University of New Hampshire
McNair Scholar, 2024
Major: Biomedical Science
Mentor: Dr. David Needle
Research Title: Characterizing a potentially novel Moraxella spp. bacteria causing conjunctivitis in a colony of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Abstract:
The study of bacterial pathogenesis is important for the well-being of living populations. Moraxella spp. can be normal flora in mammals, but has been reported to cause disease that is sometimes fatal in multiple hosts. There is limited data regarding the Moraxella genus that only 14 species have been recorded to date. This project examines a potentially novel Moraxella spp. infecting a colony of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Biochemical testing of the isolates revealed characteristics of Moraxella spp. but further speciation was not possible and indicated the potential for a novel pathogen. My project will encompass 3 portions; (1) whole genome sequencing of a pure culture of the putative pathogen, via DNA extraction, library preparation, and sequencing, (2) screening of the other animals in the colony for colonization, via DNA extraction, library preparation, and 16s metabarcoding, and (3) screening of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from postmortem samples of former colony members to attempt to identify historical infections by the pathogen. Included in my project is bioinformatics work, including BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Ultimately, this research could lead to the study of this new species' diagnosis tests, antimicrobial susceptibility, prevention, and treatments.
