Biology subjects

Cattoli, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Cattoli, G..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Shamonda virus EU1 in Northern Italy, August 2026.

Background Following the emergence of a novel Shamonda-like virus (SHAV) in Europe, suspected clinical cases in dairy cattle were reported in Northeastern Italy. Investigation was required in dairy cattle in Northeastern Italy. Methods Samples were collected from 28 farms displaying fever and reduced milk yield and were screened using molecular methods (PanSimbu real-time RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing and differential PCRs for SBV/BTV). Positive samples were subsequently confirmed by Sanger sequencing and selected samples underwent whole-genome sequencing using a metagenomic approach. Results Twenty-four among sera and blood samples from 12 farms tested positive for SHAV. WGS confirmed that Italian strains share maximum identity with the European SHAV-EU1 clade. Limitations This study concerns the results of clinical investigations on suspected cases in the two autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano. At present, it is not possible to infer on the circulation of the virus in other Italian provinces. Conclusions This study documents the first detection and genetic characterization of SHAV-EU1 in Italian cattle, indicating active circulation of this virus across Europe. Its identification in two north-eastern Italian provinces does not rule out wider, undetected circulation. In this regard, assessing its geographical extent requires careful evaluation, just as much remains to be discovered about its host range and the severity of symptoms.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2025

Inactivation of Influenza A Viruses (H1N1, H5N1) During Grana-Type Raw Milk Cheesemaking: Implications for Foodborne Transmission Risk

BackgroundThe detection of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in lactating dairy cattle in the United States, with high viral titers in raw milk, has raised concerns about potential zoonotic transmission through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and raw-milk dairy products. While inactivation studies exist for pasteurized milk, data on virus persistence during the manufacture of raw-milk cheeses remain scarce. AimTo evaluate the survival and inactivation of avian influenza viruses (AIV), including both low pathogenic (LPAIV, H1N1) and highly pathogenic (HPAIV, H5N1) strains, during the production and ripening of Grana-type hard cheeses made from raw cows milk. MethodsExperimental cheesemaking was conducted using raw milk artificially contaminated with A/duck/Italy/281904-2/06 (H1N1; 107.75 EID50/mL) or A/duck/Italy/326224-2/22 (H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b; 106.75 EID50/mL). Cheeses were produced in accordance with Parmigiano Reggiano production standards and ripened for 30 days at 5-6 {degrees}C. Viral presence was assessed in finished cheeses by inoculation on SPF embryonated chicken eggs (ECE), hemagglutination (HA) assay, and monoclonal antibody-based ELISA. ResultsNo infectious virus was detected in any cheese sample produced from contaminated milk following two blind passages in SPF-ECE. Both HA and ELISA tests yielded negative results, indicating complete inactivation of the virus. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the traditional Grana-type cheese production process-- including curd cooking, acidification, and ripening--effectively inactivates both LPAIV and HPAIV, even at high contamination levels. These findings support the microbiological safety of hard cheeses made from raw milk with regard to AIV, contributing to risk assessment and food safety policies during avian influenza outbreaks.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2017

The use of hyperimmune chicken reference sera is not appropriate for the validation of influenza pseudotype neutralization assays

Pseudotype particle neutralization (pp-NT) is a next-generation serological assay employed for the sensitive study of influenza antibody responses, especially haemagglutinin stalk-directed antibodies. However, to date a validation of this assay has not been performed, and this limits its use to primarily research laboratories. To identify possible serological standards to be used in optimization and validation of the pp-NT, we have evaluated the cross-reactivity of hyperimmune chicken reference antisera in this assay. Our findings show that the cross-reactivity detected by the pp-NT assay is only in part explained by phylogenetic relationships and protein homology between the HA subtypes analysed; further studies are necessary to understand the origin of the cross-reactivity detected, and reference standards with higher specificity should be evaluated or generated de novo for future use in pp-NT.

microbiology↗