The bacteriology section is responsible for identification of bacterial pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic significance. The services offered include automated testing that is important for rapid bacterial identification and characterization.
The bacteriology section tests specimens for diseases such as the Johne's, salmonellosis, listeriosis, leptospirosis, and contagious equine metritis (CEM), as well as diseases of fish. The bacteriology section routinely identifies bacteria associated with reproductive, respiratory, or intestinal diseases. The testing involves aerobic and anaerobic sterile techniques using specialized media. The Sensititre, which is an automated microbial detection instrument, is used routinely to identify bacteria and to provide antibiotic sensitivity measured in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).