Molecular Biology & Genomics Centre

Pathogen Identification


Molecular based methods like PCR, Real-Time PCR and more recently next generation sequencing (NGS) have revolutionized the field of veterinary diagnostics. At MBG, we offer detection of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites using molecular methods, which are fast and highly sensitive to detect microbial pathogens in various specimens. MBG is an ISO 17025 accredited facility and benefits from an isolated containment level 3 facility for processing highly (level 3) contagious pathogens.


All Bacteria Virus Fungi Parasite


Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description Brucellosis is a contagious disease of livestock caused by several species of the genus Brucella, mainly Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis. Infection with Brucella in cattle is usually caused by B. abortus, less frequently by B. melitensis, and occasionally by B. suis. Brucella melitensis is the main causative agent of infection with Brucella in sheep and goats. Infection with Brucella in pigs is due to B. suis biovars 1-3, but the disease caused by biovar 2 differs in its host range, its limited geographical distribution, and its pathogenicity. Clinically, infection with Brucella in animals is characterized by one or more of the following signs: abortion, retained placenta, orchitis, epididymitis and, rarely, arthritis, with excretion of the organisms in uterine discharges and in milk. Diagnosis depends on the isolation of Brucella from abortion material, udder secretions or from tissues removed at post-mortem.

Pathogens Tested
  • APB-023 : Brucella abortus (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species and Brucella abortus)
  • APB-024 : Brucella melitensis (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species and Brucella melitensis)
  • APB-025 : Brucella Species (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species only. This Assay can detect many Brucella species including B.abortus, B.melitensis, B.suis and B. canis)

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Tissue (fetal, reticulo-endothelial system), EDTA Blood, Milk, Culture.
Alternatives : Swab / Secretions (Genital), Semen.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Burkholderia mallei is a gram negative bipolar aerobic bacterium belonging to the genus Burkholderia. It causes a contagious and fatal disease in horses, donkeys, and mules which is called Glanders. According to the location of the initial infection, the disease presents itself in four different forms; nasal, pulmonary, cutaneous and asymptomatic carrier. The nasal and pulmonary forms tend to be more acute while the cutaneous form is a chronic process. Inflammatory nodules and ulcers develop in the nasal passages and give rise to a sticky yellow discharge. Stellate scarring follows upon healing of the ulcers. The formation of nodular abscesses in the lungs is accompanied by progressive debility, coughing and may also be accompanied by diarrhoea. In the cutaneous form (farcy), the lymph vessels are enlarged; nodular abscesses form along their course, which then ulcerate and discharge yellow pus. Nodules are regularly found in the liver and spleen, leading to wasting and death.Control of glanders requires early detection and diagnostic testing of suspected clinical cases, screening of apparently normal equids, and elimination of positive cases.

Burkholderia pseudomallei infects animals and causes the disease melioidosis. B. pseudomallei is an opportunistic pathogen and affects many animal species; infection generally results from grazing on contaminated soil or drinking contaminated water. Infected animals can excrete the organism in saliva, pus, urine, and feces. Severe disease occurs in sheep and goats but cattle, dogs, cats, horses, buffalo, rodents, camels, nonhuman primates, some species of birds, and tropical fish, also get infected. The incubation period for animals is variable ranging from a few days to many years. Some abscesses are carried asymptotically. The signs of melioidosis in animals vary depending on species, but generally include depression, fever, weight loss, respiratory signs (heavy breathing, sneezing), lameness and swelling of the joints, and potentially death. Any animals showing signs of illness should be promptly isolated.

Pathogens Tested
  • APB-026 : Burkholderia mallei.
  • APB-027 : Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue ( ulcers, trachea, larynx, lymph nodes, lesions), Semen, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. These bacteria do not normally cause clinical disease in adult animals except for sporadic cases of abortion in ruminants and very rare cases of hepatitis in ostriches. However, it can be an important source of human food-borne disease through the faecal contamination of meat (especially poultry meat) during processing. The organism can be isolated from faeces, rectal swabs, or caecal contents of mammals (farm animals, cats, and dogs) and birds.

Pathogens Tested
  • APC-029 : Campylobacter coli
  • APC-028 : Campylobacter jejuni

Method Real -Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture.
Alternatives : Stool, Swab/Secretion (Rectal), Tissue.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code APC-031
Description Chlamydia and chlamydophila are two genera belonging to the family Chlamydiaceae. Avian chlamydiosis (caused by Chlamydophila psittaci) was originally termed psittacosis, or parrot fever, as the disease was originally recognised in psittacine birds. Also, Chalmydial disease from domestic poultry and wild birds other than psittacine birds was previously called ornithosis. These diseases are now considered all similar and referred to as avian chlamydiosis.

Chlamydiae are known to infect most species of domestic poultry, pet birds and wild birds causing varying degrees of infection. Chlamydial infections have been identified in over 150 species of wild birds. Persistently infected carrier birds are known to be a source of chlamydiosis in the pet bird industry. In poultry, the disease varies from one producing high morbidity and mortality to one that is asymptomatic. Typical clinical signs with a strain of high virulence include pneumoenteritis with respiratory signs, mucopurulent ocular or nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, polyuria and dullness. Strains of low virulence produce clinical signs that are similar but less severe and less extensive. Asymptomatic infections can occur with strains of both low and high virulence.

