Improved detection of influenza A virus from blue-winged teals by sequencing directly from swab material.

Abstract: The greatest diversity of influenza A virus (IAV) is found in wild aquatic birds of the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. In these birds, IAV replication occurs mostly in the intestinal tract. Fecal, cloacal, and/or tracheal swabs are typically collected and tested by real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) and/or by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs in order to determine the presence of IAV.

GENETIC RELATEDNESS OF EPIZOOTIC HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS SEROTYPE 2 FROM 2012 OUTBREAK IN THE USA.

During summer and early fall of 2012, the US experienced the largest outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) on record; deer (both Odocoileus virginianus and Odocoileus hemionus) in 35 states were affected, including many northern states where HD typically does not occur. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) was the predominant virus isolated, with serotype 2 (EHDV-2) representing 66% (135/205) of all isolated viruses. Viruses within the EHDV serogroup are genetically similar, but we hypothesized that subtle genetic distinctions between viruses would exist across the geographic range of the outbreak if multiple EHDV-2 strains were responsible.

Isolation and functional analysis of mitochondria from cultured cells and mouse tissue.

Comparison between two or more distinct groups, such as healthy vs. disease, is necessary to determine cellular status. Mitochondria are at the nexus of cell heath due to their role in both cell metabolism and energy production as well as control of apoptosis.