NEW!
Zoologix
primate
genetic testing
Recent studies indicate that considerable intraspecies variation
exists among common nonhuman primates. This can be true
for animals from a single region - even those
from a single source. Different genotypes may perform very differently in
preclinical drug trials and other research; genetic variation is now thought to be
a major confounding factor in such work.
Reduction
of confounding genetic variations in study groups
can help reduce the number of primates needed in preclinical
trials and other research.
Zoologix now screens NHPs for relevant genetic polymorphisms,
including...
...and other polymorphisms of interest in preclinical work.
Zoologix primate genetic tests are fast, reliable and
economical, and they are performed from easily-collected,
easily-shipped buccal swabs.
Zoologix experts can also design and implement custom tests for
your polymorphisms of interest. Contact Zoologix if you need a custom test to detect a new or
proprietary polymorphism. We perform such work under strict
confidentiality agreement as needed.
Zoologix primate diagnostic
testing
Why use PCR to
detect primate infectious diseases?
Molecular diagnostic testing using PCR (Polymerase Chain
Reaction) has revolutionized the way veterinarians, researchers,
field biologists, zoos and animal care facilities maintain
animal health and obtain disease data.
The sensitivity,
specificity and speed with which pathogens are identified by PCR
enable diagnostic, research and monitoring possibilities
unavailable using other techniques. Molecular techniques
represent a dramatically effective tool for the diagnosis of
disease in valuable populations of nonhuman primates and other
animals.
In PCR
testing, nucleic acid -- DNA or RNA -- is isolated from the
specimen, then amplified (after an extra reverse transcription
step in the case of RNA) using highly specific primers
complementary to known target pathogen sequences. References and
controls are run simultaneously; internal controls monitor
extraction and PCR efficiency. Amplified sequences are
visualized and recorded using state-of-the-art protocols and
instrumentation.
How is molecular, PCR-based
testing complementary to other kinds of testing?
-
Cross-reactivity reduces the specificity of many
serological tests: a positive result can be caused by
organisms other than the target. Molecular assays, on the
other hand, are highly specific because they detect genetic
sequence unique to the target pathogen. Even closely related
pathogen strains can often be distinguished.
-
The influence of some sources of false positives is
reduced in molecular testing, because while other testing
methods detect antibodies to pathogens which may not still
be present, molecular assays detect the genetic material of
the pathogen itself -- a direct indication of presence of
the pathogen in the sample.
-
Latent or early infections can often be detected by PCR
before disease symptoms are apparent. Detection is not
dependent on elevated antibody levels.
-
Animals with high titres of some viruses can actually
exhibit very low antibody levels as their immune systems are
challenged by an infection. This can result in false
negative diagnoses if antibody testing alone is used.
-
PCR's exquisite sensitivity allows detection of a target
pathogen in a sample even if present in very low titres, and
even from very small sample volumes.
About Zoologix
Zoologix serves veterinarians, researchers, zoos and animal care
facilities with molecular diagnostic testing for infectious
diseases that affect primates and other animals. Other testing
facilities perform PCR testing as a sideline. Because we
specialize in PCR assays for infectious diseases of animals, our
lab staff are adept at performing protocols designed to maintain
specimen integrity and maximize assay specificity and
sensitivity. We provide fast turnaround and competitive pricing
in each of our assay categories.
Zoologix is owned and
managed by board-certified scientists and seasoned laboratory
managers with extensive experience in molecular biology,
biochemistry, zoology, assay design, quality assurance and lab
operations. Our objective is to provide to the veterinary and
research communities the fastest, highest quality molecular
infectious disease testing available.
Our technicians
and scientists understand the importance of fast, sensitive,
specific test results in maintaining the health of valuable
animal populations and obtaining critical experimental data for
basic research, longitudinal studies and preclinical trials.
Client samples are stored at our lab for six months to
facilitate any followup testing.
Zoologix is headquartered in Chatsworth, in southern California.
We are located near two major airports (LA International and
Burbank), UCLA, USC, CalTech and other regional research
centers.
Zoologix
Inc.
9811 Owensmouth Avenue
Suite 4
Chatsworth CA 91311-3800
USA
Phone: 818-717-8880
Fax: 818-717-8881
Email:
info@zoologix.com
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