Infected birds shed chlamydiae in both the respiratory excretions and in faeces. A susceptible bird can become infected through inhalation of airborne contaminated material or through ingestion of contaminated feeds.

Method Real -Time PCR.
Sample Type
Stool, Swab / Secretion (Rectal), Swab / Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code APC-032
Description The C. perfringens species is a very heterogeneous group of organisms with respect to their metabolic byproducts, toxins and pathogenic potential. C. perfringens is classified into five toxigenic types (A through E), based on their ability to produce any of the four major lethal toxins alpha, beta, epsilon and iota. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding the distribution of C. perfringens types, their pathogenesis, diagnosis and the incidence of diseases caused by this organism.

Type A is the most common of all the C. perfringens types and the most variable in toxigenic properties. Its role in the pathogenesis of diseases is not fully understood. Type A can be subdivided into two varieties based on its toxigenic behaviour; the "classical" variety, characterized mainly by alphatoxin production and is associated with gas gangrene, traumatic infections, avian necrotic enteritis and the normal intestinal tract, and the enterotoxigenic variety, characterized by enterotoxin production and capable of causing human enteritis.

Type B produces both beta- and epsilon-toxins, but beta-toxin is usually the principal component.

The principal lethal toxin in all varieties of C. perfringens type C is beta-toxin. The enterotoxigenic C. perfringens appears to originate from animals since most of the sources incriminated in food poisoning outbreaks have been meats, particularly beef and poultry.

Type D is the best known pathogenic C. perfringens type and widely regarded as the causative organism of fatal enterotoxemia of sheep or "overeating disease". It produces epsilon-toxin which is almost exclusively responsible for the host pathology and subsequent death.
This assay can detect alpha, beta-2, epsilon, iota and enterotoxin.

Method Multi Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Stool, Swab / Secretion (Rectal), Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code APC-188
Description Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen and the etiologic agent of the disease known as caseous lymphadenitis (CL). CL mainly affects small ruminants, such as goats and sheep. It also causes ulcerative lymphangitis, external subcutaneous abscesses, and internal infection in horses. Infection has also been reported in cattle, buffalo and camelids. In camels, C. pseudotuberculosis affects almost 10% of the population in a herd.
Although C. pseudotuberculosis causes major health and productivity problems for livestock, little is known about the molecular basis of its pathogenicity.

Method PCR & Gel Electrophoresis
Sample Type
Culture, EDTA Blood, Tissue.
Transport Condition Sample should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code APC-033
Description Coxiella burnetii is a gram negative cocco bacillus that causes Q-fever disease in animals. It belongs to a group of organisms known as Rickettsia. The infection has been found in various wild and domestic animals and birds and in some arthropods, such as ticks. The species most commonly infected are cattle, sheep and goats. Infections with Coxiella burnetii include placentitis (inflammation of the placenta) and subsequent abortion in cattle, sheep and goats.

Outside the animal the bacteria assumes a small, dense, long lasting spore-like form which is able to resist heat and drying. It can then contaminate dust and spread by wind for long distances. It is so highly infectious that a single inhaled organism can cause clinical illness in an animal or person. Outbreaks typically occur following a birth or abortion where the environment becomes contaminated with birth fluids. Q-fever can also be spread by ticks which pass the bacteria from an infected to a susceptible animal, and whose feces contain the bacteria thus also contaminating the environment. The organism may be present in the reproductive fluids or raw milk from infected animals. Animal vaccination has been used in areas where the infections are common. More generally, sanitary measures to remove afterbirth and birth fluids, and to clean and disinfect areas where animals have given birth can prevent the disease from spreading.

Q-fever is listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Member Countries and Territories are obligated to report occurrences of the disease to the OIE. This assay is used for the detection of both C. burnetii and C. symbiont, however, it cannot differentiate between the two subtypes.

Method Real -Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture, EDTA Blood, Milk, Tissue.
Alternatives : Swab / Secretion (Genital).
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Legionella is characterized as gram-negative, aerobic, encapsulated bacilli. Legionnaires' disease, or Legionellosis, is a severe infection caused by Legionella species, primarily L. pneumophila which is responsible for 90% of infections. The disease typically presents as pneumonia and symptoms may include a high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhoea. Legionella species is also linked to Pontiac fever, which is an acute, febrile, self-limited illness. The infection is generally characterized by fever, fatigue, and muscle pain.

The bacterium is found in environmental water sources, potable water, such as that from faucets, showers, and hot water tanks and cooling towers, and hot tubs. Legionella infection can occur in a variety of hosts. Modes of transmission of Legionella include the aspiration of water contaminated with the organism and inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella. Although uncommon in animals, predisposing factors such as poor hygiene, bad management, and insufficient and/or unbalanced feeding seem to be important in the occurrence of the disease.

Pathogens Tested
  • APL-035 : Legionella Species (This Assay includes the detection of Legionella Species only. This Assay can detect Legionella pneumophila, L. adelaidensis, L. anisa, L. birminghamensis, L. bozemanii , L. brunensis, L. cherii , L. cincinnatiensis, L. dumoffii, L. erythra , L. feelei, L. gormanii, L. gratiana, L. hackeliae, L.israelensis, L. jamestownensis, L. jordanis, L. lansingensis, L. longbeachae, L. maceachernii , L. micdadei , L. moravica, L. oakridgensis paucimobilis , L. parisiensis, L. quinlivanii, L. rubrilucens, L. sainthelensis, L. spiritensis, L. steigerwaltii , L. taurinensis, L. tucsonensis, L. wadsworthii)
  • APL-034 : Legionella pneumophila (This Assay includes the detection of Legionella species and subtype Legionella pneumophila.)

