ALAT ALAT Species-Specific Care and Experimental Models Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is the term for mice that are raised in a completely sterile environment and have no microbial colonization?

Accepted Answer

Germ-free (axenic) mice

Answer

Germ-free (axenic) mice are raised in isolators and have no microorganisms, unlike SPF mice which are free only from specific listed pathogens.

Question 2

Which zoonotic disease risk is most associated with non-human primates (NHPs) in US research facilities?

Accepted Answer

Herpes B virus (Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1)

Answer

Herpes B virus (Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1) is a significant zoonotic risk from macaque NHPs and can be fatal in humans without prompt treatment.

Question 3

What is the purpose of sentinel animals in a laboratory animal colony?

Accepted Answer

To detect the presence of pathogens in the colony through health monitoring

Answer

Sentinel animals are housed to detect colony-wide pathogen exposure; their serology and health status represent the health of the larger colony.

Question 4

What does 'SPF' stand for in the context of laboratory animal health status?

Accepted Answer

Specific Pathogen Free

Answer

SPF stands for Specific Pathogen Free, meaning the colony has been tested and confirmed free of a defined list of pathogens.

Question 5

Which of the following is a normal physiological feature of rats that differentiates them from mice in a research setting?

Accepted Answer

Rats cannot vomit due to their anatomy

Answer

Rats (and mice) lack the anatomical structures required to vomit, which is an important consideration in toxicology and GI research models.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test