NVSL Diagnostic Bacteriology and Pathology Laboratory

Last Modified: March 20, 2024

The Diagnostic Bacteriology and Pathology Laboratory (DBPL) provides diagnostic assistance for bacterial and protozoal diseases.

We carry out this work by:

  • conducting serologic testing for the presence of antibodies to pathogens; 
  • isolating, identifying, and genotyping bacteria; 
  • producing reagents needed for diagnostic testing; 
  • administering proficiency tests for selected diseases; 
  • performing microscopic examination for bovine tuberculosis; 
  • performing immunodiagnostics for prion diseases affecting livestock; and, 
  • providing diagnostic training.

The DBPL is a Reference Laboratory for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and a Reference Centre for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Some of the numerous functions of the DBPL include isolation and identification for diagnosis of bacterial diseases including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, contagious equine metritis, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, Salmonella serotyping, Leptospira serology, and scrapie susceptibility genotyping. The DBPL also maintains brucellosis, tuberculosis, Johne's disease, Leptospira, and National Animal Health Monitoring System isolate banks.

Contact Information

NVSL-DBPL

Packages: 
1920 Dayton Ave. 
Ames, IA 50010

Letters: 
P.O. Box 844
Ames, IA 50010

Phone: 515-337-7266
Fax: 515-337-7397

DBPL Director: Kim Lehman
Phone: 515-337-6335
Email: kimberly.lehman@usda.gov

Bacterial Isolation and Identification 

Supervisor: Christine Quance
Phone: 515-337-7347
Email:  christine.r.quance@usda.gov

Bacterial Typing

Supervisor: Brenda Morningstar-Shaw
Phone: 515-337-7962
Email: brenda.r.morningstar@usda.gov

Mycobacteria and Brucella

Supervisor: Vacant
Phone: 515-337-7526
Email: n/a

Pathology

Supervisor: Aaron Lehmkuhl
Phone: 515-337-7175
Email: aaron.d.lehmkuhl@usda.gov