Method Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Urine, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Water, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Urine sample must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code APL-036
Description Leptospirosis is a transmissible disease of animals caused by infection with any of the pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira, which are aerobic, right-handed helical bacteria. Leptospirosis has a global distribution, and leptospires have been detected in more than 180 species of animals. Mammals are the only class of animals capable of transmitting Leptospira organisms, even though leptospires have been identified in reptiles and birds.

Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis include: sudden onset of agalactia (in adult milking cattle and sheep); icterus and haemoglobinuria, especially in young animals; meningitis; and acute renal failure or jaundice in dogs. Chronic leptospirosis results in abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak offspring (premature), infertility, chronic renal failure or chronic active hepatitis in dogs; and cases of periodic ophthalmia in horses.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : EDTA Blood, Tissue (liver, lung, brain, kidney), Culture.
Alternatives : Urine, Milk, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Thoracic Fluid, Peritoneal Fluid.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Urine sample must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Mycobacterium is a genus of Actinobacteria, family Mycobacteriaceae. Over 190 species are recognized in this genus. This genus includes pathogens known to cause serious diseases in mammals, including tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) in humans. Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease of animals and humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. In a large number of countries it is a major infectious disease among cattle, other domesticated animals, and certain wildlife species. Other members of the Mycobacterium genus include M. caprae (considered to be a primary pathogen of goats) and M. pinnipedii, a pathogen of fur seals and sea lions. Aerosol exposure to M. bovis is considered to be the most frequent route of infection of cattle, but infection by ingestion of contaminated material also occurs. After infection, nonvascular nodular granulomas known as tubercles may develop. Characteristic tuberculous lesions occur most frequently in the lungs and the retropharyngeal, bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes as well as liver, spleen and other organs. Clinical signs include weakness, anorexia, emaciation, dyspnoea, enlargement of lymph nodes, and cough, particularly with advanced tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of Johne's disease, which affects ruminants such as cattle, and also causes Crohn's disease in humans.

Avian tuberculosis, or avian mycobacteriosis, is an important disease that affects companion, captive exotic, wild and domestic birds and mammals and is most often caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (M. a. avium).The disease is characterized by chronic and progressive wasting, weakness and diarrhoea. The primary lesions of avian tuberculosis in birds are nearly always in the intestinal tract. Diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds depends on the demonstration of M. avium avium) in excretions or secretions of live birds or liver and spleen of dead birds.

Pathogens Tested
  • APM-037 : Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium.)
  • APM-038 : Mycobacterium Species (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species only. This Assay can detect M. austroafricanum, M.avium subsp. avium,M.bovis BCG, M.chelonae,M.gordonae, M.fortuitum subsp.fortuitum, M.insubricum, M.intracellulare, M.kansasii, M.marium, M.mucogenicum, M.peregrinum, M.porcinum, M.scrofulaceum, M.setense, M.simiae, M.smegmatis, M.terrae, M.tuberculosis, M.ulcerans, M.xenopi)
  • APM-039 : Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.)
  • APM-100: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.)

Method Real- Time PCR.
Sample Type
Tissue (Intestinal tract, liver, spleen), Stool, Culture, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), EDTA Blood, Milk, CSF, Gastric Lavage, Tissue on FTA Card.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool and milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description This test checks for different species of Mycoplasma. Mycoplasma refers to a genus of bacteria that are the smallest living cells known. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic. Several species are pathogenic in humans, including M. pneumoniae, which is an important cause of atypical pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, and M. genitalium, which is believed to be involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Mycoplasma genitalium - M.genitalium is a small parasitic bacterium that lives on ciliated epithelial cells of the genital tract and is sexually transmitted. In women symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning while urinating, discharge, pain during intercourse may appear. In the long term, this infection is suspected to cause pelvic inflammatory disease and cervicitis. In men it causes urogenital tract disease.

Mycoplasma bovis - M.bovis is a bacteria-like organism that causes persistent, chronic infections in calves and cows. The clinical manifestations of M.bovis include mastitis in cows and arthritis and pneumonia in young animals, genital disorders, abscess, conjunctivitis, otitis, and meningitis. The mechanisms of the pathogenesis of M. bovis are still unknown, but it uses complex strategies to invade the host organism. It adheres to the neutrophils and the macrophages, persisting and multiplying on the surface of these cells.

Pathogens Tested
  • APM-040 : Mycoplasma bovis (This Assay includes the detection of Mycoplasma bovis only.)
  • APM-041 : Mycoplasma Species (This Assay includes the detection of Mycoplasma Species only. This Assay can detect many Mycoplasma species including Mycoplasma agassizii,Mycoplasma anatis, Mycoplasma anseris, Mycoplasma arginini,Mycoplasma arthritidis,Mycoplasma auris, Mycoplasma buccale, Mycoplasma canadense,Mycoplasma cloacale,Mycoplasma collis, Mycoplasma columborale, Mycoplasma cricetuli, Mycoplasma cynos,Mycoplasma falconis,Mycoplasma faucium, Mycoplasma felis, Mycoplasma gateae,Mycoplasma gypis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma hyopharyngis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis,Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma iguana, Mycoplasma lagogenitalium, Mycoplasma leonicaptivi, Mycoplasma molare, Mycoplasma mustelae, Mycoplasma neophronis,Mycoplasma neurolyticum, Mycoplasma orale, Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, Mycoplasma phocidae, Mycoplasma salivarium, Mycoplasma spumans, Mycoplasma timone, and Mycoplasma zalophi .
    The assay cannot detect M. pneumoniae, M. gallisepticum and M.pulmonis.
.

