Dr. Mark Schrenzel, a veterinary pathologist and head of the division, was our guide through the different facets of molecular diagnostics and the jobs people do. There are three levels of lab technicians who work under the division head. General lab techs perform all of the hands-on work, like running various diagnostic tests, and all have completed at least a bachelor’s degree. The lab coordinator designs and sets up tests and analyzes the data that the tests produce. In most cases, the coordinator has a master’s degree. There also is the level of research assistant who performs further analyses with the data. The lab director and division director are the two levels above the technicians. They do not commonly perform much hands-on work; instead, they guide the research decisions, design a research plan, analyze data, and write papers for publication. A Ph.D. is required to achieve this level. As director of the lab, Dr. Schrenzel holds a bachelor’s degree, a D.V.M., and a Ph.D.

We got a feel for the job of a technician as we helped Dr. Schrenzel set up a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) using several DNA samples. A PCR reaction amplifies DNA samples so that certain regions can be isolated and studied. We also got to separate our PCR products on an agarose gel. Our test was looking for the presence of bacterial DNA in the specimens from five different animals. It turned out that two of the samples contained the helicobacter we were testing for!

I have always wondered whether or not the things that we learn in biology class will ever be useful in real life. Today we used all of the knowledge our biology teachers have given us and even more. Molecular diagnostics is definitely a field for biology buffs.

-Ariel, Zoo InternQuest, Animal Career Team

Conservation the Molecular Way
The northern aplomado falcon is a small raptor native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It was nearly driven to extinction in the United States due to pesticide use; now there are protective programs in place to increase the population size. However, it is not always human influences that cause wildlife populations to decline. Dr. Mark Schrenzel, a veterinary pathologist working at Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), informed us that viruses and diseases also take their toll on populations. Dr. Schrenzel informed us that CRES houses the first molecular diagnostics lab in the world.

In 1996, a colony of northern aplomado falcons being housed at a captive breeding facility in Idaho suffered a disease outbreak that caused anorexia, diarrhea, dehydration, or sudden death in 72 of the 110 birds in the colony. The disease showed a fatality rate of 86 percent in the species; of the 72 infected birds, 62 eventually perished. Dr. Schrenzel and his colleagues studied the outbreak event and identified the cause as a virus, specifically an adenovirus. The peregrine falcon population housed at the facility saw only minor losses; just six of 102 birds died from the infection. Initially it was hypothesized that the source of the virus was likely the chicken and fowl being fed to the birds. Upon further examination, however, it was determined that peregrine falcons were the primary reservoirs for the virus and that they had transmitted it to the aplomados.

The study of diseases can benefit species both in the wild and in captivity. In zoos, this information is used to isolate certain species from others to prevent the spread of disease. In the wild, these studies help biologists identify potentially harmful factors present in natural habitats.

It is encouraging to me to know that well-trained professionals are studying the diseases and viruses of plants and animals in addition to human ailments. Humans struggle with a huge number of diseases and viruses and represent only one species; the amazing diversity of plants and animals are likely to have a great deal more to combat.

-A.J., Zoo InternQuest, Conservation Team

Pathological Science
The scientists in the Molecular Diagnostics Division at CRES often collaborate with Zoo and Wild Animal Park veterinary staff in order to identify specific causes of disease and to prevent infection in other individuals in the population. They do this through processes involving vaccination and quarantine, all to prevent the spread of disease.

While this is mainly aimed at diseases that affect endangered species, disease specialists also pay close attention to diseases that have the potential to be transmitted to humans. This topic becomes much more relevant due to recent health concerns in the real world. Avian influenza is gaining increasing attention from scientists and policymakers worldwide. The viral disease originated in Asia, but has unlimited potential to spread to other continents. The migratory pathways of birds regularly intersect, making for an unstable situation. Disease exchange between birds is highly plausible, so it is possible that North American birds will return as carriers of the pathogen. Fortunately, there are several vigorous ongoing research programs, and as more studies are completed, more information is will be accumulated and made available.

In this example, molecular diagnostics is applied to humans. This only demonstrates the breadth of this field of science, as diseases affects all of us. Humans and animals are not very different in this context, as neither is immune. Fortunately, in combining the scientific process with human intellect, we get a formidable resistance to these diseases. The knowledge gained will benefit all species.

Megan, Zoo InternQuest, Real World Team