Colonies of Francisella tularensis isolated by bacteriologists at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory growing on a chocolate agar plate.
Veterinary Bacteriology and Parasitology is one of the within the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University's Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine. We sat down with section supervisor Stephanie Putz to learn more about the section’s crucial role in health surveillance and testing.
What role does the Veterinary Bacteriology and Parasitology section play in supporting animal health?
Our team plays a vital role in herd health. Where one animal is sick, it is likely to spread to other animals living in the vicinity. To diagnose and treat a single animal for a microbial infection means protecting many other animals, humans and even the environment. We contribute to One Health (a transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the health of people, animals, plants and environment is linked and interdependent) with the goal of protecting Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, health security and sustainability. We work closely with the Oregon Health Authority , the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (OSPHL) to monitor and surveil emerging pathogens in the region.
What are the most common bacterial pathogens you diagnose?
We commonly find E. coli bacteria when pets like dogs and cats have urinary tract infections. “Dog staph” bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) are often involved in infections after surgery. In horses, Streptococcus zooepidemicus is very commonly found—it can be part of their normal bacteria or sometimes cause disease. We’ve also been seeing more fungal infections (Aspergillus) in animals in the region.
What are the most frequently diagnosed parasitic infections in our region?
We commonly find intestinal parasites in ruminants like cattle, sheep and goats. The most common ones are worm parasites (Trichostrongyles) and coccidia. Animals like llamas and alpacas can have those same parasites, but they’re also prone to a few additional types of worms (Trichuris species, Nematodirus species, and Strongyloides) that affect their digestive system.
What does a typical day in the lab look like?
We get in about 9 a.m. and start checking correspondence in the morning. We set up any parasitology tests to get started, as most have to sit and incubate at room temperature before testing. We also start interpreting any STATs and cultures that we set up the days prior. We receive new specimens throughout the day. We perform and read susceptibility testing and report out those results. We quite enjoy our work days together as we all love science.
What skills or training are essential for working in bacteriology and parasitology?
When looking for qualified individuals for our section, we are looking for someone who understands biosafety and how infections can start. Safety is our first priority when it comes to working in our section. Many microorganisms can be zoonotic. Having some lab experience, whether it be clinical or research, can help immensely.
How many team members work in the department, and what are their specialties?
We have five talented and determined female scientists working in our department!
Sophia Ballard. She understands animal physiology more than most people I have ever met. With her unique background in animal science, and starting here many years ago as a student, Sophia has valuable institutional knowledge and a keen eye for pathogens.
Berta Higgins. Berta has worked in animal research for years bringing a strong background in genetic sequencing and chemical safety in the lab. She has evolved her knowledge into being a passionate microbiologist in both bacteriology and parasitology.
Stephanie Putz. I come from background of clinical laboratory science in human medicine. I specialize in clinical microbiology across several subspecialties including bacteriology, mycology, antimicrobial stewardship and laboratory leadership. This is my first job in veterinary medical science and it has been very rewarding.
Bri Babb. Bri recently joined from the Clinical Pathology section within the OVDL. She brings institutional knowledge paired with an extensive background in clinical laboratory science. She is our liaison for the CCVM safety committee and is an exemplary biosafety steward.
Nikki Ahmann. Nikki recently started with us as our student laboratory assistant. Nikki comes from working at her family’s dairy farm. This unique background has prepared her to understand animal sample types and apply her knowledge to processing specimens. We are so happy to have her as our student and see her grow professionally.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your work?
Despite the frequency of feces specimens we receive, we still enjoy a good ole poop joke.
Are there upcoming projects or initiatives the department is working on?
Higgins is currently leading the charge on genome sequencing for animal and fish pathogens that cannot be easily identified by our commercial identification system. In coordination with the rest of her team, she has successfully identified pathogens and flora that we did not have the means to identify before. We hope to have our validation complete soon.
Some members of our team will also be representing the OVDL by presenting at the American Society for Microbiology conference in Washington D.C. this year. Our abstract is named, “Epidemiology and Antibiotic Resistance of Animal Infections Caused by Enterococcus sp.”