Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which type of animals are particularly vulnerable to infections and require barrier conditions for maintenance?

1. Healthy animals

2. Immunodeficient animals

3. Standard laboratory animals

4. Inbred strains

The correct answer is: Immunodeficient animals

Immunodeficient animals are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their weakened immune systems. These animals lack the normal protective mechanisms that help fight off pathogens, making them more susceptible to infections that would typically be managed by a healthy immune response. Therefore, to maintain their health and prevent exposure to potential infectious agents, immunodeficient animals require barrier conditions. This includes specific housing environments that limit access to pathogens and reduce the risk of contamination, such as clean rooms or isolators that provide controlled air quality and sterilized bedding and food. In contrast, healthy animals, standard laboratory animals, and inbred strains possess functioning immune systems that offer a certain level of protection against infections. While care is always taken to prevent disease transmission in any laboratory setting, the requirements for housing and care in those cases do not typically necessitate the strict barrier protocols implemented for immunodeficient animals.