The pathology and histology teams work together to conduct morphologic assessments and molecular assays using in-life and postmortem samples attained during research studies that develop and use established animal models of high-consequence emerging human viruses. The clinical pathologic and histopathologic data are interpreted by the pathologists using historical controls, or within-study controls, to generate reports that address specific pathology-associated aims of each study. The findings facilitate the development of future studies and contribute to publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.
Main Areas of Focus
- Participate in study planning to ensure successful execution of pathology-related specific aims (i.e., appropriate animal model selection, assay selection, and sample allocation)
- Conduct postmortem examinations in laboratory animal models under biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) conditions
- Review protocol development of molecular assays to detect emerging viral pathogens and relevant biomarkers in tissue in collaboration with our histotechnologists
- Interpret clinical pathology data
- Interpret cytology findings in blood smears and cytospin samples (i.e., bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine)
- Interpret histopathologic lesions in tissue sections
- Interpret immunohistochemical (IHC) findings in tissue sections
- Interpret in situ hybridization (ISH) findings in tissue sections
- Conduct histopathology scoring based on lesion type or staining characteristics in tissues to generate semiquantitative histopathology data for (statistical) significance testing
- Conduct and interpret electron microscopic tissue examinations
- Produce publication-quality pathology reports
- Contribution to the writing and publication of manuscripts and present pathology data
Capabilities and Specialized Equipment
- Full-service gross dissection, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslip application
- Mopec MB-600 adjustable elevating grossing station with backdraft ventilation
- Tissue-Tek VIP-6 automated thermoregulated vacuum infiltration processor
- Tissue-Tek TEC-6 ergonomic embedding console and cryo module workstation
- Leica Biosystems HistoCore-MultiCut standard semiautomated rotary microtome
- Leica Biosystems HI1210 lighted thermoregulated water flotation bath
- Tissue-Tek/Sakura-Finetek Prisma Plus and Glas g2 automated slide stainer and coverslip applicator
- Leica Biosystems IP-C/IP-S chemical-resistant inkjet printers for cassettes/slides
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- ThermoScientific-Shandon Sequenza staining system, chromogenic/fluorescent
- In situ hybridization (ISH)
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics-BioTechne RNAscope HybEZ-II staining system
- Digital pathology whole-slide image scanning and biomarker quantitation
- Leica Aperio AT2 high-throughput digital slide scanner
- Publication-quality image capture of brightfield photomicrographs
- Olympus BX Series multimodule microscope and integrated DP74 camera
- Publication-quality image capture of fluorescent photomicrographs
- Leica SP5 TCS-2 confocal microscope and integrated DMI6000 camera with five internal fluorescent detectors, two HyD high-sensitivity detectors, and transmitted light detector with laser lines 405, 458, 476, 488, 514, 561, 594, and 633
- Leica SP5 TCS-2 confocal microscope and integrated DMI6000 camera with five internal fluorescent detectors, two HyD high-sensitivity detectors, and transmitted light detector with laser lines 405, 458, 476, 488, 514, 561, 594, and 633
Location
Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick)
Contact Information
Venkatesh Mani, Ph.D.
Director of Imaging and Maximum Containment (Contractor)
Louis Huzella, D.V.M., Diplomate, ACVP
Pathology Lead (Contractor)
IRF-Frederick
Standards
All procedures are well-documented and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), methods, or study-approved plans and agreements.
Collaboration Opportunities
- Studies relevant to human disease
- Use of surrogate systems to test clinical hypotheses
- Use of biological systems to answer questions regarding disease pathogenesis and strategies for intervention including antimicrobials, vaccines, and other countermeasures
- Developing and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to understand infectious diseases
Read more about how to work with the IRF-Frederick.