NR AXSM
AU Mazza,M.; Corona,C.; Iulini,B.; Martucci,F.; Peletto,S.; Maurella,C.; Careddu,M.E.; Nappi,R.; Ru,G.; Bozzetta,E.; Caramelli,M.; Acutis,P.L.; Casalone,C.
TI A Third Case of BASE in Italy
QU International Conference - Prion 2007 (26.-28.9.2007) Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Book of Abstracts: Natural and Experimental Strains P02.37
IA http://www.prion2007.com/pdf/Prion Book of Abstracts.pdf
PT Konferenz-Poster
AB
Following the identification of two BASE (Bovine Amyloidotic Spongiform Encephalopathy) cases in Italy in 2004, other atypical BSE isolates have been identified worldwide (36 cases in total) and experimentally transmitted to different species. Recently a new case of atypical BSE in a fallen stock 15 year old cow of Piedmontese breed has been identified in Italy by the active surveillance system.
In order to well define the characteristics of this atypical BSE case, epidemiological, genetic and immunobiochemical studies have been conducted in our laboratories. Distribution and pathological prion protein (PrPres) features have been investigated in both neural and extraneural tissues.
Thirty-nine different tissues including central nervous system, viscera, skeletal muscles and lymphoreticular system were collected and examined by four different diagnostic methods: Western blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Histoblot (HB) and IDEXX HerdCheck BSE Antigen Test Kit EIA. Furthermore PCR amplification of the PrP gene was performed and amplicon analysis was carried out by DNA sequencing. An epidemiological questionnaire was filled in.
Immunobiochemical characterization showed a molecular pattern of PrPres different from typical BSE and referable to BASE cases. At the moment the presence of PrPres was only detected in neural tissues. The genetic analysis revealed a wild-type genotype of the PrP gene carrying six copies of octapeptide repeats. Neither clinical signs nor consumption of meat feed were recorded.
Our findings confirmed the identification of a third case of BASE in Italy. Moreover the age of the animal and the non-use of meat feed strengthen the hypothesis of a sporadic origin of this neurological disorder. The analysis of such a great number of tissues will help in understanding the BASE pathogenesis under natural conditions.
AD M. Mazza, C. Corona, B. Iulini, F. Martucci, S. Peletto, C. Maurella, M.E. Careddu, R. Nappi, G. Ru, E. Bozzetta, M. Caramelli, P.L. Acutis, C. Casalone, CEA-Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Italy
SP englisch
PO Schottland