Point-of-care platform integrated with deep-learning, convolutional neural network algorithms effectively evaluates canine and feline peripheral blood smears.

Objective: To perform a diagnostic assessment of a point-of-care veterinary multiuse platform integrated with a model comprised of deep-learning, convolutional neural network algorithms for evaluating canine/feline peripheral blood smears compared to board-certified clinical pathologists (CPs).

Methods: This study had a blinded, randomized, incomplete block design, and results were compared between CPs and algorithms. Blood smears from convenience samples from veterinary diagnostic reference laboratories from October to December 2021 were used.

Multicenter evaluation of the Vetscan Imagyst system using Ocus 40 and EasyScan One scanners to detect gastrointestinal parasites in feces of dogs and cats.

The Vetscan Imagyst system (Zoetis) is a novel, artificial intelligence-driven detection tool that can assist veterinarians in the identification of enteric parasites in dogs and cats. This system consists of a sample preparation device, an automated digital microscope scanner, and a deep-learning algorithm. The EasyScan One scanner (Motic) has had good diagnostic performance compared with manual examinations by experts; however, there are drawbacks when used in veterinary practices in which space for equipment is often limited.

Further evaluation and validation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: in-clinic feline and canine fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm.

Background: Fecal examinations in pet cats and dogs are key components of routine veterinary practice; however, their accuracy is influenced by diagnostic methodologies and the experience level of personnel performing the tests. The VETSCAN IMAGYST system was developed to provide simpler and easier fecal examinations which are less influenced by examiners' skills. This system consists of three components: a sample preparation device, an automated microscope scanner, and analysis software.

Digital detection of endonuclease mediated gene disruption in the HIV provirus.

Genome editing by designer nucleases is a rapidly evolving technology utilized in a highly diverse set of research fields. Among all fields, the T7 endonuclease mismatch cleavage assay, or Surveyor assay, is the most commonly used tool to assess genomic editing by designer nucleases. This assay, while relatively easy to perform, provides only a semi-quantitative measure of mutation efficiency that lacks sensitivity and accuracy.

A multiplexed droplet digital PCR assay performs better than qPCR on inhibition prone samples.

We demonstrate the development of a multiplex droplet digital PCR assay for human cytomegalovirus (CMV), human adenovirus species F, and an internal plasmid control that may be useful for PCR inhibition-prone clinical samples. This assay performs better on inhibition-prone stool samples than a quantitative PCR assay for CMV and is the first published clinical virology droplet digital PCR assay to incorporate an internal control.

Prevalence of chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 in patients with human herpesvirus 6-central nervous system dysfunction.

We identified 37 hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients with human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) central nervous system dysfunction and tested donor-recipient pairs for chromosomally integrated HHV-6 (ciHHV-6). One patient had ciHHV-6A with possible HHV-6A reactivation and encephalitis. There was no ciHHV-6 enrichment in this group, but larger studies are needed to determine if patients with ciHHV-6 are at increased risk for HHV-6-associated diseases or other complications.

Clinical utility of droplet digital PCR for human cytomegalovirus.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has historically been the major infectious cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving hematopoietic cell or organ transplant. Standard care in a transplant setting involves frequent monitoring of CMV viral load over weeks to months to determine when antiviral treatment may be required. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the standard molecular diagnostic method for monitoring.

Identification of chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 by droplet digital PCR.

Background: Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) latently infects a majority of adults. In about 1% of the population HHV-6 exists in a chromosomally integrated form (ciHHV-6) that resides in every somatic and germ cell and can be transmitted through the germ line. Patients with ciHHV-6 have been misdiagnosed and unnecessarily treated for active HHV-6 infection, sometimes with important side effects, based on results from quantitative molecular HHV-6 tests.

Rapid detection of human cytomegalovirus UL97 and UL54 mutations directly from patient samples.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, particularly in the transplant setting. The availability of anti-CMV drugs has improved treatment, but drug resistance is an emerging problem. Here, we describe an improved, rapid, sequencing-based assay for the two genes in CMV where drug resistance occurs, the UL97 and UL54 genes.