Pathology Unit
The Pathology Unit is an independent service unit of the German Primate Center (DPZ). The service mainly includes diagnostic necropsies and necropsies within the scope of scientific projects. Histological and immunohistochemical mehtods are part of the methodological range of the Pathology Unit and are applied for diagnostic purposes or when required for internal and external research projects.
Cryosectioning and its associated techniqes, which are primarily used in the context of neuroscientific studies, expand the range of methods offered by the department. Bacteriological examinations of various biological samples including testing for resistance as well as parasitological examinations of faecal samples as part of health monitoring in non-human primate colonies complete the spectrum of services.
In addition, the service unit provides biological sample material for internal and external research groups on request.
Education and training of veterinarians including training-related compulsory internships in veterinary pathology can also be completed in the department. Courses and lectures on non-human primate diseases are regularly offered in cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover or at the DPZ. Further training authorization for specialization in the filed of veterinary pathology is available.
Main research projects of the Pathology Unit are studies on the pathogenesis studies of spontaneous or experimentally induced infectious diseases in non-human primates. In addition to a cowpox model, current research includes a project dealing with the fox tapeworm problem. The latter pursues the goal of developing a vaccine against the small fox tapeworm. In addition, clinical pictures and selected cases from routine diagnostics are work up scientifically. Currently, endometriosis in non-human primates is also in the focus of research, and the collection and cataloging of non-human primate tumors are in process.
The following pages provide an overview on the range of methods and the individual research projects.
For diagnostic and general enquiries to the Pathology Unit please contact Pathologie-DPZ(at)dpz.eu. Thank you!