Amino acid variations of the immuno-dominant domain of respiratory syncytial virus attachment glycoprotein (G) affect the antibody responses In BALB/c mice.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of respiratory illness in ruminants and infants. The G glycoprotein of RSV serves as the viral attachment ligand. Despite currently available vaccines, RSV immunity is insufficient, and re-infections occur.

Development and validation of quantitative PCR for detection of Terrapene herpesvirus 1 utilizing free-ranging eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).

Diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract (URT) in chelonians have been well described as a significant contributor of morbidity and mortality. Specifically, herpesviruses are common pathogens in captive chelonians worldwide, but their importance on free-ranging populations is less well known. Historical methods for the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections include virus isolation and conventional PCR.

Emergence of peste des petits ruminants virus lineage IV in Ismailia Province, Egypt.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, highly contagious fatal disease of small ruminants characterized by high fever, ocular and nasal discharge, pneumonia, erosive stomatitis and severe enteritis that ultimately results in high mortalities. Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) is widely distributed and endemic in several African, middle eastern and south Asian countries and it poses a threat to European countries. Egyptian veterinary medical authorities stated that Egypt is free from PPRV and the only measures for disease control are test and slaughter of infected population to maintain the free status.

PCR prevalence of Ranavirus in free-ranging eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at rehabilitation centers in three southeastern US states.

Ranaviruses (genus Ranavirus) have been observed in disease epidemics and mass mortality events in free-ranging amphibian, turtle, and tortoise populations worldwide. Infection is highly fatal in turtles, and the potential impact on endangered populations could be devastating. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of ranavirus DNA in blood and oral swabs, report associated clinical signs of infection, and determine spatial distribution of infected turtles.

Molecular characterization of the L1 gene of papillomaviruses in epithelial lesions of cats and comparative analysis with corresponding gene sequences of human and feline papillomaviruses.

Objective: To characterize the L1 gene of papillomaviruses detected in epithelial lesions of cats and to determine the relationship between those L1 gene nucleotide sequences and known L1 gene sequences of human and feline papillomaviruses.

Sample Population: 10 tissue samples of epithelial lesions from 8 cats.

Procedures: DNA was extracted from tissue samples.

Influenza virus A (H1N1) in giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

In February 2007, an outbreak of respiratory disease occurred in a group of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) at the Nashville Zoo. Isolates from 2 affected animals were identified in March 2007 as a type A influenza virus related to human influenza subtype H1N1.

Isolation of Propionibacterium acnes from a case of placentitis and abortion in a cow.

On the basis of the scarcity of reports in the veterinary literature, it appears that Propionibacterium spp. are rarely associated with disease or isolated from cattle tissues. Recently, Propionibacterium spp.

Development and validation of a TaqMan real-time reverse transcription-PCR for rapid detection of feline calicivirus.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common cause of upper respiratory tract disease in cats and is associated with interstitial pneumonia, oral ulceration and polyarthritis. Recently, outbreaks have involved a highly virulent FCV that leads to multisystemic signs. Virus isolation and conventional RT-PCR are the most common methods used for FCV diagnosis.

Detection of feline panleukopenia virus using a commercial ELISA for canine parvovirus.

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a significant pathogen of cats. Rapid virus detection is critical for treatment and management, especially in populations in which spread may occur. This study investigated the ability of the SNAP Canine Parvovirus Antigen Test Kit (SNAP Parvo, IDEXX Laboratories) to detect FPV with confirmation of viral identity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and genetic sequencing on fecal samples (n = 97) from cats with suspected FPV infection.

Abortion in a horse following Neorickettsia risticii infection.

A pregnant 18-year-old Quarterhorse mare presented with fever, anorexia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and gastrointestinal hypermotility at day 68 of gestation. Potomac horse fever was diagnosed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of whole blood and a high antibody titer to Neorickettsia risticii. The mare made a rapid clinical recovery following antibiotic therapy, but aborted 98 days later.

Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats.

Objective: To determine whether expression of feline coronavirus (FCoV) 7b protein, as indicated by the presence of specific serum antibodies, consistently correlated with occurrence of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats.

Sample Population: 95 serum samples submitted for various diagnostic assays and 20 samples from specific-pathogen-free cats tested as negative control samples.

Procedures: The 7b gene from a virulent strain of FCoV was cloned into a protein expression vector.

Expression of HLA-G in cancer bladder.

This study comprised 42 patients with cancer bladder, who underwent radical cystectomy. The aim of work is to determine if HLA-G is expressed on tumor cells, derived from cancer bladder. We studied HLA-G-mRNA expression using RT-PCR and HLA-G cell surface expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining technique.

Genetic analysis of feline caliciviruses associated with a hemorrhagic-like disease.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is 1 of the most common causes of upper respiratory tract disease in cats. Other disease syndromes associated with FCV infection have been reported. Recently, calicivirus infection associated with a hemorrhagic-like disease leading to significant mortality in cats has been reported.