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Background: Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is recognised as the leading cause of human eosinophilic meningitis, a serious condition observed when nematode larvae migrate through the CNS. Canine Neural Angiostrongyliasis (CNA) is the analogous disease in dogs. Both humans and dogs are accidental hosts, and a rapid diagnosis is warranted. A highly sensitive PCR based assay is available but often not readily accessible in many jurisdictions. An alternative DNA amplification assay that would further improve accessibility is needed. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic utility of a newly designed LAMP assay to detect DNA of globally distributed and invasive A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus mackerrasae, the other neurotropic Angiostrongylus species, which is native to Australia. Methodology/Principal findings: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of A. cantonensis infection (2020–2022) were received for confirmatory laboratory testing and processed for DNA isolation and ultrasensitive Angiostrongylus qPCR targeting AcanR3390. A newly designed LAMP assay targeting the same gene target was directly compared to the reference ultrasensitive qPCR in a diagnostic laboratory setting to determine the presence of A. cantonensis DNA to diagnose CNA. The LAMP assay (Angie-LAMP) allowed the sensitive detection of A. cantonensis DNA from archived DNA specimens (Kappa = 0.81, 95%CI 0.69–0.92; n = 93) and rapid single-step lysis of archived CSF samples (Kappa = 0.77, 95%CI 0.59–0.94; n = 52). Only A. cantonensis DNA was detected in canine CSF samples, and co-infection with A. mackerrasae using amplicon deep sequencing (ITS-2 rDNA) was not demonstrated. Both SYD.1 and AC13 haplotypes were detected using sequencing of partial cox1. Conclusions/Significance: The Angie-LAMP assay is a useful molecular tool for detecting Angiostrongylus DNA in canine CSF and performs comparably to a laboratory Angiostrongylus qPCR. Adaptation of single-step sample lysis improved potential applicability for diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis in a clinical setting for dogs and by extension, to humans. Author summary: A potentially fatal disease, neuroangiostrongyliasis, is caused by the rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis). The parasite migrates into the spinal cord and brain of accidental hosts, such as humans and dogs, after ingestion of infective larvae, for example by eating snails in garden fruit or vegetables. Recently, an ultrasensitive molecular assay which can detect tiny fragments of the parasite's DNA was developed and has been used to establish a diagnosis. Although this assay outperforms previously developed assays, it requires clean DNA with specialised equipment in a laboratory setting. There is an urgent need for an alternative diagnostic method which is sensitive and portable, for deployment in the field and in the hospitals in remote areas or in low-income countries. The authors developed a fast and portable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that compares favourably to the ultra-sensitive PCR assay when tested using cerebrospinal fluid from dogs on the Australian east coast with presumptive neuroangiostrongyliasis. Considering a 'One Health' approach to diagnostics, this assay enables portable emergency diagnostics equally suitable to humans, dogs and wildlife. The newly developed assay will also enable water supplies to be screened, as well as crustaceans and molluscs used as potential food sources, for presence of the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to provide haematology and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for wild free‐roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). These data will aid the veterinarian in determining the health and husbandry status of the pet bearded dragon. The study group consisted of 130 wild central bearded dragons. The data were assigned into two groups: Breeding Season (BS) from September to November and Non‐Breeding Season (NBS) from December to March. These groups were further divided into sex and reproduction status with females determined to either be gravid or non‐gravid. The 83 male and 47 female dragons were captured in north western New South Wales, Australia, centred around the towns of Bourke, Wanaaring and Tibooburra. Haematological and plasma biochemistry parameters were measured using standard methods. Data were analysed for the effects of sex, season and gravid status. There were significant differences between sexes in PCV, basophils, albumin, globulin, amylase, calcium, phosphate and triglycerides. There were seasonal differences in PCV, basophils, uric acid, glucose, globulin, calcium, phosphate, cholesterol and triglycerides. There were significant differences in phosphate and cholesterol between gravid and non‐gravid dragons within the breeding season. There were variations in haematology and biochemistry parameters depending on sex, season and reproductive status of females. These reference intervals differed from previous studies of captive central bearded dragons and can provide some insight into captive conditions compared to wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the history of electoral systems in South Australia. Particular focus is given to the nature and quality of democratic representation in the history of the state's government. According to the author, a series of reforms beginning in the 19th century improved democratic representation in South Australia until the 1970s. It is suggested that since the 1970s, the state's politics have increasingly moved away from transparency and other democratic practices.

This article examines the importance of South Australia to the overall national campaign in 2007; the revival of Labor's support; and the election of controversial anti-gambling campaigner, Nick Xenophon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The histopathological and electronmicroscopic features of a novel parasitic infection causing seasonal epizootics of central nervous disease in Nankeen kestrels (Falco cenchroides) from Western Australia is described. Thorough necropsy, haematological and transmission electronmicroscopical examinations were performed on thirteen affected kestrels between 1996 and 1999. All had an extensive vasculocentric granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, pectenitis and proliferative arteritis with endothelial parasitic cysts measuring 40 to 60 [sub mu] m in diameter. Arterioles in the brain, optic papillae, pecten and kidney were most consistently affected. In some birds there was severe haemorrhage from the pecten. Less commonly, parasitic cysts were seen in the arterioles of the lung, liver, heart and intestines. Endothelial schizonts contained many spherical merozoites measuring 1 [sub mu]m in diameter that were also present free within the lumen of affected arterioles. Haematological examination in three of seven affected kestrels tested demonstrated rare, basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions in leucocytes with distorted nuclei consistent with Leucocytozoon-like gametocytes. Day-old chickens inoculated with brain homogenate failed to develop similar lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]