Simpson Laboratory
Gastroenterology Research
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
| Current research | Selected publications | Lab members | Contact |
The work of the Simpson laboratory is focused principally on host-bacterial interactions in the gastrointestinal tract. We are interested in the role of the enteric microflora in inflammatory bowel diseases, and bacterial infections in other gastrointestinal disorders such as hepatobiliary disease and pancreatitis. We have a long-standing interest in the role of Helicobacter in gastrointestinal inflammation and cholangitis. Our more recent studies have explored the role of the resident enteric flora in inflammatory bowel diseases across species, and in-depth characterization of an emergent group of Adherent and Invasive E. coli associated with granulomatous colitis in Boxer dogs, and Crohn's disease in people.
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1. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH):
We currently offer diagnostic testing to detect invasive bacteria within fixed tissue samples, using Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH). Common indications for FISH include granulomatous or neutrophilic gastroenteropathies, unresponsive GI disease, inflammatory liver disease, unexplained granulomatous lesions of spleen, lymph node or skin. Submission forms and further details can be accessed here.
2. Culture based analysis of E.coli in colonic biopsies from Boxer dogs with granulomatous colitis.
Granulomatous colitis in Boxer dogs is associated with intramucosal colonization by E.coli. Successful eradication of these E.coli correlates with clinical remission. Poor initial response or relapse is increasingly associated with resistance to antibiotics. Thus, optimal treatment of GCB requires knowledge of antibiotic sensitivity prior to the initiation of therapy. Our laboratory is set up to isolate and determine antimicrobial sensitivity of E.coli associated with the intestinal mucosa. Submission forms and further details can be accessed here.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Helicobacter
Clinical studies
Contact: Simpson Laboratory, VMC 2016, Cornell University, Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401.
Tel: 607-253-3567; fax: 607-253-3289.