An Advanced Microbiology Lab Disrupting the Veterinary Industry

As an area of increasing need, our microbiology department strengthens Ellie Diagnostics’ stance in the fight for best clinical outcomes for all animals across the United States.

Our approach begins with the patient, using clinical history and collection methods to interpret what bacteria or fungal isolates that we find to be clinically significant. We then apply heightened antimicrobial stewardship practices through our use of the most current antimicrobial interpretations provided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) which help veterinarians select the most appropriate treatment plans for their patients.

WHAT DOES ELLIE MICROBIOLOGY CURRENTLY OFFER?

1. Urine Culture and Susceptibility – looking at samples collected via cystocentesis, catheter collection, or free catch, we provide bacterial density, isolate identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility of species present.
   
   
2. Aerobic Culture and Susceptibility – looking at samples collected from areas exposed to oxygen (skin, nasopharyngeal, bronchial lavages, etc.), we provide an identification and susceptibility for cultured suspect pathogens.
   
   
3. Aerobic Culture and Susceptibility and Anaerobic ID – while some bacteria can grow in the presence of oxygen, there are some that cannot. This culture tests for both in the event either or both types are present in an infection. These are generally ordered for sample types more internal to the body such as body cavity, bone, bile acids, etc.
   
   
4. Fecal Culture and Susceptibility Testing – this looks at fecal samples for bacterial species that cause gastrointestinal distress such as coli (O157), Shigella spp. Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. Susceptibility testing is provided on E. coli (O157), Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp.
   
   
5. Dermatophyte Culture and Identification – these cultures help identify the causative agent of ringworm or ringworm like infections such as Microsporum spp., Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton spp.
   
   
6. Non-Dermatophyte Fungal Culture and Identification – these cultures help identify non-dermoatophytic fungi such as various yeasts (Malassezia and Candida spp.), Aspergillus spp., Coccidioides spp., Cryptococcus spp. and others.

THERE'S MORE TO COME!

Given the race against antimicrobial resistance in the veterinary healthcare, we see it as our duty to our clients to provide complementary antibiograms or reports that summarizes susceptibility data from all of the samples a client has submitted across a 6-month period. This will help determine antibiotics that may be overused and contributing to increased resistance. Ellie aspires to become the forefront of veterinary public health and can only do so with the help of our amazing clients!

Dr. Tiffany Brandt

Dr. Tiffany Brandt comes to us after finishing her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Louisville where her focus was on antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial development, and environmental influences of polymicrobial communities on pathogens.

She states: “I enjoy the opportunity to learn about the complex relationship between microorganisms and health. It is rewarding to aid clinicians in investigating causes of disease and, in some cases, avoid the unnecessary use of antimicrobials. I am proud to get to work in an area that facilitates the health of individual animals, as well as communities. Each case is someone’s loved one and I am grateful to get to deliver the care and consideration I would want provided for my dogs.”

When she isn’t working, she is generally hiking or running with her own four-legged children, Dolly and Waylon.