?-chain of the MHC Class II antigen. The three chimeric proteins were evaluated for their immuno- genicity in a guinea pig model as well as in colostrum-deprived calves. Once the immune response in experimentally vaccinated calves was evaluated, immunized animals were challenged with type 1b or type 2b BVDV in order to study the protection conferred by the experimental vaccine. The recombinant APCH I-tE21a-1b-2a vaccine was immunogenic both in guinea pigs and calves, induc- ing neutralizing antibodies. After BVDV type 1b and type 2 challenge of vaccinated calves in a proof of concept, the type 1b virus could not be isolated in any animal; meanwhile it was detected in all challenged non-vaccinated control animals. However, the type 2 BVDV was isolated to a lesser extent compared to unvaccinated animals challenged with type 2 BVDV. Clinical signs associated to BVDV, hyperthermia and leukopenia were reduced with respect to controls in all vaccinated calves. Given these results, this multivalent vaccine holds promise for a safe and effective tool to control BVDV in herds.

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Dario Amilcar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bellido, Demian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Vetanco S. A.; Argentina

Author affiliation: Nuñez, M. C.. Algenex S. L.; España

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, María José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Escribano, José M.. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria; España

Author affiliation: Wigdorovitz, Andrés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to develop and test a multivalent subunit vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) based on the E2 virus glycoprotein belonging to genotypes 1a, 1b and 2a, immunopotentiated by targeting these antigens to antigen-presenting cells. The E2 antigens were expressed in insect cells by a baculovirus vector as fusion proteins with a single chain antibody, named APCH I, which recognizes the β-chain of the MHC Class II antigen. The three chimeric proteins were evaluated for their immunogenicity in a guinea pig model as well as in colostrum-deprived calves. Once the immune response in experimentally vaccinated calves was evaluated, immunized animals were challenged with type 1b or type 2b BVDV in order to study the protection conferred by the experimental vaccine. The recombinant APCH I-tE21a-1b-2a vaccine was immunogenic both in guinea pigs and calves, inducing neutralizing antibodies. After BVDV type 1b and type 2 challenge of vaccinated calves in a proof of concept, the type 1b virus could not be isolated in any animal; meanwhile it was detected in all challenged non-vaccinated control animals. However, the type 2 BVDV was isolated to a lesser extent compared to unvaccinated animals challenged with type 2 BVDV. Clinical signs associated to BVDV, hyperthermia and leukopenia were reduced with respect to controls in all vaccinated calves. Given these results, this multivalent vaccine holds promise for a safe and effective tool to control BVDV in herds

Instituto de Virología

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bellido, Demian. Vetanco SA; Argentina

Author affiliation: Nuñez, Maria del Carmen. Algenex SL, Madrid; España

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, Maria Jose. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Martínez Escribano, José Angel. Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria. Departamento de Biotecnología; España

Author affiliation: Wigdorovitz, Andres. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Abstract:

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease which affects both domestic and wild biungulate species. This acute disease, caused by the FMD virus (FMDV), usually includes an active replication phase in the respiratory tract for up to 72 h postinfection, followed by hematogenous dissemination and vesicular lesions at oral and foot epithelia. The role of the early local adaptive immunity of the host in the outcome of the infection is not well understood. Here we report the kinetics of appearance of FMDV-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC) in lymphoid organs along the respiratory tract and the spleen in cattle infected by aerosol exposure. While no responses were observed for up to 3 days postinfection (dpi), all animals developed FMDV-ASC in all the lymphoid organs studied at 4 dpi. Tracheobronchial lymph nodes were the most reactive organs at this time, and IgM was the predominant isotype, followed by IgG1. Numbers of FMDV-ASC were further augmented at 5 and 6 dpi, with an increasing prevalence in upper respiratory organs. Systemic antibody responses were slightly delayed compared with the local reaction. Also, IgM was the dominant isotype in serum at 5 dpi, coinciding with a sharp decrease of viral RNA detection in peripheral blood. These results indicate that following aerogenous administration, cattle develop a rapid and vigorous genuine local antibody response throughout the respiratory tract. Time course and isotype profiles indicate the presence of an efficient T cell-independent antibody response which drives the IgM-mediated virus clearance in cattle infected by FMDV aerosol exposure.

