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 clinical veterinarians as well as investigators, whenever monkeys are suspected of harboring parasites and helps provide the first line of defense against parasitic disease in the colony. All animals entering quarantine from outside sources are examined for the presence of blood and intestinal parasites before they enter the colony. Additionally, 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 2007, the laboratory processed 2,321 stool samples, including 520 stool samples from animals in quarantine, and 248 stool samples from animals assigned to research projects. The lab also examined 44 blood samples by the Knott's technique and 265 thick and thin blood smears from colony animals. Pathogenic parasites reported included Strongyloides fulleborni (26%),Trichuris trichiura (39%) Giardia lamblia (6%), and Balantidium coli (10%). The laboratory also acted in support of a project by Dr. Erin Ribka (Division of Veterinary Medicine) by performing egg quantitation using the Kato-Katz method on 170 separate stool samples. 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, a project of Dr. Frank Cogswell (Division of Bacteriology & Parasitology).