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Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) is a term used to describe animals, typically laboratory animals, that are guaranteed to be free of particular pathogens. The list of pathogens screened for will vary depending on the species of animal and the intended use of the animals.

Definition

The term "specific-pathogen-free" is a designation used to indicate that certain animals are free of particular pathogens. This is often used in the context of laboratory animals, particularly mice and rats, which are bred to be free of specific pathogens in order to ensure the validity of experimental results. The pathogens screened for will vary depending on the species of animal and the intended use of the animals. For example, a colony of mice intended for use in immunology research may be screened for different pathogens than a colony intended for use in cancer research.

Importance

The use of SPF animals is important in scientific research because it helps to control for variables that could potentially influence the results of an experiment. For example, if a researcher is studying the effects of a particular drug on the immune system, it would be important to ensure that the animals used in the study are not already infected with a pathogen that could influence the immune response. By using SPF animals, researchers can be more confident that the results of their experiments are due to the variables they are studying, rather than the presence of an unexpected pathogen.

Process

The process of maintaining an SPF colony involves regular screening of the animals for the presence of specific pathogens. This is typically done using a combination of serological testing, microbiological culture, and molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If a pathogen is detected in the colony, the affected animals are typically removed and the colony is treated to eliminate the pathogen.

Challenges

While the use of SPF animals offers many benefits, there are also challenges associated with maintaining an SPF colony. These include the cost of regular pathogen screening, the need for specialized housing to prevent the introduction of pathogens, and the potential for false positive or false negative results in pathogen testing.

See also

• Laboratory animal
• Pathogen
• Serological testing
• Microbiological culture
• Polymerase chain reaction

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