Comparison of direct RNA sequencing of Orthoavulavirus javaense using two different chemistries on the MinION platform.

Rapidly identifying and sequencing viral pathogens in poultry flocks can substantially reduce economic loss especially during disease outbreaks. Current next generation sequencing technologies require multi-step laboratory-intensive workflows to generate sequence data which precludes field adaptation. In this study, we hypothesized that direct RNA sequencing (DRS) using an Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) MinION device would enable sequencing of the full-length viral RNA genome of Orthoavulavirus javaense (OAVJ), the causative of Newcastle disease, a major poultry challenge.

Characterizing Host microRNA: Virus Interactions of .

Post-transcriptional gene regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) relies on sequence complementarity between the miRNA seed site and the target gene transcript(s). This complementarity can completely inhibit or reduce translation into protein. We hypothesized that viruses employ sequence complementarity/similarity with host miRNAs to inhibit or increase the miRNA-mediated regulation of host gene expression specifically during viral infection(s).

Detection and differentiation of low virulence and virulent Orthoavulavirus javaense using a molecular beacon with RT-LAMP.

Newcastle disease (ND), an economically important disease in poultry, is caused by virulent strains of the genetically diverse Orthoavulavirus javaense (OAVJ). Laboratories rely on quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to detect OAVJ and differentiate between OAVJ pathotypes. This study demonstrates that a fusion cleavage site based molecular beacon with reverse transcription loop mediated isothermal amplification (MB-RT-LAMP) assay can detect and differentiate OAVJ pathotypes in a single assay.

Select Agent Regulatory Challenges in a Patient Care Setting: Review and Recommendations.

The Federal Select Agent Program ensures the safe and secure possession, use, and transfer of biological select agents and toxins through the select agent regulations (42 CFR §73, 7 CFR §331, and 9 CFR §121). These regulations are primarily written for interpretation by diagnostic and research laboratories, with limited text pertaining to the care of individuals infected with a select agent. The regulations applicable to patient care settings are ambiguous, resulting in challenges with regulatory compliance.

GP38 as a vaccine target for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus that causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. There is a great need for effective vaccines and therapeutics against CCHFV for humans, as none are currently internationally approved. Recently, a monoclonal antibody against the GP38 glycoprotein protected mice against lethal CCHFV challenge.