Method Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture, Milk, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue (esophagus, trachea, cloaca, eyes, phallus).
Alternatives : Swab / Secretions (Genital), Swab/Secretion (Organ/Abscess)
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code APS-204
Description Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped (bacillus) Gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The two species of Salmonella are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongoriS. enterica is the type species and is further divided into six subspecies that include over 2,600 serotypes. Salmonella was named after Daniel Elmer Salmon (1850–1914), an American veterinary surgeon.
Salmonella species are intracellular pathogens; of which certain serotypes cause illness. Most infections are due to ingestion of food contaminated by animal feces, or by human feces, such as by a food-service worker at a commercial eatery. Salmonella serotypes can be divided into two main groups—typhoidal and nontyphoidal. Nontyphoidal serotypes are zoonotic and can be transferred from animal-to-human and from human-to-human.
They usually invade only the gastrointestinal tract and cause salmonellosis, the symptoms of which can be resolved without antibiotics.
Most people who get ill from Salmonella have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Stool, Swab/Secretion (Rectal)
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C and delivered within 24h of collection
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited *
Assay Code See Below
Description Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi var. equi) is the bacterium which causes the highly contagious disease strangles (also known as "distemper"). Strangles commonly affects young horses (weanlings and yearlings), but horses of any age can be infected. Following natural infection, a carrier state of variable duration may develop and intermittent shedding of the pathogen may occur. The organism is transmitted by direct contact with infected horses or sub-clinical shedders, or indirectly by contact with: water troughs, hoses, feed bunks, pastures, stalls, trailers, tack, grooming equipment, nose wipe cloths or sponges, attendants' hands and clothing, or insects contaminated with nasal discharge or pus draining from lymph nodes of infected horses. Streptococcus equi has demonstrated environmental survivability particularly in water sources and when protected from exposure to direct sunlight and disinfectants, and can be a source of infection for new additions to the herd.

Vaccination against S. equi equi is recommended on premises where strangles is a persistent endemic problem or for horses that are expected to be at high risk of exposure. S. equi equi and S. equi zooepidemicus are antigenically similar organisms. However, exposure to, or vaccination against, one does not confer reliable immunity to the other.

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a B-hemolytic, Lancefield group C streptococcal bacterium. S. zooepidemicus is considered an opportunistic commensal in horses, but it may also cause infections in other domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats. S. equi zooepidemicus is antigenically similar to S. equi equi and shares >98% DNA sequence homology with S. equi equi which causes strangles, a highly contagious and serious disease in horses.

Pathogens Tested
  • APS-043 : Streptococcus equi subspecies equi*
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus)
  • APB-044 :Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus*
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus)
  • APS-042 :Streptococcus equi subspecies equi - Animal Health Trust UK Licenced
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi)

* Accredited Tests.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Guttural pouch flush, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Swab/Secretion (Abscess), Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code APT-045
Description Taylorella equigenitalis causes contagious equine metritis (CEM), which is an inflammatory disease of the proximal and distal reproductive tract of the mare and usually results in temporary infertility. OIE has listed CEM as a notifiable disease. Clinical signs include endometritis, cervicitis and vaginitis of variable severity and a slight to copious mucopurulent vaginal discharge. Direct venereal contact during natural mating presents the highest risk for the transmission of T. equigenitalis from a contaminated stallion or an infected mare. Direct venereal transmission can also take place by artificial insemination using infective raw, chilled and possibly frozen semen. Indirectly, infection may be acquired through fomite transmission, manual contamination, inadequate observance of appropriate biosecurity measures at the time of breeding and at semen collection centres. Stallions can become asymptomatic carriers of T. equigenitalis. The principal sites of colonisation by the bacterium are the urogenital membranes (urethral fossa, urethral sinus, terminal urethra and penile sheath). The sites of persistence of T. equigenitalis in the majority of carrier mares are the clitoral sinuses and fossa and infrequently the uterus. Foals born of carrier mares may also become carriers. The organism can infect equid species other than horses, e.g. donkeys.

Taylorella asinigenitalis is a microaerophilic, non-motile, coccobacillus, Gram-negative bacterium: It is closely related to Taylorella equigenitalis and mainly found in donkeys. It does not cause apparent disease in mares.

Pathogens TestedThis assay can detect and differentiate between Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella asinigenitalis.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture.
Alternatives : Swab/Secretions (Genital).
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links




Molecular Biology & Genomics Centre

Pathogen Identification


Molecular based methods like PCR, Real-Time PCR and more recently next generation sequencing (NGS) have revolutionized the field of veterinary diagnostics. At MBG, we offer detection of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites using molecular methods, which are fast and highly sensitive to detect microbial pathogens in various specimens. MBG is an ISO 17025 accredited facility and benefits from an isolated containment level 3 facility for processing highly (level 3) contagious pathogens.