Instituto de Virología

Author affiliation: Pega, Juan Franco. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bucafusco, Danilo. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Di Giacomo, Sebastián. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Schammas, Juan Manuel. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Capozzo, Alejandra Victoria. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Arzt, J. USDA. Agricultural Research Service. Plum Island Animal Disease Center; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Pérez Beascoeachea, C. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria. Dirección de Laboratorios; Argentina

Author affiliation: Maradei, E. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria. Dirección de Laboratorios; Argentina

Author affiliation: Rodríguez, L. USDA. Agricultural Research Service. Plum Island Animal Disease Center; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Borca, Manuel Victor. USDA. Agricultural Research Service. Plum Island Animal Disease Center; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Perez Filgueira, Daniel Mariano. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Abstract:

Little is known about the influence of maternal antibodies and immune cells transferred through colostrum on the immune responses of calves to the currently used foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines. Here we evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by vaccination of colostrum-deprived calves and calves that received equivalent amounts of colostrum preparations that differed in the presence or absence of maternal immune cells but contained the same quantity and quality of anti-foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) antibodies. Three groups of 32-d-old calves (n = 3 per group) were deprived of colostrum and fed either whole immune colostrum or a cell-free colostrum preparation containing only anti-FMDV antibodies. All groups were immunized with 1 dose of an oil-adjuvanted commercial vaccine. Blood samples were collected periodically before vaccination and weekly after vaccination. Immune responses specific to FMDV were assessed based on T-cell proliferation, IFN-γ production, total and neutralizing serum antibodies, and isotype profile. All vaccinated calves developed IFN-γ and lymphoproliferative responses, irrespective of the colostrum received. Colostrum-deprived animals responded to vaccination with a primary IgM response followed by an increase of IgG1 titers. Conversely, antibody titers decreased in all colostrum-fed calves after vaccination. This study demonstrates for the first time that maternal immune cells transferred to the calves through colostrum do not modify immune responses to FMD vaccine, and it confirms the interference of maternal antibodies in the induction of humoral but not cell-mediated immune responses.

Instituto de Virología

Author affiliation: Bucafusco, Danilo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pereyra, Walter Rodrigo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Cerrillos; Argentina

Author affiliation: Mansilla, Florencia Celeste. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Juncos, María S. Veterinaria independiente; Argentina

Author affiliation: Di Giacomo, Sebastián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Ayude, Andrea Fabiana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Perez Filgueira, Daniel Mariano. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Capozzo, Alejandra Victoria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Abstract:

Non-cytopathic (ncp) type 2 bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-2) is widely prevalent in Argentina causing high mortality rates in cattle herds. In this study, we characterized an Argentinean ncp BVDV-2 field isolate (98-124) compared to a high-virulence reference strain (NY-93), using in silico analysis, in vitro assays, and in vivo infections of colostrum-deprived calves (CDC) to compare pathogenic characters and virulence. In vitro infection of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with BVDV 98-124 induced necrosis shortly after infection while NY-93 strain increased the apoptotic rate in infected cells. Experimental infection of CDC (n = 4 each) with these strains caused an enteric syndrome. High pyrexia was detected in both groups. Viremia and shedding were more prolonged in the CDC infected with the NY-93 strain. In addition, NY-93 infection elicited a severe lymphopenia that lasted for 14 days, whereas 98-124 strain reduced the leukocyte counts for 5 days. All infected animals had a diminished lymphoproliferation activity in response to a mitogen. Neutralizing and anti-NS3 antibodies were detected 3 weeks after infection in all infected calves. Virulence was associated with a more severe clinical score, prolonged immune-suppression, and a greater window for transmission. Studies of apoptosis/necrosis performed after in vitro PBMC infection also revealed differences between both strains that might be correlated to the in vivo pathogenesis. Our results identified 98-124 as a low-virulence strain.

