Microbiology

The aim of EXOPOL is to be a leader in veterinary diagnosis. To this effect, in addition to general parasitology and microbiology, we also perform over 30 types of serological tests and apply immunoperoxidase (IPX) for direct antigen detection for over 70 diseases.

Our diagnostic service comprises the following disciplines:

• Cultures, identifications and antibiograms
• Parasitology
• Serology
• Immunocytochemistry

Objective: Efficiency

• We work exclusively and specifically in production animals.
• We process the samples immediately upon reception.
• We deliver results in two days (average delivery time in 2001).
• We send results by fax, e-mail and/or conventional mail.
• We store the isolated strains for the possible preparation of autovaccines.
• Telephone consulting service.

Submission sheets available in "Samples submission sheet" or upon request by telephone: 34-976-694525.

Isolation

From the submitted samples we obtain cultures for isolating aerobic or anaerobic bacteria, yeasts, fungi, mycoplasmas, etc.

Antibiogram

The antibiogram is simultaneously obtained to establish the sensitivity of the pathogen to the principal drug substances.

Preservation and identification

All bacterial isolates amenable for use in the preparation of autovaccines are stored for at least 2 years. The pathogens are clearly identified, along with the data corresponding to the farm and veterinarian.

Upon request from the veterinarian, the corresponding autovaccine is prepared.

Examples of the main germs isolated.

Parasitology

We screen for parasites in feces, blood or skin shavings, as well as upon performing necropsies in the case of adult or larval forms. 

• Coprology based on sedimentation and floatation techniques. Photo cryptosporides.
• Blood parasites, based on blood smears or anticoagulated blood samples: Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Theileriasis, Eperythrozoon suis and E. ovis.
• External parasites from shavings: acarids, fungi. Microbiology.

Serology

In EXOPOL we make use of a broad range of serological techniques, adapted or complemented to each individual case.

These techniques allow us to detect or confirm more than 30 diseases in all livestock species.

Serology makes it possible to study the presence or absence of immune response with antibodies, the level of response and/or its course in reaction to either vaccination or infection.

Once the blood sample has been collected, we recommend allowing the tubes to stand for 30 minutes. Never freeze the serum with the blood clot.

IPX

The immunoperoxidase or IPX technique applied by EXOPOL offers the fundamental advantage of specifically localizing the pathogen in the cell population extracted from the samples submitted by the veterinarian.

We have standardized and adapted the IPX technique to allow its routine application to more than 70 diseases. Its great usefulness is based on the application of highly specific antibodies against different antigens, thus allowing us to rapidly and simultaneously identify numerous pathogens in a single sample.

EXOPOL obtains its antibodies in Research Centers and certified diagnostic companies.

IPX is rapid, sensitive and specific. To the cell population (3) extracted from the sample, we add specific antibodies (1) against the suspected antigen (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, etc.).

If the sample proves positive, the second peroxidase-labeled antibody (2) binds to the first antibody, which is in turn bound to the antigen. The subsequent addition of a chromogenic substrate colors the pathogen and facilitates its visualization.

If you wish to know more about the technique: here you can also see the results obtained for each species.

Take a look at some photographs of some of the cases studied:Neospora, PRRS, Brachispiras spp, Cl. novyii.