J. Lindsay Oaks
J. Lindsay Oaks, DVM, PhD
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (Virology,
Bacteriology)
Associate Professor
My primary research interest is persistent viral infections, in
particular the mechanisms of persistence and regulation of viral replication
and gene expression in subclinical equine infectious anemia (EIA) lentivirus
infections. EIA is an important disease of horses, and a good model for
persistent macrophage infections by other lentiviruses, including HIV.
Macrophages are increasingly being recognized as crucial cell types in the
pathogenesis and persistence of HIV and other lentiviruses. Thus,
animal models of lentivirus-macrophage interactions in the absence of other
major reservoirs, such as lymphocytes in HIV, are important to help dissect
the role of macrophages in lentivirus biology.
My laboratory is also interested in the mechanisms of pathogenesis and
persistence of the lymphotropic gammaherpesviruses, in which we use bovine
or bison infections with ovine herpesvirus 2, the causative agent of
malignant catarrhal fever, as a model. We are currently interested in
viral gene products that lead to immune dysregulation and
lymphoproliferative disease syndromes.
In the service area, I am the section head for the diagnostic bacteriology
laboratory in the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. In
this role I act as a consultant for infectious disease problems of companion
and food-producing animals in the Pacific Northwest. I am particularly
interested in applying molecular biology techniques to addressing
microbiologic diagnoses. I also have special interest in infectious
diseases of exotic birds and other wildlife, in particular those of birds of
prey. I serve as a consulting veterinarian and microbiologist for a
number of biologists and wildlife conservation organizations.