Instituto de Virología

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Cardoso, Nancy. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Odeon, Anselmo Carlos. INTA. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina

Author affiliation: Capozzo, Alejandra. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Abstract:

Los virus HoBi son un grupo de Pestivirus emergentes que afecta a bovinos y bubalinos y son contaminantes muy comunes de productos biológicos. Luego de ser identificados por primera vez en Alemania a partir muestras brasileras en el año 2004, han sido reportados numerosos aislamientos de virus HoBi en Brasil, Italia y algunos países asiáticos. De este modo, este patógeno ha generado preocupación en veterinarios y productores de rodeos bovinos y bubalinos al haber estado involucrado en eventos de cuadros respiratorios severos, abortos y animales persistentemente infectados. Debido a la falta de un sistema de vigilancia activo para estos nuevos patógenos y a que puede confundirse con Diarrea Viral Bovina, no se conoce su verdadero impacto sobre las poblaciones bovinas. En Argentina, la presencia de los virus HoBi no ha sido estudiada, ni desde el punto de vista epidemiológico ni en cuanto a su potencial como agente adventicio en productos biológicos y líneas celulares. El objetivo de este artículo es brindar un análisis de la situación epidemiológica mundial de los virus HoBi para generar un acercamiento y despertar el interés de los veterinarios, virólogos y autoridades sanitarias por este patógeno emergente. Es fundamental lograr una mayor inversión y participación en actividades de investigación interdisciplinarias para aclarar aspectos básicos de la epidemiología de estos nuevos patógenos y de su posible impacto en los sistemas productivos de los países de Sudamérica.

Inst.de Virología

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Zabal, Osvaldo Alfredo. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bauermann, Fernando Viçosa. USDA, Agricultural Research Service. National Animal Disease Center. Ruminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Ridpath, Julia. USDA, Agricultural Research Service. National Animal Disease Center. Ruminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, Maria Jose. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Abstract:

Los virus HoBi son un grupo de Pestivirus emergentes que afecta a bovinos y bubalinos y son contaminantesmuy comunes de productos biológicos. Luego de ser identificados por primera vez en Alemania a partirmuestras brasileras en el año 2004, han sido reportados numerosos aislamientos de virus HoBi en Brasil,Italia y algunos países asiáticos. De este modo, este patógeno ha generado preocupación en veterinarios yproductores de rodeos bovinos y bubalinos al haber estado involucrado en eventos de cuadros respiratoriosseveros, abortos y animales persistentemente infectados.Debido a la falta de un sistema de vigilancia activo para estos nuevos patógenos y a que puede confundirsecon Diarrea Viral Bovina, no se conoce su verdadero impacto sobre las poblaciones bovinas. En Argentina,la presencia de los virus HoBi no ha sido estudiada, ni desde el punto de vista epidemiológico ni en cuantoa su potencial como agente adventicio en productos biológicos y líneas celulares. El objetivo de este artículoes brindar un análisis de la situación epidemiológica mundial de los virus HoBi para generar un acercamientoy despertar el interés de los veterinarios, virólogos y autoridades sanitarias por este patógeno emergente.Es fundamental lograr una mayor inversión y participación en actividades de investigación interdisciplinariaspara aclarar aspectos básicos de la epidemiología de estos nuevos patógenos y de su posible impacto en lossistemas productivos de los países de Sudamérica.

