Pathogen Detection Services
Pathogen Detection Working Group
The Pathogen Detection Working Group unites laboratories from the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs). Our mission is to serve the scientific community through high-quality diagnostic testing for nonhuman primate pathogens — both naturally occurring and experimental — while establishing uniform detection standards that support colony health and advance human and animal health outcomes.
We share reagents, protocols, samples, and expertise across institutions, and offer consultation, training, and proficiency testing to outside researchers. Each NPRC laboratory brings specialized knowledge shaped by its unique colony and research focus, and all are continuously developing new assays and resources.
Individual laboratory summaries, including available assays and detectable pathogens, are listed below. If you don't see what you need, please reach out — we strongly encourage direct contact. Visit our websites for current service offerings and contact information. Fill out our Pathogen Detection Services Request Form to submit requests.
Pathogen Detection Laboratories
Emory National Biomedical Research Center – Virology Core
The ENBRC Virology Core provides support for the management of the ENBRC macaque and mangabey colonies through the use of serological and molecular testing for viruses. They perform the assays needed to maintain the specific pathogen-free (SPF) rhesus macaque colony while also providing support for internal and external experimental studies. They have particular expertise with AAV screening.
National Biomedical Research Institute at UC Davis – Biomedical Assay Services Core
The Biomedical Assay Services (BAS) Core is a full-service, diagnostic lab with pathogen detection testing resources for SRV, STLV, SIV, B Virus, Measles, SFV, RhCMV, RRV (MRV), SARS-COV-2, LCV, SV40, SVV, TB and Cytokine/ Chemokine Panels on a variety of NHP species.
Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC)
The Pathology Laboratory at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) at Texas Biomedical Research Institute offers diagnostic microbiology, anatomic and clinical pathology services to research scientists, investigators, veterinarians and physicians at Texas Biomed and other research facilities.
The SNPRC Research Support Core (RSC) provides laboratory support to investigators around the country conducting NHP research. Services include blood/tissue processing, nucleic acid extraction, bacterial culture, TaqMan qPCR analysis, and ELISA/Luminex technology.
Tulane National Biomedical Research Center (TNBRC) – Molecular Virology and Sequencing Core
The Molecular Virology and Sequencing Core (MVSC) offers advanced services to detect, quantify, and characterize pathogens, as well as assess host immune responses. The core is comprised of three integrated units: Serology Unit, Molecular Unit, and Virology Unit. The Serology Unit focuses on antibody detection in sera as well as cytokine quantification in body fluids. A suite of services related to quantitative PCR and RT PCR detection of viruses as well as next generation sequencing, epigenetics, metagenomics, and NGS-based genotyping including MHC allelic genotyping are available in the Molecular Unit. Well-characterized viral stocks along with virus expansion and characterization assays are provided by the Virology Unit. With deep scientific expertise and a commitment to collaboration, the MVSC supports both standardized and custom assay development to meet the evolving needs of academic and industry partners.
The Pathogen Detection Services Laboratory (PDSL), located at the Washington National Biomedical Research Center (WaNBRC) in Seattle, is a resource for analytical assays and specialized nonhuman primate (NHP) materials used for NHP pathogen detection. The PDSL regularly monitors all WaNBRC nonhuman primates (NHP) to help maintain and enhance the overall health of macaques and to provide a service to the research community, inside UW and external customers on-request. The pathogen monitoring also serves as the basis for segregating NHP into stratified Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) colony levels. All of the assays, reagents, and services provided by PDSL are for research use only (RUO). PDSL is not a licensed diagnostic laboratory, but we specialize in detection of nonhuman primate infectious agents. PDSL does not accept human samples.
We are continuously adding new specialized NHP services and products, so please see our website for a current list.
Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC)
Clinical pathology testing includes hematology, chemistry, parasitology, urinalysis, microbiology, and cytology evaluations. PCR/serology testing through reference laboratories available.
Virology Services include highly sensitive molecular diagnostics, production and titration of virus stocks suitable for in-vitro and/or in-vivo studies, generation of custom virus mutants by reverse genetics, virus isolation and more.