CROSS INFECTION WITH EIGHTEEN PATHOGENS AMONG CAGED LABORATORY ANIMALS

Abstract

The extent of cross infection among caged laboratory monkeys, guinea pigs, mice, and chickens was examined with 18 pathogens. Experiments were designed to determine if cross infection would be eliminated by (1) ventilated cages, (2) various air-washing procedures, (3) elimination of excreta from cages, (4) ultraviolet irradiation, and/or (5) high efficiency air filters covering the cages. Animals exposed to an aerosol create a hazard to the experiment and experimenter because the usual post-exposure air-washing techniques do not remove microorganisms entrained on the fur. A forceful air-jet ruffling technique greatly reduced microorganisms from the fur. Ultraviolet irradiation or high efficiency air filters on the cages prevented infection of normal animals in adjacent cages. With most microorganisms, animals inoculated other than by aerosol challenge do not show cross infection.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 16, 1970
Accession Number
AD0708651

Entities

People

  • Arnold G. Wedum
  • Richard H. Kruse

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacteria
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Encephalitis
  • Equine Encephalitis
  • Health Services
  • Infection
  • Laboratory Animals
  • Medical Personnel
  • Microorganisms
  • Rodents
  • Statistical Samples
  • Viruses
  • Zoonoses

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.