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  Faculty
Del Piero, Fabio
Fabio Del Piero DVM, Dipl. ACVP, PhD
Associate Professor of Pathology

Department of Pathobiology
382 West Street Rd
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Kennett Square, PA   19348
Memberships

- American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP, http://www.acvp.org)
- Italian Association of Veterinary Pathologists (APIV)
- The Phi Zeta Honor Society for Veterinary Medicine
- British Veterinary Research Club (BVRC)
- American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD, http://www.aavld.org)
- Italian Association of Veterinary Practitioners (ANMVI, http://www.anmvi.it)
- Italian Association of Veterinary Practitioners (SIVE, http://www.sive.it)
- Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratories System (PADLS, http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Agriculture/bureaus/animal_health/padls.htm)

International Awards
Ljudevit Jurak International award for contribution of the field of comparative pathology

Teaching activity 
Systemic Pathology (VPTH 602): reproductive pathology, pathology of the mammary gland - Farm Animal Pathology (5192/VPTH711): course organizer, necropsy and biopsies. - Farm Animal Pathology (VPTH 711): course organizer, necropsy and biopsies. - Large animal pathology and toxicology (VPTH 640): course organizer, equine, porcine, ruminant and foreign animal diseases .

Research Interests

I am interested in the identification of infectious agents in tissues as a diagnostic aid,
Figure 1: Choroid plexus, filly: EHV-1 within endothelium and circulating macrophages. Peroxidase immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin.
Figure 2: Lung, calf persistently infected with bovine pestivirus (BVD virus) with bacterial bronchopneumonia. BVDV is contained within the cytoplasm of numerous cells (macrophages, endothelia, alveolar epithelium). Peroxidase immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin.

and the study of the pathogenesis of infectious diseases, diagnostic pathology, diseases of the conceptus (embryo, fetus) and perinatal losses. I use standard diagnostic techniques, immunohistochemistry, other molecular techniques, and ancillary testing to pursue these interests. Most of the studies I am involved with are clinically oriented and frequently involve collaboration with clinicians, pathologists, toxicologists and virologists. I am also involved with collaborative studies regarding neoplasia and toxicological pathology.

I am part of Pennsylvania Associated Animal Diagnostic Laboratories (PADLS)–New Bolton Center whose mission is to provide rapid and accurate diagnostic assistance to veterinarians involved with food-fiber animals, equine, aquaculture and wildlife. PADLS exists for the purpose of protecting animals and humans from health threats by providing accurate diagnoses to assist Pennsylvania's agricultural community in controlling diseases to minimize economic loss.

Selected Publications :      Search PubMed for articles
Selected peer reviewed journals

1. I. Johns, JO Stephen, F. Del Piero, DW Richardson , PA Wilkins. Hemangiosarcoma in young horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 19: 564-570, 2005.

2. G. Zhu, H. Chen, B-K Choi, F. Del Piero, D.M. Schifferli. Histone H1 proteins act as receptors for the 987P fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The Journal of Biological Chemistry 280: 23057-23065, 2005.

3. F. Del Piero. Ocular viral diseases of vertebrate animals. Acta Clinica Croatica 43: 165-193, 2004.

4. B. Dunkel, F. Del Piero, K.L. Wotman, I.C. Johns, J. Beech, P.A. Wilkins. Encephalomyelitis from West Nile flavivirus in three alpacas. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 18:365-367, 2004.

5. P.A. Wilkins, F. Del Piero. West Nile virus. Lesson from the 21st century. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care: 1, 2004.

6. F. Del Piero. Zoonotic Dermatitides. Acta Clinica Croatica: 42, 139-149, 2003.

7. R. Cheung, M. Solonenko, T.M. Busch, F. Del Piero, M.E. Putt, S.M. Hahn, A.G. Yodh. Correlation of in vivo photosensitizer fluorescence and photodynamic-therapy-induced depth of necrosis in a murine tumor model. Journal of Biomedical Optics 8 (2): 248-252, 2003.

8. O. Seco Diaz, V.B. Reef, B.B. Martin Jr, M.W. Ross, F. Del Piero. Rupture of the biceps tendon in a Thoroughbred steeplechase horse. Equine Veterinary Journal 35 (1): 110-112, 2003.

9. T.M. Busch, E.P. Wileyto, M.J. Emanuele, F. Del Piero, L. Marconato, E. Glatstein, C.J. Koch. Photodynamic therapy creates fluence rate-dependent gradients in the intratumoral spatial distribution of oxygen. Cancer Research 62 (24): 7273-7279, 2002.

10. B. Driessen, L. Zarucco, E.P. Steffey, C. McCullough, F. Del Piero, L. Melton, B. Puschner, S.M. Stover. Serum fluoride concentrations, biochemical and histopathological changes associated with prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia in horses. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A-Physiology Pathology Clinical Medicine 49 (7): 337-347, 2002.

