Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection, Australia.

During a mouse plague in early 2021, a farmer from New South Wales, Australia, sought treatment for aseptic meningitis and was subsequently diagnosed with locally acquired lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Whole-genome sequencing identified a divergent and geographically distinct lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus strain compared with other published sequences.

Dose-dependent response to infection with SARS-CoV-2 in the ferret model and evidence of protective immunity.

There is a vital need for authentic COVID-19 animal models to enable the pre-clinical evaluation of candidate vaccines and therapeutics. Here we report a dose titration study of SARS-CoV-2 in the ferret model. After a high (5 × 10 pfu) and medium (5 × 10 pfu) dose of virus is delivered, intranasally, viral RNA shedding in the upper respiratory tract (URT) is observed in 6/6 animals, however, only 1/6 ferrets show similar signs after low dose (5 × 10 pfu) challenge.

Increasing proportion of herpes simplex virus type 1 among women and men diagnosed with first-episode anogenital herpes: a retrospective observational study over 14 years in Melbourne, Australia.

Objectives: Reports of rising herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genital infections relative to HSV-2 have been published up to 2006 in Australia. These changes have been attributed to declining childhood immunity to HSV-1. We described the temporal trends of HSV-1 and HSV-2 up to 2017 in Melbourne, Australia, to determine if the earlier trend is continuing.

Utility of a Stressed Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of Measles Vaccine Strains in Patient Samples.

Rapid differentiation of wild-type measles virus from measles vaccine strains is crucial during a measles outbreak and in a measles elimination setting. A real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) for the rapid detection of measles vaccine strains was developed with high specificity and sensitivity equivalent to that of traditional measles genotyping methods. The "stressed" minor groove binder-TaqMan probe design approach achieves specificity to vaccine strains only, without compromising sensitivity.

Neutralization Assay for Zika and Dengue Viruses by Use of Real-Time-PCR-Based Endpoint Assessment.

The global spread and infective complications of Zika virus (ZKV) and dengue virus (DENV) have made them flaviviruses of public health concern. Serological diagnosis can be challenging due to antibody cross-reactivity, particularly in secondary flavivirus infections or when there is a history of flavivirus vaccination. The virus neutralization assay is considered to be the most specific assay for measurement of anti-flavivirus antibodies.

A norovirus intervariant GII.4 recombinant in Victoria, Australia, June 2016: the next epidemic variant?

A norovirus recombinant GII.P4_NewOrleans_2009/GII.4_Sydney_2012 was first detected in Victoria, Australia, in August 2015 at low frequency, and then re-emerged in June 2016, having undergone genetic changes.

Electron microscope detection of tubular aggregates in the mosquito cell line C6/36 treated with Culex australicus (mosquito) homogenate.

'Tubular aggregates' are morphologically distinct cytoplasmic structures that have been linked to a variety of pathological conditions. This report documents the presence of tubular aggregates in an insect cell line (C6/36 cells derived from Aedes albopictus) following inoculation of the cells with material derived from cell culture passaged homogenized Culex australicus mosquitoes. The tubular aggregates were detected in ∼2% of treated cells and had three morphological forms that were termed primary, secondary and tertiary, with progressively greater levels of structural complexity.

Norovirus genotype diversity associated with gastroenteritis outbreaks in Victoria in 2013.

The noroviruses are now considered a leading cause of outbreaks of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Vaccine strategies against norovirus are currently under consideration but depend on a detailed knowledge of the capsid genotypes. This study examined the incidence of norovirus outbreaks in Victoria over 1 year (2013) and documented the genotypes occurring in the different outbreak settings (healthcare and non-healthcare) and age groups.

Detection and genotyping of enteroviruses in cerebrospinal fluid in patients in Victoria, Australia, 2007-2013.

Genotyping by VP1 fragment polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid sequencing to detect enterovirus (EV) genotypes was performed directly on 729 EV PCR positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected between 2007 and 2012 from Victorian hospital inpatients. The overall genotype identification rate from CSF-positive material was 43%. The four most common genotypes identified were Echovirus 6 (24%), Echovirus 30 (17%), Echovirus 25 (10%), and Coxsackievirus A9 (10%), together comprising 61% of all EVs typed.

Evaluation of the Bioline Standard Diagnostics SD immunochromatographic norovirus detection kit using fecal specimens from Australian gastroenteritis incidents.

