| The Molecular Diagnostics unit provides services based on molecular
technology. Conventional PCR services are available for pathogenic
microorganisms, including Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Johne's),
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), E. coli, Ehrlichia species, Lyme
disease, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium perfringen, and Chlamydia
psittaci.
A quantitative PCR assay has been developed and validated for Johne's
disease in conjunction with a new liquid medium-based culture system.
A quantitative RT-PCR assay has been developed for BVDV to screen
PI animals in dairy herds. The application of quantitative PCR will
be expanded for Q-fever, bovine leukemia virus, herpes virus, and
other important pathogens for domestic and wild animals, and humans.
Molecular fingerprinting services can be provided based on molecular
characteristics using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, random amplified
polymorphic DNA, and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Sequence-based
identification services will be offered for identifying species
based on 16S rRNA gene sequences or species-specific sequences.
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