
The meeting had ten posters and six platform sessions related to the animal model microbiome. Julia Krout of NYU organized two excellent workshops, Gnotobiotic Startup and Development and Advanced Techniques in Gnotobiotics.
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Board Officers
Betty R. Theriault, DVM, DACLAMPresident
Cheryl DiCarlo, DVM, PhD, MBA, DACLAM
President Elect
David Holland
Treasurer
Jennifer Phelan
Secretary
We had some interesting questions concerning use of isolators versus individually ventilated cages (IVCs). As a best practice, I recommended IVCs only for short term studies not for breeding or long-term projects.
There were diverse questions about associating mice with a variety of gut flora, from human FMTs to establishing Altered Schaedler Flora (ASF), with increasing interest in creating a diverse gut flora to improve immune response.
Other frequent questions were related to study planning, training gnotobiotic technicians, and facility design. Notable examples were preferred autoclaving supplies, application of sterilants and their appropriate contact time, and use of flexible film versus semi-rigid isolators.
The big picture theme is interest in the microbiome as a topic of research continues to grow, and with it the demand for gnotobiotic models, references, and resources to support this growth.
Association for Gnotobiotics

New logo courtesy of Kristin N. Grimsrud of UC Davis
The Association's mission is to connect colleagues interested in advancing knowledge and technologies associated with the generation, care, and use of germ-free and defined flora laboratory models, and to foster continuous communication through technology, seminars, and meetings.
The Association is currently recruiting members and looking for corporate sponsorships. Below is information on annual corporate sponsorships — contact any board officer if you are interested in membership.
Annual Sponsorships | Ads in Newsletters | Number of Memberships | Acknowledgement on AG Banner | Acknowledgement, Newsletter & Website | Access to membership lists |
Friendship $250 to $999 | 1/4 page | 5 | Bottom of banner in smallest font | Small font | None |
Supporting $1000 to $4999 | 1/2 page | 10 | Middle of banner in middle sized font | Medium font | Annual access |
Founding Sponsor $5000+ | Full page | 15 | Top of banner in largest sized font | Large font | Semi-annual access |