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Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
Lurking in the shadows: emerging rodent infectious diseases
David G Besselsen1, Craig L Franklin, Robert S Livingston
1University Animal Care, University of Arizona, Tucson, 1127 East Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721-0101, USA. besselsd@email.arizona.edu
Abstract:
Rodent parvoviruses, Helicobacter spp., murine norovirus, and several other previously unknown infectious agents have emerged in laboratory rodents relatively recently. These agents have been discovered serendipitously or through active investigation of atypical serology results, cell culture contamination, unexpected histopathology, or previously unrecognized clinical disease syndromes. The potential research impact of these agents is not fully known. Infected rodents have demonstrated immunomodulation, tumor suppression, clinical disease (particularly in immunodeficient rodents), and histopathology. Perturbations of organismal and cellular physiology also likely occur. These agents posed unique challenges to laboratory animal resource programs once discovered; it was necessary to develop specific diagnostic assays and an understanding of their epidemiology and transmission routes before attempting eradication, and then evaluate eradication methods for efficacy. Even then management approaches varied significantly, from apathy to total exclusion, and such inconsistency has hindered the sharing and transfer of rodents among institutions, particularly for genetically modified rodent models that may not be readily available. As additional infectious agents are discovered in laboratory rodents in coming years, much of what researchers have learned from experiences with the recently identified pathogens will be applicable. This article provides an overview of the discovery, detection, and research impact of infectious agents recently identified in laboratory rodents. We also discuss emerging syndromes for which there is a suspected infectious etiology, and the unique challenges of managing newly emerging infectious agents.
Insights
Recent discoveries of novel infectious agents in lab rodents, like parvoviruses and norovirus, impact research by causing immunomodulation and disease. Managing these emerging pathogens presents challenges for animal resource programs and rodent sharing.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Pathology
- Laboratory Animal Science
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Emergence of novel infectious agents (e.g., rodent parvoviruses, Helicobacter spp., murine norovirus) in laboratory rodent populations.
- These agents are often discovered through unexpected findings in research settings.
- Potential for significant impact on research outcomes due to effects like immunomodulation and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the discovery and detection of recently identified infectious agents in laboratory rodents.
- To discuss the research impact and emerging syndromes associated with these novel pathogens.
- To highlight the challenges in managing newly emerging infectious agents in animal research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent discoveries and investigations into novel infectious agents in laboratory rodents.
- Analysis of diagnostic assay development, epidemiology, and transmission routes.
- Evaluation of eradication and management strategies employed by laboratory animal resource programs.
Main Results:
- Infected rodents exhibit effects such as immunomodulation, tumor suppression, and clinical disease, particularly in immunodeficient models.
- Management of these agents poses challenges, including inconsistent approaches and hindered rodent model sharing.
- Experience with recently identified pathogens provides a foundation for managing future discoveries.
Conclusions:
- Newly identified infectious agents in laboratory rodents present significant challenges for research integrity and animal resource management.
- Standardized diagnostic, epidemiological, and management approaches are crucial for controlling emerging pathogens.
- Proactive strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of novel infectious agents on biomedical research.
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