Whole-Genome Sequence of a Beak and Feather Disease Virus Isolate from a Fledgling Red-Capped Parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius)

The complete genome sequence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) from a fledgling red-capped parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius) was assembled and characterized. The genome consists of 1,995 nucleotides and encodes two major proteins in opposing directions. This is the first evidence of BFDV infectivity and a complete genome sequence for this novel host

The first complete mitogenome of red-bellied parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris) resolves phylogenetic status within Psittacidae

This paper describes the genomic architecture of a complete mitogenome from a red-bellied parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris). The mitogenome sequence was circular and 15,524 bp in length. Compared to other Psittacidae species, the genome encoded a conserved structure consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two rRNA genes, 21 tRNA genes, and two control regions, however, the mitogenome was missing a part of control region and a tRNA-Leu. The lengths of 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA were 975 bp and 1569 bp, respectively. The overall base composition of the mitogenome of P. rufiventris was dominated by higher AT (51.6%) than GC (48.4%) content. The complete mitogenome sequence determined in this study would be useful to track the deeper evolutionary history and the conservation of P. rufiventris

Molecular Characterization of a Beak and Feather Disease Virus Genome from a Purple Crowned Lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala)

The complete genome sequence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) from a purple crowned lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala) was characterized. The genome consists of 2,010 nucleotides and encodes replicase-associated protein and capsid protein. This is the first evidence of BFDV infectivity and complete genome sequence for this novel host

Characterization of Beak and Feather Disease Virus Genomes from Wild Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna)

Three complete genomes of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) were recovered from wild musk lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna). The genomes consisted of 2,008 to 2,010 nucleotides (nt) and encode two major proteins transcribing in opposing directions. This is the first report of BFDV complete genome sequences obtained from this host species

Evidence of a deep viral host switch event with beak and feather disease virus infection in rainbow bee-eaters (Merops ornatus)

Since the characterization of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) in 1984, a wide range of avian circoviruses have been discovered with varying pathogenic effects amongst a diverse range of avian hosts. Until recently these circovirus species were thought to be restricted to within avian Orders such as the Psittaciformes for beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and Columbiformes for pigeon circovirus with little evidence of cross-family transmission or replication. We report evidence of a naturally occurring novel host switch event with self-limiting BFDV infection in a group of rainbow bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) a species of Coraciiformes unrelated to parrots and not previously known to be susceptible to any avian circovirus. The outbreak highlights important and unexpected aspects of disease emergence and host-switching pertinent to other situations when viruses might cross species boundaries as well as the potential of avian circoviruses to infect disparate host species

Evaluation of the Capacity of PCR and High-Resolution Melt Curve Analysis for Identification of Mixed Infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum Strains.

Pathogenicity and presentation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection may differ from one strain to another and this may have implications on control measures. Infection of individual birds with more than one MG strain has been reported. A PCR followed by high resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis has been developed in our laboratory and routinely used for detection and differentiation of MG strains. However the potential of this test for identification of MG strains in a mixed specimen has not been evaluated. In the present study, the capability of PCR-HRM curve analysis technique, targeting vlhA and pvpA genes was assessed for identification of individual MG strains in a mixed population. Different DNA ratios of two MG strains from 1 to 10(-4) ng were tested with some generated conventional and normalized curves distinct from those of individual strains alone. Using genotype confidence percentages (GCP) generated from HRM curve analysis, it was found that vlhA PCR-HRM was more consistent than pvpA PCR-HRM for the detection of MG ts-11 vaccine strain mixed with any of the MG strains 6/85, F, S6 or a field isolate. The potential of vlhA PCR-HRM to detect mixed MG strains in a specimen was found to be primarily dependent on quantity and proportion of the target DNAs in the mixture. This is the first study examining the capacity of PCR-HRM technique for identification of individual MG strains in a mixed strain population

Current Perspective of Sialylated Milk Oligosaccharides in Mammalian Milk: Implications for Brain and Gut Health of Newborns

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and lipids of breast milk. All mammal milk contains soluble oligosaccharides, including neutral milk oligosaccharides (NMOs) without sialic acid (Sia) moieties and acidic oligosaccharides or sialylated milk oligosaccharides (SMOs) with Sia residues at the end of sugar chains. The structural, biological diversity, and concentration of milk oligosaccharides in mammalian milk are significantly different among species. HMOs have multiple health benefits for newborns, including development of immune system, modification of the intestinal microbiota, anti-adhesive effect against pathogens, and brain development. Most infant formulas lack oligosaccharides which resemble HMOs. Formula-fed infants perform poorly across physical and psychological wellbeing measures and suffer health disadvantages compared to breast-fed infants due to the differences in the nutritional composition of breast milk and infant formula. Of these milk oligosaccharides, SMOs are coming to the forefront of research due to the beneficial nature of Sia. This review aims to critically discuss the current state of knowledge of the biology and role of SMOs in human milk, infant formula milks, and milk from several other species on gut and brain health of human and animal offspring

<i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> cultures used in this study and their origin.

<p><i>Mycoplasma gallisepticum</i> cultures used in this study and their origin.</p

Conventional and normalized melt curve analysis of mixed strains using <i>pvpA</i>-PCR.

<p>Mixture of ts-11 and F strain (a and b), ts-11 and 6/85 strain (c and d), ts-11 and S6 strain (e and f), ts-11 and 86026 field isolate (g and h). Specimens A, B, C, D and E each contains 1 ng of ts-11 DNA and 1-10^-4 ng of contaminant MG DNA and specimens F, G, H and I each contains 1-10^-4 ng of ts-11 DNA and 1 ng of contaminant MG DNA, respectively.</p