HoBi-like viruses are a group of emerging Pestiviruses which affects cattle and water buffaloes and are common contaminants of biological products. After the first detection from Brazilian samples in Germany in 2004, several HoBi-like isolates have been reported in Brazil, Italy and some countries of Asia. Thus, this pathogen has caused concern to cattle and buffalo farmers and veterinarians as it has been involved in events of severe respiratory symptoms, abortions and persistently infected animals and mucosal like-disease. Due to the lack of an active surveillance system for HoBi-like viruses and since infections with them can be mistaken for bovine viral diarrhea, the true impact on cattle populations is unknown. In Argentina, the existence of HoBi-like viruses has not been studied, nor from an epidemiological point of view or in terms of its potential as an adventitious agent in biological products and cell lines. The aim of this article is to provide an analysis of the worldwide epidemiological situation of Ho-Bi-like viruses, in order to generate an approach and to awaken interest in veterinarians, virologists and health authorities for this emerging pathogen. It is essential to achieve greater investment and participation in interdisciplinary research to clarify basic aspects of the epidemiology of this new pathogen and to establish its possible impact on the productive systems of the South American countries.

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Dario. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Zabal, O. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bauermann, Fernando. United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service; Argentina

Author affiliation: Ridpath, Julia. United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service; Argentina

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, María José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas; Argentina

Abstract:

HoBi-like pestiviruses (also known as bovine viral diarrhea virus 3) have been sporadically reported from naturally infected cattle in Brazil, Asia, and Europe. Although HoBi-like viruses seem to be endemic in Brazilian cattle and buffalo, they have not been studied in the other countries of South America to our knowledge. Herein we report serologic results of buffalo from 12 large farms in Argentina located near the Brazilian border. These buffalo were not vaccinated against pestiviruses. Our results indicate that HoBi-like virus may be circulating in the northeastern region of Argentina given that half of the analyzed animals showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the pestivirus. The HoBi-like seropositive animals were also checked for neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2, and in most cases these animals had low levels or no detectable antibodies against these other pestiviruses. Our study suggests a need for continued pestivirus surveillance in Argentinean cattle and buffalo.

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Patobiología; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Zabal, Osvaldo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Sala, Juan Manuel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Corrientes. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes; Argentina

Author affiliation: Konrad, José Luis. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina

Author affiliation: Caspe, Sergio Gastón. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Corrientes. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bauermann, Fernando. South Dakota State University; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Ridpath, Julia. United States Department of Agriculture; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, María José. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Abstract:

HoBi-like pestiviruses (also known as bovine viral diarrhea virus 3) have been sporadically reported from naturally infected cattle in Brazil, Asia, and Europe. Although HoBi-like viruses seem to be endemic in Brazilian cattle and buffalo, they have not been studied in the other countries of South America to our knowledge. Herein we report serologic results of buffalo from 12 large farms in Argentina located near the Brazilian border. These buffalo were not vaccinated against pestiviruses. Our results indicate that HoBi-like virus may be circulating in the northeastern region of Argentina given that half of the analyzed animals showed high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the pestivirus. The HoBi-like seropositive animals were also checked for neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2, and in most cases these animals had low levels or no detectable antibodies against these other pestiviruses. Our study suggests a need for continued pestivirus surveillance in Argentinean cattle and buffalo.

Inst.de Virología

Author affiliation: Pecora, Andrea. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Pérez Aguirreburualde, María Sol. INTA. Instituto de Patobiología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Malacari, Darío Amilcar. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Zabal, Osvaldo Alfredo. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina

Author affiliation: Sala, Juan Manuel. INTA. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes. Grupo de Sanidad Animal; Argentina

Author affiliation: Konrad, Jose Luis. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Veterinaria; Argentina

Author affiliation: Caspe, Sergio Gaston. INTA. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mercedes. Grupo de Sanidad Animal; Argentina

Author affiliation: Bauermann, Fernando. South Dakota State University. Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Ridpath, Julia. USDA, Agricultural Research Service. National Animal Disease Center. Ruminant Disease and Immunology Research Unit; Estados Unidos

Author affiliation: Dus Santos, Maria Jose. INTA. Instituto de Virología; Argentina