Pneumocystis carinii PCR Testing Now Included in Charles River Diagnostic Protocols
September 17, 2010 - Charles River is committed to developing the diagnostic tools you need to detect an infection that could compromise your research. Following the recent elucidation of Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) as the causative agent of "rat respiratory virus" ("RRV"), we have refined our protocols to offer you the most comprehensive screening program for your laboratory rat colonies.
As of October 2010, comprehensive health monitoring of a whole rat includes Pneumocystis PCR in lieu of histology for “RRV”. In addition to enhanced specificity and sensitivity relative to histopathology, our TaqMan® PCR assay offers a wider diagnostic window than histopathology, which allows us to detect Pneumocystis soon after initial infection and prior to the development of lesions. Pneumocystis TaqMan® PCR is also available as an individual agent test or as part of our Prevalent Rodent Infectious Agent (PRIA) PCR Panel.
Starting January 2011, samples submitted for rat serology, including those from whole animal health monitoring, will be screened with our new Pneumocystis carinii serology assay. The host immune response to Pc can be detected by serology long after the interstitial pneumonia has cleared. Serology and PCR are powerful diagnostic tools; when used to screen for a Pc infection, they can help you save precious time by allowing for earlier detection compared to observing histologic lung lesions.
Charles River Rat Production Colonies
All Charles River rat colonies worldwide are negative for Pc. These colonies have been negative for interstitial pneumonia lesions for more than two years, and are currently screened quarterly by histopathology for the presence of lung lesions. Elucidation of Pc as the causative agent of "RRV" does not change the colony status of Charles River animals or the frequency of screening, only the name of the disease and the method by which the animals are screened.
As of October 2010, histopathologic screening for "RRV" will be phased out and replaced by a combination of PCR and serology for Pc. On health summaries, we will transition from reporting "RRV" under virology to "Pneumocystis ("RRV")" in the microbiology section.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 1.877.CRIVER.1 or askcharlesriver@crl.com.
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