Opportunistic Infections: Why Worry?

The proliferation and increased use of genetically manipulated rodents are taxing laboratory animal facilities and diagnostic laboratories. Although serological testing remains the standard for monitoring immunologically intact animals, molecular diagnostics are playing increasing roles in detecting infections in animals that have compromised immune systems. The importance of these assays is particularly evident now that we recognize that genetic manipulation can result in unanticipated phenotypes, including ones with decreased resistance to infectious diseases.