DIAGNOSTIC PARASITOLOGY CORE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The Parasitology Service Laboratory provides diagnostic support to investigators and clinical veterinarians whenever monkeys are suspected of harboring parasites. All animals entering quarantine from outside sources are examined for blood and intestinal parasites at monthly intervals before they are allowed to enter the colony. Additionally, mice in the rodent colony are periodically checked for mites and pinworms prospectively. The laboratory also collaborates with researchers outside the Center when projects involving non-human primates require diagnostic services. During the calendar year 2005, the laboratory processed 1072 clinical samples, including 655 stool samples from animals in quarantine, and 417 stool samples from animals assigned to research projects. The lab also examined 118 blood samples by the Knott?s technique and thick and thin blood smears from colony animals. Pathogenic parasites reported included Giardia lamblia (5%), Balantidium coli (12%), Strongyloides fulleborni (23%), and Trichuris trichiura (23%). The laboratory, recognized as one of the few facilities in the world devoted to parasites of non-human primates, examined photomicrographs of parasites in tissue from Dr. Jerrold Ward, NIH/NIAID. The laboratory also examined a series of dust samples from the Tulane vivarium to assess the potential presence of Syphacia eggs, and will continue to aid this facility in its post-hurricane clean up. In addition to the above samples, the laboratory is also examining blood and fecal samples in direct support of a survey of enzootic pathogens from the breeding colony.