11. E.K. Birks, K.M. Shuler, L.R. Soma, B.B. Martin, L. Marconato, F. Del Piero, D.C. Teleis, D. Schar, A.E. Hessinger, C.E. Uboh. Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH): postrace endoscopic evaluation of Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement (34):375-378, 2002.

12. S.S. Hyman, P.A. Wilkins, J.E. Palmer, T.P. Schaer, F. Del Piero. Clostridium perfringens urachitis and uroperitoneum in 2 neonatal foals. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 16(4):489-493, 2002.

13. K.C. MacGillivray, R.W. Sweeney, F. Del Piero. Metastatic melanoma in horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 16(4):452-456, 2002.10.

14. F. Del Piero, B.A. Summers, J.F. Cummings, E.A. Blomme: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors in equids. Vet Pathol 38 (6), 2001.

15. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins: Pulmonary vasculotropic EHV-1 infection in equids. Veterinary Pathology 38 (4): 474, 2001.

16. P.A. Wilkins, S. Wacholder, T.J. Nolan, D.C. Bolin, P. Hunt, W. Bernard, H. Acland, F. Del Piero. Evidence for transmission of Helicephalobus deletrix (H. gingivalis) from dam to foal. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 15 (4): 412- 417, 2001.

17. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins, E.J. Dubovi, B. Biolatti, C. Cantile. Clinical, pathologic, immunohistochemical and virologic findings of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in two horses. Veterinary Pathology 38 (4): 451-6, 2001.

18. C. Cantile, F. Del Piero, G. DiGuardo, M. Arispici: Pathologic and immunohistochemical findings in naturally occurring West Nile virus infection in horses. Veterinary Pathology 38 (4): 414-421, 2001.

19. C. Snook, S.S. Hyman, F. Del Piero, J.E. Palmer, E.N. Ostlund, B.S. Barr, A-M. Desrochers, L.K. Reilly: West Nile virus encephalomyelitis in eight horses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 218 (10): 1576-1579, 2001

20. E. Scanziani, K.W. Simpson, S. Monestiroli, S. Soldati, D. Strauss-Ayali, F. Del Piero: Histological and immunohistochemical detection of different Helicobacter species in the gastric mucosa of cats. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 13 (1): 3-12, 2001.

21. G.M. Griffin, T. Zhu, M. Solonenko, F. Del Piero, A. Kapatkin, T.M. Busch, A. Yodh, G. Polin, T. Bauer, D. Fraker, S.M. Hahn. Preclinical evaluation of motexafin lutetium-mediated intraperitoneal photodynamic therapy in a canine model. Clinical Cancer Research 7 (2): 374-381, 2001.

22. M.M. McEwen, R.D. Gleed, J.W. Ludders, T. Stokol, F. Del Piero, H.N. Erb: Hepatic effects of halothane and isofluorane anesthesia in goats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 217 (11): 1697-1700, 2000.

23. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins, P.J. Timoney, J. Kadushin, H. Vogelbacker, J.W. Lee, S.J. Berkowitz, K.M. La Perle: Fatal nonneurological EHV-1 infection in a yearling filly. Veterinary Pathology 37(6): 672-676, 2000.

24. F. Del Piero: Diagnosis of equine arteritis virus infection in two horses by using monoclonal antibody immunoperoxidase histochemistry on skin biopsies Veterinary Pathology 37(5): 486-487, 2000.

25. F. Del Piero. Equine Viral Arteritis. Veterinary Pathology 37 (4): 287-296, 2000.

26. P.A. Wilkins, P.S. Marsh, H. Acland, F. Del Piero: Listeria monocytogenes septicemia in a Thoroughbred foal. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation 2000 12 (2): 173-176.

27. B.A. Valentine, F. Del Piero, R.B. Edwards 3rd: Intramuscular desmoid tumor (musculoaponeurotic fibromatosis) in two horses. Veterinary Pathology 36 (5):468-470, 1999.

28. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins, A. DeLahunta, C. Trimarchi, E.J. Dubovi: Rabies in horses in New York State : clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and virological findings. Equine infectious diseases VIII: Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference, Dubai , 23rd - 26th March 1998. R & W Publications ( Newmarket ) Ltd, Newmarket , UK : 1999. 291-296.

29. Y-F. Chang, V. Novosel, E.J. Dubovi, S.J. Wong, F.K. Chu, C-F Chang, F. Del Piero, S. Shin, D.H. Lein: Experimental infection of the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent in horses. Veterinary Parasitology, 78: 137-145, 1998.

30. M.J. Murray, F. Del Piero, S.C. Jeffrey, M.S. Davis, M.O. Furr, E.J. Dubovi, J.A. Mayo: Neonatal equine herpesvirus type 1 infection on a thoroughbred breeding farm. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 12: 36-41, 1998.

31. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins, E.J. Dubovi. BVD virus antigen in Purkinje fibres in a calf. Veterinary Record, 140 (15): 407-408, 1997.

32. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins, J.W. Lopez, A. Glaser, E.J. Dubovi, D.H. Schlafer, D. Lein. Equine arteritis virus in newborn foals: clinical, pathological, serological, microbiological and immunoperoxidase histochemical findings. Equine Veterinary Journal, 29 (3): 178-185, 1997.

33. J. Lopez, F. Del Piero, A. Glaser. M. Finazzi: Immunoperoxidase histochemistry as a diagnostic tool for detection of Equine Arteritis Virus Antigen in formalin fixed tissues. Equine Veterinary Journal, 28 (1): 1996.

Books
1. Fabio Del Piero . Natimortality, abortion and embryonic death in domestic ruminants. Co.R.Fi.La.C. Editor. 2002.

2. L. Marconato & F. Del Piero. Veterinary oncology. Ed. Poletto. , 2005.

Book Chapters
1. B. Biolatti, S. Pau , F. Del Piero. Pathology of embryo and fetus and abortions. In: F. Guarda & G. Mandelli, Anatomic pathology of domestic animals. UTET, 2001.

2. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins. Equine thoracic neoplasia. In: B.P. Smith, Large animal internal medicine. Diseases of the respiratory system, 507-509, Mosby, 2002.

3. F. Del Piero, P.A. Wilkins. Equine Viral arteritis. Current therapy in equine medicine 5, 2002.

4. F. Del Piero. Congenital and inherited anomalies of the reproductive system. The Merck Veterinary Manual. Ed. C. M. Kahn. Ninth edition, 1094 – 1096, 2005.

5. P. Wilkins, F. Del Piero. Rabies. In: Equine infectious diseases. Chapter 8. Debra Sellon & Maureen Long Editors. 2005, in press.

Selected conference papers
1. Eastern equine encephalitis in horses: lesions, virus distribution in tissues, and diagnostic pathologic differences with West Nile flavivirus . The American College of Veterinary Pathologists 55 th annual meeting, Orlando , Florida . Proceedings of the 55 th ACVP annual meeting.

2. Indirect immunohistochemistry on tissues as a diagnostic tool and for the study of the pathogenesis of equine arteritis arterivirus infection. Workshop on the diagnosis of equine arteritis virus infection, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, October 20 th and 21 st, 2004. Proceedings of the EVA workshop.

3. Ocular viral diseases of vertebrate animals . The 15 th Jurak Symposium of Comparative Pathology, Zagreb , Croatia , June 5 th - 6 th, 2004 . Acta Clinica Croatica 43: 165-193, 2004.

4. Immunohistochemical detection of West Nile flavivirus in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded avian, equine and murine tissues . X International Symposium of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians and OIE Seminar on Biotechnology, Salsomaggiore , Italy 4th - 7th July, 2001.

5. Rabies. Proceedings of the 18th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, Denver, Colorado, 23rd - 26th May 2001.

6. How to manage a broodmare farm in the middle of an epizootic. Italian Society of Equine Practitioners ( SIVE ) Annual Meeting,     Salsomaggiore, Parma , Italy : 27th-29th January 2001 .

7. Infectious diseases of equines. Italian Society of Equine Practitioners ( SIVE ) Annual Meeting, Salsomaggiore, Parma , Italy : 27th-29th January 2001 .

8. Abortion and natimortality in horses. Italian Society of Equine Practitioners ( SIVE ) Annual Meeting, Salsomaggiore, Parma , Italy : 27th-29th January 2001 .

9. Pathology of the foal. Italian Society of Equine Practitioners ( SIVE ) Annual Meeting, Salsomaggiore, Parma , Italy : 27th-29th January 2001 .

10. Investigative approach to sporadic and epizootic fetal and perinatal losses. American College of Veterinary Theriogenology.  S. Antonio , Texas . 28th November -2nd December, 2000 .

11. Comparative veterinary tumor pathology. Proceedings of the 11th Jurak Symposium of Comparative Pathology, Zagreb Croatia , June 9th - 10th, 2000 .

12. The role of vascular factors in tumor growth. Proceedings of the 11th Jurak Symposium of Comparative Pathology, Zagreb , Croatia , June 9th - 10th, 2000 .

13. Immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic aid for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in small companion animals. Proceedings of the 18th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, Seattle, Washington, 419-421, May 24th -28th, 2000.

14. Equine herpesvirus infection…is it forever? Proceedings of the 18th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum, Seattle, Washington, 175-177, May 24th -28th 2000.

15. Immunohistochemistry as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of infectious diseases in large animals. Proceedings of the 17th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Congress, Chicago, Illinois, 138-140, June 10th -13th 1999.

16. Equine Herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and other causes of abortion and stillbirth in horses. Veterinarski Dani '98 - Societas Veterinaria Croatica, Rovinj, Dalmatia, Croatia, 181-184, October 14th 1998.