Project Number: 3625-31320-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 16, 2005
End Date: Dec 15, 2010

Objective:
1) Identify commensal sources of tetracycline resistance genes; 2) Evaluate bacteriophage as agents of gene transfer; 3) Identify protozoal factors that affect pathogen virulence in the rumen; and 4) Identify dietary strategies to limit acidosis and pathogen reservoirs.

Approach:
Isolate commensal bacteria from swine that share niches and exchange genes with Campylobacter. Classify Campylobacter strains for antibiotic susceptibility and amplify and sequence tet genes. Add carbadox to stimulate phage induced tylosin resistance gene transfer in Brachyspira. Assay degree of phage induction and gene transfer. Harvest protozoa from rumen contents and determine associated bacterial populations using ARISA and BLAST. Culture single species of protozoa and allow them to feed upon specific bacteria tagged with fluorescence. Examine protozoa for uptake and sequestration of tagged bacteria. Identify compounds to defaunate the rumen and verify reservoir hypothesis by loss of bacterial pathogens in ruminants. IBC-0260 BSL-Exempt; Recertified 8/18/08; IBC-0303 Certified 06/11/08.