Avian sarcoma/leukosis virus (RCAS)-mediated over-expression of IFITM3 protects chicks from highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1.

Broad-spectrum antiviral activities of interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are primarily attributed to in vitro inhibition of viral entry. Here, we used an avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (RCAS)-based gene transfer system and successfully generated chicks that constitutively express chicken IFITM3 (chIFITM3). The chIFITM3-overexpressing chicks showed significant protection and disease tolerance against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 (Clade 2.

Utility of SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing for patient triage in the emergency department: A clinical implementation study in Melbourne, Australia.

Background: Early, rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is essential in healthcare settings in order to implement appropriate infection control precautions and rapidly assign patients to care pathways. Rapid testing methods, such as SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing (RAT) may improve patient care, despite a lower sensitivity than real-time PCR (RT-PCR) testing.

Methods: Patients presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) in Melbourne, Australia, were risk-stratified for their likelihood of active COVID-19 infection, and a non-randomised cohort of patients were tested by both Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag test (RAT) and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR.

Multi-site assessment of rapid, point-of-care antigen testing for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a low-prevalence setting: A validation and implementation study.

Background: In Australia, COVID-19 diagnosis relies on RT-PCR testing which is relatively costly and time-consuming. To date, few studies have assessed the performance and implementation of rapid antigen-based SARS-CoV-2 testing in a setting with a low prevalence of COVID-19 infections, such as Australia.

Methods: This study recruited participants presenting for COVID-19 testing at three Melbourne metropolitan hospitals during a period of low COVID-19 prevalence.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with seropositive neuromyelitis optica.

We present the case of a 23-year-old female with a subacute history of complex additive neurology which consisted of progressive unilateral visual impairment and subsequent blindness of the right eye, in conjunction with distal lower motor neuron symptoms of weakness and sensory loss from T4 level down. Special investigations performed, included serology and an urgent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord, which exhibited a diffuse demyelinating disease of the brain and spinal cord without the typical features of multiple sclerosis (MS) and laboratory findings, which were positive for the AQP-4 antibody, confirming the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Pulsed methylprednisolone was initiated urgently with good effect and immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide was added after the exclusion of additional pathology.