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. All animals entering quarantine from outside sources are examined for the presence of blood and intestinal parasites before they enter the colony. Additionally, the Parasitology Service Laboratory provides diagnostic support to investigators and clinical veterinarians whenever monkeys are suspected of harboring parasites. Mice in the rodent colony are also 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 2006, the laboratory processed 2,398 clinical samples, including 444 stool samples from animals in quarantine, and 477 stool samples from animals assigned to research projects. The lab also examined 466 blood samples by the Knott's technique and thick and thin blood smears from colony animals. Pathogenic parasites reported included Giardia lamblia (1.5%), Balantidium coli (17%), Strongyloides fulleborni (32%), and Trichuris trichiura (28%). The laboratory, recognized as one of the few facilities in the world devoted to parasites of non-human primates, provided pictures of parasi6es for recent revisions in Flynn's Parasites of Laboratory Animals. The laboratory also examined a mite sample from the Tulane vivarium and will continue to aid this facility whenever they request consultation. 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.