Sequence and phylogenetic analysis identifies a putative novel gyrovirus 3 genotype in ferret feces.

The genomic sequence of a novel gyrovirus (GyV) 3 strain was detected from the fecal sample of a pet ferret. The length (2,359 nt) and the basic genomic structure of this strain was very similar to that of the single known GyV3 reference strain, whereas the genome sequence identity between the two strains was only 76 %. Similarly, moderate sequence homology was found within the predicted protein coding regions, VP1 (nt, 72 %; aa, 76 %), VP2 (nt, 84 %; aa, 85 %), and VP3 (nt, 85 %; aa, 73 %). Sequence identities were lower when comparing our strain with other GyV species (48-65 % genome-wide nt identity). Phylogenetic analysis of the coding regions clustered the ferret origin GyV3 strain within Clade A. Although the available whole genomic sequence of novel GyVs permits limited conclusions to be drawn regarding the classification of the Hungarian GyV3 strain, our data indicate that this novel strain may be considered as a new genotype within GyV3. Further investigations are needed to reveal the genetic diversity and biological properties of newly described members of the Gyrovirus genus.

Molecular detection and characterization of human gyroviruses identified in the ferret fecal virome.

The recently described novel gyroviruses may infect chickens and/or humans; however, their pathogenic potential is unknown. In our metagenomic investigation, we detected many of the novel gyroviruses in the fecal viromes of ferrets with lymph node and organ enlargement. The complete genomic sequences of selected gyrovirus strains showed 90.7-99.4 % similarity to homologous reference gyrovirus strains. This study did not demonstrate an association between gyrovirus shedding from ferrets and the observed background disease; however, it provides evidence for genetic diversity among gyroviruses and raises the possibility that pet ferrets may transmit gyroviruses to heterologous hosts, e.g., humans.

A case of cutaneous angiolipoleiomyoma (angiomyolipoma) in a budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

We report a case of cutaneous angiolipoleiomyoma (angiomyolipoma) found on the anterior wall of the ventral part of the abdomen of a three-year-old female budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus). Histologic examination of the well-circumscribed, surgically removed tumour (1.5 cm in diameter) showed a benign admixed proliferation of blood vessels of different size, smooth muscle bundles, and mature adipose tissue, without evidence of malignancy. Endothelial cells of the haemangioma component were positive for claudin-5 endothelium-specific immunohistochemical marker, and the leiomyoma component was positive for α-smooth muscle actin. The differentiated lipocytes showed S-100 protein positivity. The Ki-67 labelling index was 2 to 3%. The mesenchymal tumour was negative for HMB45 melanocytic immunhistochemical marker. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a cutaneous angiolipoleiomyoma in a budgerigar with histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

Hematologic and plasma biochemistry values in white storks (Ciconia ciconia).

Hematologic and plasma biochemistry parameters of the white stork (Ciconia ciconia) were studied. Blood samples were taken from a total of 80 adult white storks kept in captivity in Hungarian zoos and bird repatriation stations, between 2002 and 2006. Hematologic (packed cell volume, 46.3% +/- 5.3%; hemoglobin concentration, 127.8 +/- 20.4 g/L; red blood cell counts, 2.28 +/- 0.35 10(12)/l/l; white blood cell counts, 21.6 +/- 4.2 10(9)/l/ l; heterophils, 61.0% +/- 9.8% [13.1 +/- 3.2 x 10(9)/L]; lymphocytes, 34.3% +/- 9.1% [7.4 +/- 2.5 x 10(9)/L]; monocytes, 3.44% +/- 2.3% [0.78 +/- 0.57 x 10(9)/L]; eosinophils 0.75% +/- 0.91% [0.16 +/- 0.21 x 10(9)/L]; basophils 0.38% +/- 0.56% [0.04 +/- 0.07 x 10(9)/L]) and plasma biochemistry values (aspartate aminotransferase, 267.5 +/- 145.8 U/L; L-gamma-glutamyltransferase, 47.6 +/- 49.3 U/L; lipase, 70.3 +/- 60.6 U/L; creatine kinase, 443.9 +/- 182.2 U/L; lactate dehydrogenase, 880.4 +/- 293.6 U/L; alkaline phosphatase, 177.5 +/- 116.6 U/L; amylase, 917.6 +/- 314.3 U/L; glutamate dehydrogenase, 7.3 +/- 4.0 U/L; total protein, 45.2 +/- 8.1 g/L; uric acid, 459.2 +/- 254.3 micromol/L; and bile acids, 46.3 +/- 20.5 micromol/L) were determined. The results obtained can be used as reference values, because there are no established values previously reported for adult white storks.

Haemangioma in the oesophagus of a red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

A haemangioma developing in the wall of the oesophagus and protruding into its cavity is reported for the first time from a Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). As the tumour mechanically hampered swallowing, the animal was unable to eat and consequently developed a poor condition. Histopathology of the tumour revealed all characteristics of a haemangioma: the blood-filled blood-vessels having an irregular cross-section were lined with endothelial cells. Claudin-5 immunohistochemical antibodies were employed for characterising the tumour, and this examination confirmed our initial diagnosis of a haemangioma.