Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2) emerged suddenly in the late 1970s as pathogen of dogs, causing a severe and often fatal gastroenteric disease. The original CPV‐2 was replaced by three antigenic variants, CPV‐2a, CPV‐2b and CPV‐2c, which to date have gained a worldwide distribution with different relative proportions. All previous studies conducted in Africa were based on partial VP2 gene sequences. The aim of this study was to provide a genome analysis to characterize the CPV strains collected in Nigeria, Africa. Rectal swab samples (n = 320) were collected in 2018 and tested by means of an immunochromatographic assay. Among the 144 positive samples, 59 were selected for further analyses using different molecular assays. The results revealed a high prevalence of CPV‐2c (91.5%) compared to the CPV‐2a variant (8.5%). The VP2 gene sequences showed a divergence from the strains analysed in 2010 in Nigeria and a closer connection with CPV strains of Asian origin. The non‐structural gene analysis evidenced amino acid changes never previously reported. The molecular analysis based on genomic sequences evidenced a geographical pattern of distribution of the analysed strains, suggesting a potential common evolutionary origin with CPV of Asian origin. This study represents the first CPV molecular characterization including all the encoding gene sequences conducted in the African continent and contributes to define the current geographical spread of the CPV variants worldwide.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2) emerged as dog pathogen in the late 1970s, causing severe and often fatal epizootics of gastroenteritis in the canine population worldwide. Although to date CPV‐2 is circulating in all continents, most of the current studies have analysed the amino acid changes accounted in the VP2 gene sequence, with limited information on virus introductions from other countries. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic features of CPV‐2c strains currently spreading in Italy. Swabs and tissue samples were collected from dogs suspected of CPV infection. The nearly complete genome sequence from the CPV‐positive samples was obtained. The co‐circulation of two different but related CPV‐2c strains, with amino acid changes characteristic of CPV strains of Asian origin (NS1: 60V, 544F, 545F, 630P – NS2: 60V, 151N, 152V ‐ VP2: 5A/G, 267Y, 297A, 324I, 370R), were observed. The phylogenetic analyses inferred from the NS1 and VP2 gene sequences confirmed the relationship with Asian CPV‐2c strains. This study reports the spread of novel CPV‐2c mutants in Italy and supports further studies to evaluate the coexistence of genetically divergent CPV strains in the same geographical environment.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of a type of endodontic pin on L929 cell line according to the UNI EN ISO 10993/2009 rule. Methods L929 cells were used for the assays; extracts were prepared from three different-diameter endodontic pins, made of epoxy resin and fiberglass matrix and from Reference Materials (ZDEC, ZDBC, and HDP films). MTS assay was performed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of exposure of L929 cells to pin and Reference Material extracts, 5% phenol solution, and control reagent. Cells cultured with different media containing extracts were monitored for up to 72 h and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Results Pins of different diameters had no cytotoxic effects on L929 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h (all values >70%). Cells cultured in medium containing pin extracts grew without any differences compared to the control cells. Conclusion The endodontic pins tested showed no cytotoxic effects and did not induce changes in morphology for up to 72 h.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is the etiological agent of a severe disease of terrestrial carnivores. This unique specie encompasses canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV). Studies widely analyzed the main capsid protein (VP2), but limited information is available on the nonstructural genes (NS1/NS2). This paper analyzed the NS1 gene sequence of FPLV and CPV strains collected in Italy in 2009–2017, along with worldwide related sequences. Differently from VP2, only one NS1 amino-acid residue (248) clearly and constantly distinguished FPLV from CPV-2, while five possible convergent amino-acid changes were observed that may affect the functional domains of the NS1. Some synonymous mutation in NS1 were non-synonymous in NS2 and vice versa. No evidence for recombination between the two lineages was found, and the predominance of negative selection pressure on NS1 proteins was observed, with low and no overlap between the two lineages in negatively and positively selected codons, respectively. More sites were under selection in the CPV-2 lineage. NS1 phylogenetic analysis showed divergent evolution between FPLV and CPV, and strains were clustered mostly by country and year of detection. We highlight the importance of obtaining the NS1/NS2 coding sequence in molecular epidemiology investigations.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) is the causative agent of a systemic and potentially fatal viral disease of domestic and wild canids. In Italy, CAdV-1 infection has also been occasionally described in dogs, but information on the epidemiology and its genomic features is still limited. A study was conducted on 291 dogs suspected of infectious gastrointestinal disease. Samples collected from dogs in southern Italy between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed. Virological and histopathological assays were carried out. The presence of CAdVs and other canine viral enteropathogens was investigated, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. CAdV-1 was detected in six (2.1%) dead stray dogs alone or in mixed infections with other viruses. Gross lesions and histopathological findings referred to CAdV infection were observed, also involving the central nervous system tissues. All inoculated samples were successfully isolated. Sequence analysis evidenced divergences with the circulating strains previously described in Italy and a closer relation with older CAdV-1 strains collected from other countries, suggesting a genetic heterogeneity of CAdV-1 in Italy. The evidence of the circulation of CAdV-1 and its genomic features allows us to have more in-depth knowledge of the epidemiology and evolution of the CAdV-1 genomic variants.