Bacterial and Parasitological Diseases in Laboratory Animals

Abstract

The laboratory animals harbor a variety of bacterial and parasitic pathogens that cause various diseases. However, many of the pathogens may not cause overt disease but may alter the hematological, biochemical, gross, and histopathological data rendering the host animal unsuitable for many experimental uses. An intensive health monitoring program in the animal facility with effective therapeutic procedures will improve the health status of the vivarium. This chapter will discuss the common bacterial and parasitic diseases affecting laboratory animals and their diagnostic approaches with gross and histopathological observations that would prevent and control the outbreak of various infectious and zoonotic diseases.