Tulane National Primate Research Center (SPF Program)
Tulane National Primate Research Center AIDS Specific-Pathogen-Free Breeding Colony
Grant Numbers: U42OD010568, U42OD024282
Research Emphasis/Objectives
The objective of the specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) breeding colony resource is to produce well-characterized, healthy nonhuman primates (NHPs) for use in NIH-funded HIV/AIDS research. NHPs derived from the colony are seronegative for simian immunodeficiency virus, simian T-lymphotrophic virus 1, type D simian retrovirus, and Macacine herpesvirus 1 (MHV1 or B virus). In addition to the SPF target agents, the colony is monitored for infection with tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), measles virus, and additional infectious agents based on risk assessment.
The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is one of only three centers in the United States with an expanded SPF (eSPF) breeding program that supplies animals with an increased viral exclusion profile over regular SPF. The expanded viral exclusion profile includes opportunistic agents commonly seen in immunosuppressed disease states (cytomegalovirus, lymphocryptovirus, rhesus rhadinovirus, simian foamy virus, and simian agent 40). Because a high proportion of regular SPF rhesus macaques are infected with viruses that cause disease in immunosuppressed patients, studies specific to these agents cannot be performed in regular SPF rhesus macaques. Expanded SPF rhesus monkeys have been critical in the study of the pathogenesis of opportunistic disease in AIDS.
The TNPRC breeding colony management program centers on a philosophy of continuous improvement, which has contributed significantly to achieving SPF status for the entire breeding colony. Continuous improvement is fostered by the use of evidence derived from observation, controlled in-house studies, and the literature to drive decision-making. We employ this philosophy in many areas of the program, including housing, behavioral management, husbandry practices, nursery rearing, preventive medicine, and veterinary medical care. Using data analysis to drive management decisions has resulted in the development of a comprehensive, integrated breeding colony management plan. This plan produces quality animals for research while assuring stable growth into the future.
Services Provided
Animals
SPF rhesus monkeys may be requested for AIDS research by sending requests to the point of contact listed below. Once contact has been made, a Tulane Resource Allocation Committee animal allocation request form will be sent. The Tulane Resource Allocation Committee will review requests and prioritize allocation based on source of funding and research project to ensure that they are directed to NIH funded HIV/AIDS research as a priority.
Tissues and Other Samples
Tissues and other biologic samples from SPF animals may be obtained by sending requests to the point of contact below for Biologic Samples.
Contact Information
Tulane National Primate Research Center
18703 Three Rivers Road
Covington, LA 70433
tnprc.tulane.edu
Animals
Kathrine Falkenstein, M.P.H.
Animal Colony Epidemiologist
Division of Veterinary Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu
Biologic Samples
Pyone Pyone Aye, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Assistant Director for Collaborative Research and Contract Research
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
nprcresearch@wave.tulane.edu
Principal Investigator
Rudolf (Skip) Bohm, D.V.M., DACLAM
Associate Director and Chief Veterinary Medical Officer
Chair, Division of Veterinary Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
Phone: 985-871-6266
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu
Other/Resource Contacts
Kasi Russell-Lodrigue, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACLAM
Assistant Director for Clinical and Research Medicine
Tulane National Primate Research Center
Associate Professor of Medicine
Tulane School of Medicine
Phone: 985-871-6266
tnprc-vetmed@tulane.edu