Laboratory of Microbiology and Pathology
Medical Microbiology Group performs all types of micro-biological examinations in human clinical material. It also performs unique examinations such as examinations of water and rinsing substance for Legionella which in Latvia can be performed only in BIOR. The Group cooperates with hospitals, out-patient medical institutions and with individually practicing doctors.
Microbiology Group performs wide spectrum of microbiological examinations which assist individuals and companies in control over compliance with requirements regarding hygiene and food harmlessness processes. The main directions of activity are testing of samples from water, food products, cosmetics and environment. The Group has the widest range of accredited microbiological testing methods in Latvia, including fast and classic testing methods.
Microbial Genomics Group has several working directions. We are testing microbiological contamination of food and environment as well as detection of animal pathogens using molecular biology methods. We are also providing whole genome sequencing (WGS) that is the most discriminatory method for bacteria typing and can give us different type of genetic information like bacterial virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes and phylogenetic relationship between bacterial strains. BIOR is the first laboratory in Latvia who has implemented WGS in food-borne outbreak investigation. In additional to diagnostics of pathogens we are testing for the presence of genetically modified organisms in food and feed by DNA based methods. For cattle breeders we offer cattle parentage testing and identification. In addition to diagnostic laboratory work, members of group are actively participating in various scientific research projects.
Parasitology Group performs wide spectrum of parasitological examinations of food products and veterinary samples. The Group has the widest range of accredited methods for parasitological testing of food products and for making veterinary examinations in Latvia. Experts of the Group provide consultations in the area of food quality and parasitology as well as conduct training for the employees of governmental structures and other interested persons.
Pathology Group employs highly qualified specialists in the evaluation of animal pathologies by using pathology anatomic, histologic and morphologic methods as well as in making bio-chemical analysis. On the basis of orders received from customers, the leading experts make conclusions on the pathology detected and provide comments regarding their causes and consultations about possible link of biochemical examinations to health condition of the animal. An important role in the work of the Group is devoted to complex laboratory diagnostic supervision of animal transmitted sponge-like encefalopatia by use of confirmation methods and control over the prohibited animal origin protein components in animal feed by use of microscopic methods.
Serology Group performs examinations of samples of animal and bird blood, cow milk and, in some cases, pork sap as well as in yolk of bird eggs by using various methods of serology and by determining antibodies against pathogenic agents of various infection diseases, and in some cases also after-vaccination antibodies. The Group also performs early diagnostics of pregnancy from blood and milk samples of cows, goats and sheep.
Virology Group is the only laboratory in Latvia which performs laboratory diagnostics of animal infection diseases caused by viruses (including zoonosis) by using all methods available in virology. The laboratory performs virus express-diagnostic tests for clinical and pathological animal samples as well as for complicated confirming virology analysis by using live biological systems. The diagnostic schemes of various diseases used by the laboratory include specific molecular genetic tests of viruses. The laboratory also performs molecular genetic analysis of microbial pollution in food products and environment. It also provides laboratory supervision over genetically modified organisms in food products and in animal feed. An important role in the work of the Group is devoted to complex laboratory diagnostic supervision of animal transmitted sponge-like encefalopatia by the use of external tests.