Texas Biomed Science Report 2011-2012 - Texas Biomedical ...

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2011–2012 Scientific Report
“The ultimate goal of biomedical research is to improve the quality of life for all. While fundamental to achieving
this goal, the use of animals in this manner is a privilege. Thus their contribution to this endeavor should never be
diminished, nor their care compromised. As a laboratory animal veterinarian, it is my responsibility to maintain
the highest quality of care for our animal colonies so that we may provide healthy animals to our investigators.”
Melissa A. de la Garza, D.V.M., M.S.
Associate Veterinarian, SNPRC
As the scientific manager for the ABSL-3 Laboratory, de la Garza is
primarily responsible for the daily operations of the facility. This includes
providing leadership for the veterinary technical staff supporting the
facility, as well as serving as lead veterinarian for all research protocols
conducted in the laboratory.
Realizing that establishment of animal models is integral to the
success of any infectious disease program, a staff of veterinarians,
veterinary technicians and pathologists skilled in the care and use of
laboratory animals operate the laboratory. Although our facility is
equipped to manage all species of laboratory animals less than 10
kilograms, we specialize in the use of nonhuman primates.
By selecting a dedicated core staff of veterinary technicians specifically
trained to work with NHPs, the SNPRC staff can assure investigators that
each of their animals and protocols will receive uncompromising care and
attention to detail. Animals are monitored closely throughout the
progression of each study, such that end results will be sound research with
unquestionable integrity. In order to produce high-quality test subjects, it is
imperative that animals be housed in highly enriched environments, with
measures taken to reduce boredom and anxiety. With this goal in mind,
the staff develops relationships with each animal, learning their likes,
dislikes and individual characteristics. The SNPRC staff feels strongly that
the high quality of care for each animal is directly proportional to the high
quality science produced. Care provided to the animals is never
compromised and is without a doubt the center’s most valuable asset.
In the nearly six years that the facility has been operational, the center
has conducted a number of vaccine development and animal model
Publications
• Lieberman MM, Nerurkar VR, Luo H, Cropp B, Carrion R Jr, de la Garza M, Coller BA,
Clements D, Ogata S, Wong T, Martyak T, Weeks-Levy C (2009) Immunogenicity and
protective efficacy of a recombinant subunit West Nile virus vaccine in rhesus monkeys.
Clin Vaccine Immunol 16:1332-7.
• Widman DG, Ishikawa T, Giavedoni LD, Hodara VL, de la Garza M, Montalbo JA, Travassos
Da Rosa AP, Tesh RB, Patterson JL, Carrion R, Jr, Bourne N, Mason PW (2010) Evaluation of
RepliVAX WN, a single-cycle flavivirus vaccine, in a non-human primate model of West Nile
virus infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 82:1160-67.
• Andrade MCR, Higgins PB, Mattern VI, de la Garza M, Brasky KM, Voruganti VS, Comuzzie
AG. (2011) Morphometric variable related to metabolic profile in captive chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes). Comparative Med 61(5):457-61.
studies using both select and non-select agents. Some of these include the
use of Bacillus anthracis (Ames, Sterne), Francisella tularensis, Japanese
Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, Dengue(1-4) Virus, Mycobacterium
tuberculosis (Mtb), Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Slated for this year are investigations using Mtb + SIV, in addition to
continuations of some of the above-mentioned studies. Animal models
used thus far include rhesus macaques, cynomologus macaques, rabbits
and mice.
De la Garza shares other clinical and research responsibilities
throughout the Institute. She is routinely called upon to provide clinical
support for the chimpanzee colony. Chimpanzees exhibit disease
states that closely mirror those of humans. As such, they provide an
invaluable model for human disease. Owing to their obvious similarity to
humans, they may develop many of these same conditions through the
natural progression of life, thus requiring thorough clinical monitoring.
SNPRC’s animals are provided the care they need through the expertise
of veterinary staff as well as by interacting with colleagues in human
medicine. Other areas where support is provided by de la Garza include
the ABSL-4 facility as well as the various animal colonies as required.
Staff
Left to right: David
Vandenberg, Laura Rumpf,
George Villanueva,
Melissa de la Garza,
Kathleen Brasky, Alberto Torres,
Matthew Stautzenberger