Intraspecies Transmission of BASE Induces Clinical Dullness and Amyotrophic Changes
Author Information
Author(s): Lombardi Guerino, Casalone Cristina, D' Angelo Antonio, Gelmetti Daniela, Torcoli Gloria, Barbieri Ilaria, Corona Cristiano, Fasoli Elisa, Farinazzo Alessia, Fiorini Michele, Gelati Matteo, Iulini Barbara, Tagliavini Fabrizio, Ferrari Sergio, Caramelli Maria, Monaco Salvatore, Capucci Lorenzo, Zanusso Gianluigi
Primary Institution: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell' Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
Hypothesis
Does intraspecies transmission of BASE lead to distinct clinical and pathological changes in cattle?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that BASE is a distinct prion isolate that induces a novel disease phenotype in cattle characterized by dullness and muscle atrophy.
Supporting Evidence
- BASE-infected cattle showed clinical signs of dullness and muscle atrophy.
- The molecular and neuropathological profiles of BASE closely matched those observed in original cases.
- Experimental transmission studies indicated that BASE is caused by a distinct prion strain.
- Clinical disease duration was shorter in BASE-infected cattle compared to BSE-inoculated animals.
Takeaway
This study shows that a new type of disease in cattle, called BASE, makes them act dull and lose muscle strength, which is different from the more common BSE disease.
Methodology
Cattle were inoculated with brain homogenates from BSE and BASE cases, and their clinical signs and neurological changes were monitored.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Cattle included Friesian and Alpine brown breeds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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