Expanding the range of the respiratory infectome in Australian feedlot cattle with and without respiratory disease using metatranscriptomics.

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most common diseases in intensively managed cattle, often resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Although several pathogens have been isolated and extensively studied, the complete infectome of the respiratory complex consists of a more extensive range unrecognised species. Here, we used total RNA sequencing (i.

Multiplexed serotype-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assays - A valuable tool to support large-scale surveillance for bluetongue virus infection.

In the last decade, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been increasingly adopted for bluetongue diagnosis with both broadly reactive and serotype-specific assays widely used. The use of these assays and nucleic acid sequencing technologies have enhanced bluetongue virus detection, resulting in the identification of a number of new serotypes. As a result, 27 different serotypes are officially recognised, and at least three more are proposed.

Identification of a novel nidovirus as a potential cause of large scale mortalities in the endangered Bellinger River snapping turtle (Myuchelys georgesi).

In mid-February 2015, a large number of deaths were observed in the sole extant population of an endangered species of freshwater snapping turtle, Myuchelys georgesi, in a coastal river in New South Wales, Australia. Mortalities continued for approximately 7 weeks and affected mostly adult animals. More than 400 dead or dying animals were observed and population surveys conducted after the outbreak had ceased indicated that only a very small proportion of the population had survived, severely threatening the viability of the wild population.

Characterization of virulent West Nile virus Kunjin strain, Australia, 2011.

To determine the cause of an unprecedented outbreak of encephalitis among horses in New South Wales, Australia, in 2011, we performed genomic sequencing of viruses isolated from affected horses and mosquitoes. Results showed that most of the cases were caused by a variant West Nile virus (WNV) strain, WNV(NSW2011), that is most closely related to WNV Kunjin (WNV(KUN)), the indigenous WNV strain in Australia. Studies in mouse models for WNV pathogenesis showed that WNV(NSW2011) is substantially more neuroinvasive than the prototype WNV(KUN) strain.

Experimental infections of the porcine foetus with Bungowannah virus, a novel pestivirus.

In 2003 an outbreak of sudden deaths occurred in 2-3-week-old pigs on a piggery in New South Wales, Australia. There was a marked increase in the birth of stillborn pigs and preweaning losses associated with a multifocal non-suppurative myocarditis with myonecrosis. The aim of this study was to amplify any infectious agents present in field material to aid the detection and identification of the causative agent of the porcine myocarditis syndrome (PMC).

Field and laboratory evidence that Bungowannah virus, a recently recognised pestivirus, is the causative agent of the porcine myocarditis syndrome (PMC).

In 2003 an outbreak of sudden deaths occurred in 2-3-week-old piglets on a piggery in New South Wales, Australia. There was a marked increase in the birth of stillborn piglets and preweaning losses associated with a multifocal non-suppurative myocarditis with myonecrosis. The aim of this study was to review existing data and to undertake further investigations of specimens from naturally infected pigs to provide evidence to support the hypothesis that Bungowannah virus, a recently recognised pestivirus, causes the porcine myocarditis syndrome (PMC).

Immune cell transcriptome datasets reveal novel leukocyte subset-specific genes and genes associated with allergic processes.

Background: The precise function of various resting and activated leukocyte subsets remains unclear. For instance, mast cells, basophils, and eosinophils play important roles in allergic inflammation but also participate in other immunologic responses. One strategy to understand leukocyte subset function is to define the expression and function of subset-restricted molecules.

The adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein aP2 is required in allergic airway inflammation.

The adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein aP2 regulates systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. We report that aP2, in addition to being abundantly expressed by adipocytes, is also expressed by human airway epithelial cells and shows a striking upregulation following stimulation of epithelial cells with the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. Regulation of aP2 mRNA expression by Th2 cytokines was highly dependent on STAT6, a transcription factor with a major regulatory role in allergic inflammation.