Human norovirus is a major cause of both sporadic cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis and comprises two main genogroups (GI and GII) which, in turn, comprise a variety of genotypes. The current study examined the efficacy of the Bioline SD kit using fecal material from Australian gastroenteritis incidents. At best, the SD kit had a sensitivity of 62%.

Reality check of laboratory service effectiveness during pandemic (H1N1) 2009, Victoria, Australia.

In Australia, the outbreak of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 began in Melbourne, Victoria; in the first 17 days, the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory detected 977 cases. Although the laboratory had a pandemic plan in place, a retrospective evaluation found 3 major variations from plan assumptions: 1) higher peak demand not limited by a case definition, 2) prolonged peak demand because containment attempts continued despite widespread influenza, and 3) unexpected influence of negative test results on public health actions. Although implementation of the plan was generally successful, the greatest challenges were limited availability of skilled staff and test reagents.

Evaluation of the RIDA(®)QUICK immunochromatographic norovirus detection assay using specimens from Australian gastroenteritis incidents.

A range of laboratory methods is now available for the detection of norovirus, a major cause of gastroenteritis. Recently, a commercial immunochromatographic assay for norovirus detection, the RIDA(®)QUICK assay, has become available, but there is still only limited information on its efficacy. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of the RIDA(®)QUICK assay, using faecal material received for testing in a major diagnostic/reference laboratory in Australia.

Influenza surveillance in Australia: we need to do more than count.

Laboratory-confirmed influenza is a nationally notifiable disease in Australia. According to notification data, Queensland has experienced more severe influenza seasons than other states and territories. However, this method ignores available denominator data: the number of laboratory tests performed.

Proficiency of nucleic acid tests for avian influenza viruses, Australasia.

An avian influenza quality assurance program was used to provide information for laboratories on the sensitivity and specificity of their avian influenza nucleic acid testing. Most laboratories were able to correctly detect clinically relevant amounts of influenza virus (H5N1), and results improved as each subsequent panel was tested.

The etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in Australia: why penicillin plus doxycycline or a macrolide is the most appropriate therapy.

Background: Available data on the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Australia are very limited. Local treatment guidelines promote the use of combination therapy with agents such as penicillin or amoxycillin combined with either doxycycline or a macrolide.

Methods: The Australian CAP Study (ACAPS) was a prospective, multicenter study of 885 episodes of CAP in which all patients underwent detailed assessment for bacterial and viral pathogens (cultures, urinary antigen testing, serological methods, and polymerase chain reaction).

Personal protective equipment and antiviral drug use during hospitalization for suspected avian or pandemic influenza.

For pandemic influenza planning, realistic estimates of personal protective equipment (PPE) and antiviral medication required for hospital healthcare workers (HCWs) are vital. In this simulation study, a patient with suspected avian or pandemic influenza (API) sought treatment at 9 Australian hospital emergency departments where patient-staff interactions during the first 6 hours of hospitalization were observed. Based on World Health Organization definitions and guidelines, the mean number of "close contacts" of the API patient was 12.

Laboratory diagnosis of human seasonal and pandemic influenza virus infection.

Laboratory diagnosis is important to distinguish influenza from other respiratory virus infections. It will be especially important in detecting the first cases of pandemic influenza. Good quality respiratory tract sampling is needed to maximise diagnostic yield in influenza infection.

Rising HIV infection in Victoria: an analysis of surveillance data.

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of HIV in Victoria between 1997 and 2002 using HIV surveillance data.

Methods: All HIV diagnoses notified to the Victorian HIV Registry from 1997 to 2002 were described.

Results: The average annual number of HIV notifications rose from 160 during 1997-99 to 216 during 2000-02, with the number of infections from men who have sex with men (MSM) increasing by 41%.

Rotavirus detection and characterisation in outbreaks of gastroenteritis in aged-care facilities.

Background: Although rotavirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis in children, its role in adult gastroenteritis and the sensitivity of different methods for its detection in specimens collected from adults are less well understood.

Objectives: (1) To examine the frequency and seasonality of rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis outbreaks in aged-care facilities in Victoria, Australia. (2) To determine rotavirus type in these outbreaks.

Studies of measles viruses circulating in Australia between 1999 and 2001 reveals a new genotype.

Nineteen distinct measles virus (MV) strains associated with nine different genotypes were identified in five Australian states (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia) between 1999 and 2001. One of the strains identified is likely to represent a new genotype within the clade D viruses (proposed to be d9). No evidence for an indigenous MV strain was found.