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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.
Military Medicine
|October 8, 2015
Summary
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.