All Bacteria Virus Fungi Parasite


Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description Brucellosis is a contagious disease of livestock caused by several species of the genus Brucella, mainly Brucella abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis. Infection with Brucella in cattle is usually caused by B. abortus, less frequently by B. melitensis, and occasionally by B. suis. Brucella melitensis is the main causative agent of infection with Brucella in sheep and goats. Infection with Brucella in pigs is due to B. suis biovars 1-3, but the disease caused by biovar 2 differs in its host range, its limited geographical distribution, and its pathogenicity. Clinically, infection with Brucella in animals is characterized by one or more of the following signs: abortion, retained placenta, orchitis, epididymitis and, rarely, arthritis, with excretion of the organisms in uterine discharges and in milk. Diagnosis depends on the isolation of Brucella from abortion material, udder secretions or from tissues removed at post-mortem.

Pathogens Tested
  • APB-023 : Brucella abortus (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species and Brucella abortus)
  • APB-024 : Brucella melitensis (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species and Brucella melitensis)
  • APB-025 : Brucella Species (This Assay includes the detection of Brucella species only. This Assay can detect many Brucella species including B.abortus, B.melitensis, B.suis and B. canis)

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Tissue (fetal, reticulo-endothelial system), EDTA Blood, Milk, Culture.
Alternatives : Swab / Secretions (Genital), Semen.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Burkholderia mallei is a gram negative bipolar aerobic bacterium belonging to the genus Burkholderia. It causes a contagious and fatal disease in horses, donkeys, and mules which is called Glanders. According to the location of the initial infection, the disease presents itself in four different forms; nasal, pulmonary, cutaneous and asymptomatic carrier. The nasal and pulmonary forms tend to be more acute while the cutaneous form is a chronic process. Inflammatory nodules and ulcers develop in the nasal passages and give rise to a sticky yellow discharge. Stellate scarring follows upon healing of the ulcers. The formation of nodular abscesses in the lungs is accompanied by progressive debility, coughing and may also be accompanied by diarrhoea. In the cutaneous form (farcy), the lymph vessels are enlarged; nodular abscesses form along their course, which then ulcerate and discharge yellow pus. Nodules are regularly found in the liver and spleen, leading to wasting and death.Control of glanders requires early detection and diagnostic testing of suspected clinical cases, screening of apparently normal equids, and elimination of positive cases.

Burkholderia pseudomallei infects animals and causes the disease melioidosis. B. pseudomallei is an opportunistic pathogen and affects many animal species; infection generally results from grazing on contaminated soil or drinking contaminated water. Infected animals can excrete the organism in saliva, pus, urine, and feces. Severe disease occurs in sheep and goats but cattle, dogs, cats, horses, buffalo, rodents, camels, nonhuman primates, some species of birds, and tropical fish, also get infected. The incubation period for animals is variable ranging from a few days to many years. Some abscesses are carried asymptotically. The signs of melioidosis in animals vary depending on species, but generally include depression, fever, weight loss, respiratory signs (heavy breathing, sneezing), lameness and swelling of the joints, and potentially death. Any animals showing signs of illness should be promptly isolated.

Pathogens Tested
  • APB-026 : Burkholderia mallei.
  • APB-027 : Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue ( ulcers, trachea, larynx, lymph nodes, lesions), Semen, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease caused by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. These bacteria do not normally cause clinical disease in adult animals except for sporadic cases of abortion in ruminants and very rare cases of hepatitis in ostriches. However, it can be an important source of human food-borne disease through the faecal contamination of meat (especially poultry meat) during processing. The organism can be isolated from faeces, rectal swabs, or caecal contents of mammals (farm animals, cats, and dogs) and birds.

Pathogens Tested
  • APC-029 : Campylobacter coli
  • APC-028 : Campylobacter jejuni

Method Real -Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture.
Alternatives : Stool, Swab/Secretion (Rectal), Tissue.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Validated
Assay Code APC-031
Description Chlamydia and chlamydophila are two genera belonging to the family Chlamydiaceae. Avian chlamydiosis (caused by Chlamydophila psittaci) was originally termed psittacosis, or parrot fever, as the disease was originally recognised in psittacine birds. Also, Chalmydial disease from domestic poultry and wild birds other than psittacine birds was previously called ornithosis. These diseases are now considered all similar and referred to as avian chlamydiosis.

Chlamydiae are known to infect most species of domestic poultry, pet birds and wild birds causing varying degrees of infection. Chlamydial infections have been identified in over 150 species of wild birds. Persistently infected carrier birds are known to be a source of chlamydiosis in the pet bird industry. In poultry, the disease varies from one producing high morbidity and mortality to one that is asymptomatic. Typical clinical signs with a strain of high virulence include pneumoenteritis with respiratory signs, mucopurulent ocular or nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, polyuria and dullness. Strains of low virulence produce clinical signs that are similar but less severe and less extensive. Asymptomatic infections can occur with strains of both low and high virulence.

Infected birds shed chlamydiae in both the respiratory excretions and in faeces. A susceptible bird can become infected through inhalation of airborne contaminated material or through ingestion of contaminated feeds.

Method Real -Time PCR.
Sample Type
Stool, Swab / Secretion (Rectal), Swab / Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Validated
Assay Code APC-032
Description The C. perfringens species is a very heterogeneous group of organisms with respect to their metabolic byproducts, toxins and pathogenic potential. C. perfringens is classified into five toxigenic types (A through E), based on their ability to produce any of the four major lethal toxins alpha, beta, epsilon and iota. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding the distribution of C. perfringens types, their pathogenesis, diagnosis and the incidence of diseases caused by this organism.

