Posters
Identification of the Feline Oral Microbiota Using DNA Sequencing and Biochemical Tests
Location
Hall Memorial Ballroom
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Start Date
4-4-2018 12:00 PM
Department
Biology
Abstract
The feline oral cavity is home to a wide range of diverse microbial species, yet the identity of these species is relatively unknown. Lack of a well-characterized feline oral microbiome is problematic, both in terms of the overall health of the feline and for humans who are exposed to these bacteria via feline bite wounds. The purpose of this study is to identify oral bacteria through biochemical tests and DNA sequencing. Supragingival swabs were aseptically taken from three domestic felines residing in the same household. The heads of the cotton swabs were broken off, and placed in thioglycolate broth. Cultures were grown for 24 hours and streaked onto both Columbia Agar and Anaerobic Agar; these were incubated under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions to maximize the diversity of microbes cultured. Multiple distinct species will be selected and purified to isolation. These strains will be subject to DNA sequencing and various biochemical tests in order to identify them to the species-level, thereby helping to better inform our understanding of the feline oral microbiome.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Christine Terry and Dr. David Freier
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Identification of the Feline Oral Microbiota Using DNA Sequencing and Biochemical Tests
Hall Memorial Ballroom
The feline oral cavity is home to a wide range of diverse microbial species, yet the identity of these species is relatively unknown. Lack of a well-characterized feline oral microbiome is problematic, both in terms of the overall health of the feline and for humans who are exposed to these bacteria via feline bite wounds. The purpose of this study is to identify oral bacteria through biochemical tests and DNA sequencing. Supragingival swabs were aseptically taken from three domestic felines residing in the same household. The heads of the cotton swabs were broken off, and placed in thioglycolate broth. Cultures were grown for 24 hours and streaked onto both Columbia Agar and Anaerobic Agar; these were incubated under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions to maximize the diversity of microbes cultured. Multiple distinct species will be selected and purified to isolation. These strains will be subject to DNA sequencing and various biochemical tests in order to identify them to the species-level, thereby helping to better inform our understanding of the feline oral microbiome.