Insectary Pathology Service
Larva infected with NP Virus
A much needed pathology service has been initiated for assisting members of the rearing community in their efforts to minimize diseases caused by microbes within their colonies and to manage microbes that contaminate their diets. This service offers not only diagnosis of problems but also suggestions for their solution, e.g., screening of antibiotics for controlling bacteria. Please see the "Sample Submission Form" below. Initial results will be emailed as tests are completed; a final written report and invoice will be mailed within 2-3 weeks.
Screening Services:
Basic Diagnostic (BDS)($75):
Population screen of up to 20 insects or containers of diet for infectious disease organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, occluded viruses, and nematodes. This involves visual and microscopic examination of a stained smear and visual examination of a streaked, incubated microbiological agar plate for each insect or container of diet. If performed periodically on "healthy" insects or "clean" diet, BDS can result in early detection of pathogens and prevention of disease.
Non-occluded Virus ($110; request only after a negative BDS):
Examination of specially prepared negative stained sections of insect tissues using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to allow detection of viruses that are not visible using light microscopy. However, a negative result is not definitive; and this screen is not intended to be routinely performed.
Other Services:
Antibiotic Sensitivity ($35; request only after a bacteria-positive BDS):
A panel of 12-15 antibiotics screened for efficacy against a bacterium.
Bacterial Identification ($75; request only after a bacteria-positive BDS):
Taxonomic identification of a bacterium to genus.
Subcontracted to MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine Microbiology Lab.
Contact & Delivery (CONTACT MUST BE MADE BEFORE SHIPPING.):
Email/telephone:
alawrence@entomology.msstate.edu - (662) 325-3019
Mailing/shipping:
Amanda Lawrence
Box 9775
Dept. Entomology & Plant Path.
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Amanda Lawrence
Clay Lyle Entomology Bldg.
100 Twelve Lane
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762