Gnotobiotics

Gnotobiotics summarizes and analyzes the research conducted on the use of gnotobiotes, providing detailed information regarding actual facility operation and derivation of gnotobiotic animals. In response to the development of new tools for microbiota and microbiome analysis, the increasing recognition of the various roles of microbiota in health and disease, and the consequent expanding demand for gnotobiotic animals for microbiota/microbiome related research, this volume collates the research of this expanding field into one definitive resource. Reviews and defines gnotobiotic animal species Analyzes microbiota in numerous contexts Presents detailed coverage of the protocols and operation of a gnotobiotic facility

The germfree animal is reared in the laboratory to be bacteria free; its counterpart, the gnotobiotic animal, is exposed to select microorganisms. The need for such an animal model for use in biomedical studies was first expressed by Pasteur in the late 1800s. Subsequent development of germfree and gnotobiotic animals led to an explosion of studies on the effects of microflora and its components on the physiology and metabolism of the host. Germfree and Gnotobiotic Animal Models brings together the most notable points of early and recent studies and gives reference to the most pertinent literature.

The popularity of germ-free animal models, particularly mice, for investigation of human physiology and disease has recently exploded. Gnotobiotic Mouse Technology: An Illustrated Guide provides the first manual for the maintenance, husbandry, and experimental manipulation of germ-free and gnotobiotic mice. It includes information on all aspects of establishing and operating a germ-free mouse research facility, from basic principles and equipment to detailed instructions for assembling and maintaining isolators, sterilizing supplies, handling animals, and monitoring sterility. The book breaks down techniques and procedures into modules, each of which contains a step-by-step practical and visual guide to a set of related procedures. Each description consists of a materials list, introduction, and general overview, followed by a thoroughly illustrated walkthrough of the steps for each procedure. The descriptions end with troubleshooting tips. Technical chapters are heavily illustrated and include notations of potential pitfalls and alternatives. Other chapters discuss management procedures and practices such as the hiring and training of personnel, setting fee schedules, and record keeping. This book is a landmark resource for establishing and maintaining a facility for germ-free mouse research. Useful to both technicians and investigators, it presents every step necessary to establish a successful facility. It also gives direction in expanding multi-user facilities and applying new technologies to your current practices.

Testing the immunogenicity, protective efficacy and safety in animal models is a crucial step in vaccine development. Pigs raised in germ-free environments, called gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs, are one of the most useful animal models for testing vaccines. The Gn pig model is a widely accepted model for studying pathogenesis and immunity and an ideal model for pre-clinical testing for the safety and efficacy of enteric viral vaccines. Through these studies and others, the Gn pig model has been established as the most reliable animal model for pre-clinical evaluation of human rotavirus and norovirus vaccines. This book provides detailed information on establishing Gn pig models, determining a proper virus inoculum pool and challenge dose, measuring protection and calculating efficacy, and delineating intestinal and systemic immune responses associated with the protection. Key Features Provides a natural history of human rotavirus and norovirus infection in Gn pigs Establishes the optimal virus challenge doses in Gn pigs for vaccine evaluation Evaluates various candidate rotavirus and norovirus vaccines Discusses human gut microbiota transplanted Gn pig models Documents the role of probiotics and rice bran as prophylactics and vaccine adjuvants

Germfree Life and Gnotobiology focuses on the theory and general aspects of germfree research and gnotobiology. Using a phylogenetic approach, the book provides a summary of germfree work in all phyla, from bacteria and viruses to protozoans and invertebrates. It characterizes germfree vertebrates based on data on morphology, biochemistry, nutrition, serology, and physiology. This book is organized into six chapters and begins with an overview of germfree life and gnotobiology, including biological isolation as the basis of germfree life, germfree conditions in nature, and the biological significance of germfree research. A section is devoted to nomenclature and terminology. The chapters on methods and nutrition are sufficiently detailed to serve as guides for experimental work. The book concludes with a chapter on exploratory research that explores the inoculation of germfree animals with known kinds of microorganisms. Terms have been introduced to describe concepts and provide precise communication. This book is a valuable source of information for scientists and researchers engaged in germfree research as a biological tool.

A respected resource for decades, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals has been updated by a committee of experts, taking into consideration input from the scientific and laboratory animal communities and the public at large. The Guide incorporates new scientific information on common laboratory animals, including aquatic species, and includes extensive references. It is organized around major components of animal use: Key concepts of animal care and use. The Guide sets the framework for the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Animal care and use program. The Guide discusses the concept of a broad Program of Animal Care and Use, including roles and responsibilities of the Institutional Official, Attending Veterinarian and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Animal environment, husbandry, and management. A chapter on this topic is now divided into sections on terrestrial and aquatic animals and provides recommendations for housing and environment, husbandry, behavioral and population management, and more. Veterinary care. The Guide discusses veterinary care and the responsibilities of the Attending Veterinarian. It includes recommendations on animal procurement and transportation, preventive medicine (including animal biosecurity), and clinical care and management. The Guide addresses distress and pain recognition and relief, and issues surrounding euthanasia. Physical plant. The Guide identifies design issues, providing construction guidelines for functional areas; considerations such as drainage, vibration and noise control, and environmental monitoring; and specialized facilities for animal housing and research needs. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals provides a framework for the judgments required in the management of animal facilities. This updated and expanded resource of proven value will be important to scientists and researchers, veterinarians, animal care personnel, facilities managers, institutional administrators, policy makers involved in research issues, and animal welfare advocates.

Our over-sanitized world threatens children’s health, but parents can change their environment into one where they’ll thrive. Babies and young kids are being raised in surroundings that are increasingly cleaner, more hyper hygienic, and more disinfected than ever before. As a result, the beneficial bacteria in their bodies is being altered, promoting conditions and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies, and autism. As Let Them Eat Dirt shows, there is much that parents can do about this, including breastfeeding if possible, getting a dog, and avoiding antibiotics unless necessary—and yes, it is OK to let kids get a bit dirty.