Haematological reference intervals in captive African Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)

The African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is one of the most popular avian pets in exotic animal practice. In this study, blood samples (n = 459) from healthy African Grey parrots (n = 239) were collected for haematological testing. Reference intervals were determined according to the guidelines of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology with the Reference Value Advisor (v2.1) freeware. The calculated reference intervals (RIs) were: packed cell volume 38–59%; haemoglobin 105–154 g/l; RBC 2.3–3.3 10⁶/µl; MCV 145.5–199.7 fl; MHC 38.3–55.6 pg; MCHC 232–313 g/l; WBC 2.7–12.6 10³/µl; heterophils 1.2–10.2 10³/µl; lymphocytes 0.8–4.3 10³/µl; monocytes 0.0–0.6 10³/µl; basophils 0.0–0.1 10³/µl; eosinophils 0.0–0.2 10³/µl. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in psittacines to use such a high number of birds and samples to establish haematological species-specific RIs, providing a valuable tool to professionals dealing with the health of African Grey parrots.

Building a network of TP53 and IGHV testing reference centers across Spain: the Red53 initiative

Among the different biomarkers predicting response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most influential parameters are the mutational status of the IGHV genes and the presence of TP53 gene disruptions. Nevertheless, these important assessments are not readily available in most centers dealing with CLL patients. To provide this molecular testing across the country, the Spanish Cooperative Group on CLL (GELLC) established a network of four analytical reference centers. A total of 2153 samples from 256 centers were analyzed over a period of 30 months. In 9% of the patients, we found pathological mutations in the TP53 gene, whereas 48.96% were classified as IGHV unmutated. Results of the satisfaction survey of the program showed a Net Promoter Score of 85.15. Building a national network for molecular testing in CLL allowed the CLL population a broad access to complex biomarkers analysis that should translate into a more accurate and informed therapeutic decision-making.

Triazole susceptibility of Aspergillus species: environmental survey in Lagos, Nigeria and review of the rest of Africa

Background: Triazole resistance is an emerging problem in the management of human aspergillosis globally and can arise in Aspergillus species which have been exposed to azole fungicides in the environment. We surveyed local government and council development areas in Lagos, Nigeria, to determine the distribution of Aspergillus species in the environment and their susceptibility to locally available triazole antifungal agents. We also reviewed the literature on the subject from the rest of Africa. Methods: A total of 168 soil samples from six locations in Lagos, Nigeria were processed and cultured on Saboraud dextrose agar impregnated with chloramphenicol to isolate Aspergillus species. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to itraconazole and voriconazole by microbroth dilution according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing reference method. Relevant databases were searched to identify published work pertaining to triazole susceptibility of Aspergillus species in Africa. Results: A total of 117 Aspergillus species were isolated. Aspergillus niger was the most frequently isolated species (42.7%). Other species isolated were Aspergillus flavus, 37 (31.6%), Aspergillus terreus, 20 (17.1%), Aspergillus fumigatus, 5 (4.3%) and Aspergillus nidulans, 5 (4.3%). All isolates were susceptible to itraconazole and voriconazole. The literature review showed documented evidence of triazole-resistant Aspergillus species from East and West Africa. Conclusions: We found no triazole resistance in environmental isolates of Aspergillus in Lagos, Nigeria. Nevertheless, regular surveillance in clinical and environmental isolates is necessary in the light of findings from other African studies.

Estimating highwall miner technical condition using vibration diagnostics methods

Based on the results of Highwall Miner diagnostic testing, reference spectral masks for every component and assembly were built. They standardize vibration intensity level in different frequency domains of spectra and previously were used for estimating their technical conditions. Two-year period of monitoring proved the effectiveness of the approach for shifting to the system of preventative maintenance.

Simultaneous Detection of Bluetongue Virus Serotypes Using xMAP Technology

Bluetongue is an economically important disease of ruminants caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV). BTV is serologically diverse, which complicates vaccination strategies. Rapid identification of the causative BTV serotypes is critical, however, real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) can be costly and time consuming to perform when the circulating serotypes are unknown. The Luminex xMAP technology is a high-throughput platform that uses fluorescent beads to detect multiple targets simultaneously. We utilized existing BTV serotyping RT-qPCR assays for BTV-1 to BTV-24 and adapted them for use with the xMAP platform. The xMAP assay specifically detected all 24 BTV serotypes when testing reference strains. In all BTV-positive samples, the sensitivity of the BTV xMAP was 87.55% whereas the sensitivity of the serotype-specific RT-qPCR was 79.85%. The BTV xMAP assay allowed for the specific detection of BTV serotypes 1–24 at a lower cost than current RT-qPCR assays. Overall, the assay provides a useful novel diagnostic tool, particularly when analyzing large sample sets. The use of the BTV xMAP assay will allow for the rapid assessment of BTV epidemiology and may inform decision-making related to control and prevention measures.