Sheep for developing world microbiology tests

Sheep could be used as blood donors for microbiology tests in the developing world, a new study has indicated.

Experts at the Stanford University School of Medicine have suggested that hair sheep, which are a less-hirsute version of the common animal, could represent a revolution in microbiology.

The animals are low maintenance, do not succumb to parasites easily and can be used to diagnose infectious diseases in developing countries.

Writing in the journal Public Library of Science ONE, the authors said that sheep donors could be more effective than human ones.

Michele Barry, senior associate dean for global health at the university, stated: "Diagnosis of bacterial diseases and antibiotic sensitivity in low resource settings is often infeasible due to cost, access to diagnostics or manpower.

"The technology, which they are modelling in Botswana, is an example of a practical 'can do' innovation in microbiology that will save lives in the tropics at low cost by quickly identifying bacteria to tailor cost-effective antibiotic use - a precious commodity overseas."

Regular sheep and horses are other less effective options for microbiology testing.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, connecting health communities