Type A is the most common of all the C. perfringens types and the most variable in toxigenic properties. Its role in the pathogenesis of diseases is not fully understood. Type A can be subdivided into two varieties based on its toxigenic behaviour; the "classical" variety, characterized mainly by alphatoxin production and is associated with gas gangrene, traumatic infections, avian necrotic enteritis and the normal intestinal tract, and the enterotoxigenic variety, characterized by enterotoxin production and capable of causing human enteritis.

Type B produces both beta- and epsilon-toxins, but beta-toxin is usually the principal component.

The principal lethal toxin in all varieties of C. perfringens type C is beta-toxin. The enterotoxigenic C. perfringens appears to originate from animals since most of the sources incriminated in food poisoning outbreaks have been meats, particularly beef and poultry.

Type D is the best known pathogenic C. perfringens type and widely regarded as the causative organism of fatal enterotoxemia of sheep or "overeating disease". It produces epsilon-toxin which is almost exclusively responsible for the host pathology and subsequent death.
This assay can detect alpha, beta-2, epsilon, iota and enterotoxin.

Method Multi Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Stool, Swab / Secretion (Rectal), Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Validated
Assay Code APC-188
Description Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen and the etiologic agent of the disease known as caseous lymphadenitis (CL). CL mainly affects small ruminants, such as goats and sheep. It also causes ulcerative lymphangitis, external subcutaneous abscesses, and internal infection in horses. Infection has also been reported in cattle, buffalo and camelids. In camels, C. pseudotuberculosis affects almost 10% of the population in a herd.
Although C. pseudotuberculosis causes major health and productivity problems for livestock, little is known about the molecular basis of its pathogenicity.

Method PCR & Gel Electrophoresis
Sample Type
Culture, EDTA Blood, Tissue.
Transport Condition Sample should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Accredited
Assay Code APC-033
Description Coxiella burnetii is a gram negative cocco bacillus that causes Q-fever disease in animals. It belongs to a group of organisms known as Rickettsia. The infection has been found in various wild and domestic animals and birds and in some arthropods, such as ticks. The species most commonly infected are cattle, sheep and goats. Infections with Coxiella burnetii include placentitis (inflammation of the placenta) and subsequent abortion in cattle, sheep and goats.

Outside the animal the bacteria assumes a small, dense, long lasting spore-like form which is able to resist heat and drying. It can then contaminate dust and spread by wind for long distances. It is so highly infectious that a single inhaled organism can cause clinical illness in an animal or person. Outbreaks typically occur following a birth or abortion where the environment becomes contaminated with birth fluids. Q-fever can also be spread by ticks which pass the bacteria from an infected to a susceptible animal, and whose feces contain the bacteria thus also contaminating the environment. The organism may be present in the reproductive fluids or raw milk from infected animals. Animal vaccination has been used in areas where the infections are common. More generally, sanitary measures to remove afterbirth and birth fluids, and to clean and disinfect areas where animals have given birth can prevent the disease from spreading.

Q-fever is listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Member Countries and Territories are obligated to report occurrences of the disease to the OIE. This assay is used for the detection of both C. burnetii and C. symbiont, however, it cannot differentiate between the two subtypes.

Method Real -Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture, EDTA Blood, Milk, Tissue.
Alternatives : Swab / Secretion (Genital).
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Legionella is characterized as gram-negative, aerobic, encapsulated bacilli. Legionnaires' disease, or Legionellosis, is a severe infection caused by Legionella species, primarily L. pneumophila which is responsible for 90% of infections. The disease typically presents as pneumonia and symptoms may include a high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, headaches, and diarrhoea. Legionella species is also linked to Pontiac fever, which is an acute, febrile, self-limited illness. The infection is generally characterized by fever, fatigue, and muscle pain.

The bacterium is found in environmental water sources, potable water, such as that from faucets, showers, and hot water tanks and cooling towers, and hot tubs. Legionella infection can occur in a variety of hosts. Modes of transmission of Legionella include the aspiration of water contaminated with the organism and inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella. Although uncommon in animals, predisposing factors such as poor hygiene, bad management, and insufficient and/or unbalanced feeding seem to be important in the occurrence of the disease.

Pathogens Tested
  • APL-035 : Legionella Species (This Assay includes the detection of Legionella Species only. This Assay can detect Legionella pneumophila, L. adelaidensis, L. anisa, L. birminghamensis, L. bozemanii , L. brunensis, L. cherii , L. cincinnatiensis, L. dumoffii, L. erythra , L. feelei, L. gormanii, L. gratiana, L. hackeliae, L.israelensis, L. jamestownensis, L. jordanis, L. lansingensis, L. longbeachae, L. maceachernii , L. micdadei , L. moravica, L. oakridgensis paucimobilis , L. parisiensis, L. quinlivanii, L. rubrilucens, L. sainthelensis, L. spiritensis, L. steigerwaltii , L. taurinensis, L. tucsonensis, L. wadsworthii)
  • APL-034 : Legionella pneumophila (This Assay includes the detection of Legionella species and subtype Legionella pneumophila.)

