Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Boston Globe (11.23.08) - Friday, December 19, 2008
Colin Nickerson
Already, the rats have identified 300 cases of early TB missed by lab technicians armed with microscopes. Without the rodents' help, those patients could have gotten ill, spread the disease and died.
"It's fair, I think, to call these animals 'hero rats,'" said Bart Weetjens, who conceived of the program. "They are organized, sensitive, sociable and smart," he noted.
The rats do not form deep bonds with a single handler, but happily work with anyone who gives the correct commands and reward, usually a few peanuts or ripe banana. The rats in the pilot study can assess about 40 saliva samples every 10 minutes, about what a skilled lab technician can evaluate under a microscope in one day's work.
The rats are trained with a clicking device. When the rat senses a sample has TB, it makes a scratching motion and the handler responds by snapping the clicker, which means a treat is on its way.
Asked whether the rats would short-circuit the process and scratch every few minutes to get their fill of treats, Weetjens replied, "That would be human behavior. Rats are more honest."
Apopo also trains rat squads to take part in land mine eradication efforts in Africa - work that has won high praise from the World Bank and the UN.
081219
AD082384
Copyright © 2008 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.