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An investigation into symbiosis between virulent Rhodococcus equi and protozoa

Summary

Can virulent Rhodococcus equi replicate within protozoa found in the soil and gastrointestinal environment of the foal?

Supervisor

Dr Gary Muscatello.

Research location

Sydney School of Veterinary Science

Program type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

The aim of this project is to ask (and hopefully answer) the question, can virulent R. equi replicate within foal gastrointestinal and soil protozoa? Given that the organism is a facultative intracellular parasite the likelihood of a symbiotic relationship existing between it and equine and soil associated protozoa is high. Such a relationship may provide a survival niche to facilitate amplification without the need for invasion into the alveolar macrophage, significantly increasing environmental levels and the likelihood for a substantial pulmonary insult from contaminated dust. The project will involve the examination of fresh faecal samples from foals, post-mortem foal gastrointestinal samples and protozoal resuscitated soil samples from R. equi endemic farms. Utilizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to VapA, a cell-surface virulence protein, immunohistochemistry will be used to hopefully reveal the true location of virulent R. equi in these samples. Complementary qPCR and PCR techniques using universal protozoal PCR and qPCR methods combined with established virulent R. equi PCR and qPCR methods will be used to reveal the extend if any of amplification of virulent R. equi associated with protozoal numbers. In vitro soil or pure protozoal culture experiments will be performed in concert with field and archival soil sample examinations. The findings of this study will be of great significant in the equine veterinary community and the general infectious disease community. Findings may lead to prophylactic strategies focusing on modifying the protozoal environment in the developing foal and the use and development of specific antiprotozoal oral therapy targeting the protozoal amplifier.

Additional information

HDR Inherent Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

- Confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
- Confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo, etc.);
- Ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
- Ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
- Ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
- Ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
- Ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
- Hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
- Hold a current scuba diving license;
- Hold a current Working with Children Check;
- Meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

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Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 503

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