Method Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Urine, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Water, Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Urine sample must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Accredited
Assay Code APL-036
Description Leptospirosis is a transmissible disease of animals caused by infection with any of the pathogenic members of the genus Leptospira, which are aerobic, right-handed helical bacteria. Leptospirosis has a global distribution, and leptospires have been detected in more than 180 species of animals. Mammals are the only class of animals capable of transmitting Leptospira organisms, even though leptospires have been identified in reptiles and birds.

Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis include: sudden onset of agalactia (in adult milking cattle and sheep); icterus and haemoglobinuria, especially in young animals; meningitis; and acute renal failure or jaundice in dogs. Chronic leptospirosis results in abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak offspring (premature), infertility, chronic renal failure or chronic active hepatitis in dogs; and cases of periodic ophthalmia in horses.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : EDTA Blood, Tissue (liver, lung, brain, kidney), Culture.
Alternatives : Urine, Milk, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Thoracic Fluid, Peritoneal Fluid.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Urine sample must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Validated
Assay Code See Below
Description Mycobacterium is a genus of Actinobacteria, family Mycobacteriaceae. Over 190 species are recognized in this genus. This genus includes pathogens known to cause serious diseases in mammals, including tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and leprosy (Mycobacterium leprae) in humans. Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic disease of animals and humans caused by Mycobacterium bovis. In a large number of countries it is a major infectious disease among cattle, other domesticated animals, and certain wildlife species. Other members of the Mycobacterium genus include M. caprae (considered to be a primary pathogen of goats) and M. pinnipedii, a pathogen of fur seals and sea lions. Aerosol exposure to M. bovis is considered to be the most frequent route of infection of cattle, but infection by ingestion of contaminated material also occurs. After infection, nonvascular nodular granulomas known as tubercles may develop. Characteristic tuberculous lesions occur most frequently in the lungs and the retropharyngeal, bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes as well as liver, spleen and other organs. Clinical signs include weakness, anorexia, emaciation, dyspnoea, enlargement of lymph nodes, and cough, particularly with advanced tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of Johne's disease, which affects ruminants such as cattle, and also causes Crohn's disease in humans.

Avian tuberculosis, or avian mycobacteriosis, is an important disease that affects companion, captive exotic, wild and domestic birds and mammals and is most often caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (M. a. avium).The disease is characterized by chronic and progressive wasting, weakness and diarrhoea. The primary lesions of avian tuberculosis in birds are nearly always in the intestinal tract. Diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in birds depends on the demonstration of M. avium avium) in excretions or secretions of live birds or liver and spleen of dead birds.

Pathogens Tested
  • APM-037 : Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium.)
  • APM-038 : Mycobacterium Species (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species only. This Assay can detect M. austroafricanum, M.avium subsp. avium,M.bovis BCG, M.chelonae,M.gordonae, M.fortuitum subsp.fortuitum, M.insubricum, M.intracellulare, M.kansasii, M.marium, M.mucogenicum, M.peregrinum, M.porcinum, M.scrofulaceum, M.setense, M.simiae, M.smegmatis, M.terrae, M.tuberculosis, M.ulcerans, M.xenopi)
  • APM-039 : Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.)
  • APM-100: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (This assay includes the detection of Mycobacterium species and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.)

Method Real- Time PCR.
Sample Type
Tissue (Intestinal tract, liver, spleen), Stool, Culture, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), EDTA Blood, Milk, CSF, Gastric Lavage, Tissue on FTA Card.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Stool and milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited
Assay Code See Below
Description This test checks for different species of Mycoplasma. Mycoplasma refers to a genus of bacteria that are the smallest living cells known. They can be parasitic or saprotrophic. Several species are pathogenic in humans, including M. pneumoniae, which is an important cause of atypical pneumonia and other respiratory disorders, and M. genitalium, which is believed to be involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Mycoplasma genitalium - M.genitalium is a small parasitic bacterium that lives on ciliated epithelial cells of the genital tract and is sexually transmitted. In women symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning while urinating, discharge, pain during intercourse may appear. In the long term, this infection is suspected to cause pelvic inflammatory disease and cervicitis. In men it causes urogenital tract disease.

Mycoplasma bovis - M.bovis is a bacteria-like organism that causes persistent, chronic infections in calves and cows. The clinical manifestations of M.bovis include mastitis in cows and arthritis and pneumonia in young animals, genital disorders, abscess, conjunctivitis, otitis, and meningitis. The mechanisms of the pathogenesis of M. bovis are still unknown, but it uses complex strategies to invade the host organism. It adheres to the neutrophils and the macrophages, persisting and multiplying on the surface of these cells.

Pathogens Tested
  • APM-040 : Mycoplasma bovis (This Assay includes the detection of Mycoplasma bovis only.)
  • APM-041 : Mycoplasma Species (This Assay includes the detection of Mycoplasma Species only. This Assay can detect many Mycoplasma species including Mycoplasma agassizii,Mycoplasma anatis, Mycoplasma anseris, Mycoplasma arginini,Mycoplasma arthritidis,Mycoplasma auris, Mycoplasma buccale, Mycoplasma canadense,Mycoplasma cloacale,Mycoplasma collis, Mycoplasma columborale, Mycoplasma cricetuli, Mycoplasma cynos,Mycoplasma falconis,Mycoplasma faucium, Mycoplasma felis, Mycoplasma gateae,Mycoplasma gypis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma hyopharyngis, Mycoplasma hyorhinis,Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma iguana, Mycoplasma lagogenitalium, Mycoplasma leonicaptivi, Mycoplasma molare, Mycoplasma mustelae, Mycoplasma neophronis,Mycoplasma neurolyticum, Mycoplasma orale, Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, Mycoplasma phocidae, Mycoplasma salivarium, Mycoplasma spumans, Mycoplasma timone, and Mycoplasma zalophi .
    The assay cannot detect M. pneumoniae, M. gallisepticum and M.pulmonis.
.

