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The Denver Serum Bank
Theodore C Eickhoff1, Patricia S Graves1
1Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700 East 19th Avenue Box B168, Aurora, CO 80045.
Insights
The Denver Serum Bank preserved respiratory pathogen specimens for 40 years, supporting critical research. Funding issues led to the destruction of these valuable viral and serum samples in the 1990s.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dr. Gordon Meiklejohn conducted a 40-year study on influenza and respiratory pathogens at the University of Colorado.
- Research was supported by the Commission on Influenza of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board via U.S. Army Medical Research contracts.
Observation:
- The Denver Serum Bank was established to store diagnostic specimens, including sera and throat washings.
- Specimens underwent serologic and virologic analysis before storage: sera at -20°C and virus samples at -70°C.
Findings:
- The Bank served as a crucial resource for military and other researchers nationwide and internationally.
- Despite its utility, the Denver Serum Bank ceased operations in the 1990s.
Implications:
- The destruction of the Denver Serum Bank specimens represents a significant loss of historical viral and immunological data.
- This event underscores the challenges in long-term preservation of biological samples due to funding and logistical issues.
Abstract:
At the University of Colorado, Dr. Gordon Meiklejohn pursed the study of influenza and other respiratory pathogens for an unbroken period of 40 years, under the auspices of the Commission on Influenza of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board through a series of contracts with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. Sera, throat washings, and other specimens for diagnosis were sent to Dr. Meiklejohn's laboratory. After serologic and virologic studies were carried out, aliquots of sera and virus samples were logged in and frozen. Sera were stored at -20°C and virus specimens at -70°C. These specimens became known as the Denver Serum Bank. The Bank supported military research programs and other researchers nationally and internationally until the 1990s when lacking of funding and considerations of administration, space, and cost resulted in the destruction of all specimens.
