|
Abstract
In April 2014, a total of 100 fecal swab samples and 6 dead chickens were collected from live-poultry wholesale markets in Taipei. An avian influenza (AI) virus of subtype H5N2 (A/chicken/Taiwan/A3190/2014) was isolated from a dead chicken. To further understand the risk caused by these new viruses, we characterized the genetic features and pathogenicity of these viruses. These viruses belong to high-pathogenic strains, as assessed by the intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) tests. The hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the virus contained multiple basic amino acid residues (-PKREKREKR*GLF-) adjacent to the cleavage site between the HA1 and HA2 domains. This is a novel genetic feature that is not observed in other HPAI isolates.
|
|
Abstract
For the better understanding of rabies diagnostic techniques and for general research exchange, the AHRI dispatched two staff members to visit the Department of Veterinary Science, at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and Department of Veterinary Pathology, in the School of Veterinary Medicine, at Kitasato University, Japan from July 3 to 16, 2016. The 14-day schedule included discussions of academic cooperation and hand-on experiments of rabies diagnosis. An MOU and a Biological Material Transfer Agreement were drafted by both parties. Techniques including RFFIT, RT-LAMP, DRIT, and real-time RT-PCR were practiced during the visit, and our Japanese collaborators shared their experiences in plasmid immunization, surveillance of wildlife disease and rabies in Japan, as well as the pathological analysis and pathogenesis of rabies. Moreover, we discussed how to improve rabies diagnostic techniques and research in Taiwan. Both parties agreed that the bilateral visit was helpful for academic and technical exchange and will be of great benefit for long-term academic cooperation. The NIID will apply for an international cooperative project and invite rabies laboratories from various Asian countries to share their experiences in proficiency tests and in the improvement of the quality of rabies diagnosis. It will be helpful to those Asian laboratories, which cannot afford proficiency tests hosted by the OIE Reference Laboratory, or do not have enough diagnostic capabilities for rabies detection. Thus, these activities could be beneficial in establishing a highly effective rabies prevention and surveillance network in Asia.
|