Method Real-Time PCR.
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture, Milk, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Tissue (esophagus, trachea, cloaca, eyes, phallus).
Alternatives : Swab / Secretions (Genital), Swab/Secretion (Organ/Abscess)
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C. Milk must be frozen after collection.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Validated
Assay Code APS-204
Description Salmonella is a genus of rod-shaped (bacillus) Gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The two species of Salmonella are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongoriS. enterica is the type species and is further divided into six subspecies that include over 2,600 serotypes. Salmonella was named after Daniel Elmer Salmon (1850–1914), an American veterinary surgeon.
Salmonella species are intracellular pathogens; of which certain serotypes cause illness. Most infections are due to ingestion of food contaminated by animal feces, or by human feces, such as by a food-service worker at a commercial eatery. Salmonella serotypes can be divided into two main groups—typhoidal and nontyphoidal. Nontyphoidal serotypes are zoonotic and can be transferred from animal-to-human and from human-to-human.
They usually invade only the gastrointestinal tract and cause salmonellosis, the symptoms of which can be resolved without antibiotics.
Most people who get ill from Salmonella have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4 to 7 days.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Stool, Swab/Secretion (Rectal)
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C and delivered within 24h of collection
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links

Accredited *
Assay Code See Below
Description Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi var. equi) is the bacterium which causes the highly contagious disease strangles (also known as "distemper"). Strangles commonly affects young horses (weanlings and yearlings), but horses of any age can be infected. Following natural infection, a carrier state of variable duration may develop and intermittent shedding of the pathogen may occur. The organism is transmitted by direct contact with infected horses or sub-clinical shedders, or indirectly by contact with: water troughs, hoses, feed bunks, pastures, stalls, trailers, tack, grooming equipment, nose wipe cloths or sponges, attendants' hands and clothing, or insects contaminated with nasal discharge or pus draining from lymph nodes of infected horses. Streptococcus equi has demonstrated environmental survivability particularly in water sources and when protected from exposure to direct sunlight and disinfectants, and can be a source of infection for new additions to the herd.

Vaccination against S. equi equi is recommended on premises where strangles is a persistent endemic problem or for horses that are expected to be at high risk of exposure. S. equi equi and S. equi zooepidemicus are antigenically similar organisms. However, exposure to, or vaccination against, one does not confer reliable immunity to the other.

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) is a B-hemolytic, Lancefield group C streptococcal bacterium. S. zooepidemicus is considered an opportunistic commensal in horses, but it may also cause infections in other domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, dogs, and cats. S. equi zooepidemicus is antigenically similar to S. equi equi and shares >98% DNA sequence homology with S. equi equi which causes strangles, a highly contagious and serious disease in horses.

Pathogens Tested
  • APS-043 : Streptococcus equi subspecies equi*
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus)
  • APB-044 :Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus*
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus)
  • APS-042 :Streptococcus equi subspecies equi - Animal Health Trust UK Licenced
    (This assay includes the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi)

* Accredited Tests.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Guttural pouch flush, Swab/Secretion (Respiratory), Swab/Secretion (Abscess), Culture.
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

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Accredited
Assay Code APT-045
Description Taylorella equigenitalis causes contagious equine metritis (CEM), which is an inflammatory disease of the proximal and distal reproductive tract of the mare and usually results in temporary infertility. OIE has listed CEM as a notifiable disease. Clinical signs include endometritis, cervicitis and vaginitis of variable severity and a slight to copious mucopurulent vaginal discharge. Direct venereal contact during natural mating presents the highest risk for the transmission of T. equigenitalis from a contaminated stallion or an infected mare. Direct venereal transmission can also take place by artificial insemination using infective raw, chilled and possibly frozen semen. Indirectly, infection may be acquired through fomite transmission, manual contamination, inadequate observance of appropriate biosecurity measures at the time of breeding and at semen collection centres. Stallions can become asymptomatic carriers of T. equigenitalis. The principal sites of colonisation by the bacterium are the urogenital membranes (urethral fossa, urethral sinus, terminal urethra and penile sheath). The sites of persistence of T. equigenitalis in the majority of carrier mares are the clitoral sinuses and fossa and infrequently the uterus. Foals born of carrier mares may also become carriers. The organism can infect equid species other than horses, e.g. donkeys.

Taylorella asinigenitalis is a microaerophilic, non-motile, coccobacillus, Gram-negative bacterium: It is closely related to Taylorella equigenitalis and mainly found in donkeys. It does not cause apparent disease in mares.

Pathogens TestedThis assay can detect and differentiate between Taylorella equigenitalis and Taylorella asinigenitalis.

Method Real-Time PCR
Sample Type
Accredited : Culture.
Alternatives : Swab/Secretions (Genital).
Transport Condition Samples should be transported at 4°C.
Turn Around Time (TAT) Normal Turnaround time for pathogen Identification is within 5 working days.
Urgent Samples will be reported within half of the minimum test period & will be Charged Double.
Samples delivered after 11:00 AM will be processed next working day unless urgent.

Links