Veterinary Biotechnology: Diagnostic, Reproductive, and Genetic Tools

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms, cells, or biological molecules (like enzymes, DNA, and antibodies) to make products or solve problems.

Biosafety

Preventing unintentional exposure to biological hazards, protecting staff and the environment.

Biosecurity

Preventing intentional misuse or the introduction/spread of disease agents between animals, facilities, or regions.

Aseptic technique

A set of practices that prevents contamination of samples, cultures, and workspaces by unwanted microorganisms.

Decontamination

Reduces hazard by eliminating microbial contamination.

Sterilization

Removes all viable organisms, including spores.

Positive control

A sample that contains the target and should test positive to confirm the assay's ability to detect it.

Negative control

A sample that contains no target and should test negative, detecting contamination or non-specific reactions.

Internal control

A host gene or spiked-in sequence used to confirm extraction and amplification worked and that inhibitors are absent.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method for making millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA region, important for detecting low quantities of pathogen DNA.

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription PCR)

Converts RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcriptase and then amplifies that cDNA.

qPCR (Quantitative PCR)

Measures amplification in real-time using fluorescent signals, allowing estimation of starting template amounts.

LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification)

A nucleic acid amplification method that operates at a constant temperature, useful in field settings.

Electrophoresis

A technique for separating DNA fragments by size through a gel matrix under an electric field.

Sanger sequencing

A method for accurately determining the order of nucleotides in a single target region.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)

A massively parallel sequencing technology useful for sequencing whole genomes or mixed samples.

Genotyping

Determining which genetic variants an animal carries at particular loci.

Sensitivity

The proportion of truly diseased animals that test positive for a disease.

Specificity

The proportion of truly non-diseased animals that test negative for a disease.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

An immunoassay that uses an enzyme-linked antibody to produce a measurable signal when binding occurs.

Cross-reactivity

When an antibody binds to multiple antigens, potentially leading to false positive results.

Microscopy

A technique used to magnify and view small organisms, often used alongside culture methods.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)

Estimates whether a bacterial isolate is inhibited by specific drugs at achievable concentrations.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

The placement of semen into the female reproductive tract by methods other than natural mating.

Estrus synchronization

Hormonal protocols used to coordinate estrus and ovulation among females.

Embryo transfer (ET)

The process of transferring embryos from a donor female to recipient females.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Fertilization of oocytes outside the body followed by transferring the embryos.

Cloning (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer)

A reproductive technique involving the transfer of a nucleus from a somatic cell into an enucleated oocyte.

Transgenic animals

Animals that carry genetic material introduced via biotechnology methods.

Gene editing (CRISPR)

Technologies that make targeted changes to DNA sequences.

Vaccination

Stimulating protective immunity without full disease manifestation, training immune memory.

Adjuvants

Components of vaccines that enhance immune response.

3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)

Ethical principles for conducting research involving animals.

Chain of custody

Clear documentation of sample identity and handling to ensure result reliability.

Risk communication

Effectively explaining results and their implications without overstating their significance.

False positives

Test results indicating disease when it is not present.

False negatives

Test results indicating the absence of disease when it is present.

Zoonoses

Diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.

Antibody detection

Identifying the presence of host antibodies, suggesting past exposure or vaccination.

Antigen detection

Identifying the presence of pathogen antigens, suggesting a current infection.

RNA vs DNA stability

RNA is less stable and more prone to degradation compared to DNA.

Biologics

Products derived from living organisms used in treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases.

Nucleic acids

Molecules that carry genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Viable organisms

Living microorganisms capable of growth and reproduction.

PCR failure

Failure of PCR assays not indicating a true absence of disease but rather issues like sample handling.

Diagnostic testing

The process of testing biological samples to identify disease or conditions.