Comparative phenotypic and molecular characterization of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale isolates, with special regard to antibiotic sensitivity and virulence
Thesis supervisor: Tibor Magyar
Location of studies (in Hungarian): https://univet.hu/hu/ Abbreviation of location of studies: ATE
Description of the research topic:
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a worldwide bacterial species that causes respiratory diseases mainly in chickens and turkeys, and is therefore of veterinary and economic importance. The main goals of the proposed research are the phenotypic and genotypic characterisation and comprehensive analysis of the available strain collection from different host species and geographical origins, focusing on the resistance to therapeutic antibiotics and the presence of virulence factors. In the last 30 years, since the first description of the species, numerous studies have been carried out to understand and compare phenotypic characteristics, but we have little information on the genomic level. In vitro studies suggest that multidrug-resistant ORT strains occur at an extremely high rate, but the genetic background is hardly known. The virulence and pathogenicity of the isolates are variable. The genetic elements behind haemolytic and haemagglutinating ability, the colony morphological variants and different serotypes, as well as the relationship of these properties with the host species and geographical origin, are still to be clarified . Thus, in addition to phenotypic studies, whole genome sequencing can provide information on the antibiotic resistance gene set, virulence factors, mobile genetic elements and plasmid carriage of the strains. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the diversity among ORT isolates, which may serve as a baseline for future epidemiological studies. Understanding the genetic background of antibiotic resistance could provide a key for the development of new molecular diagnostic methods, which would contribute to more effective antibiotic treatment of infected poultry flocks.
Required language skills: angol Further requirements: Certification in veterinary studies or in biology, English proficiency
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2023-05-19
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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