Biomarkers and in vitro assessment of Johne’s disease of cattle

Supervisors

Davina Hill, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, (University of Glasgow)

Robert Graham, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast

Irene Grant, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast

Lorenzo Viora, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, (University of Glasgow)

George King, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, (University of Glasgow)

 

Summary

Johne's disease (JD), also known as paratuberculosis, is a major wasting disease that can affect all ruminants and, after a long incubation period, is usually fatal. It is responsible for considerable financial losses to the livestock industries, including through decreased productivity, increased susceptibility to other diseases and infertility.

This PhD project on Biomarkers and in vitro assessment of Johne’s disease of cattle aims to i) develop biomarkers that can be used by veterinarians to diagnose JD, ii) investigate the mechanism of infection at the cellular level using tissue culture and iii) monitor welfare to improve the on-farm care of infected cattle.

The successful candidate will use the advanced analytical method of proteomics to examine changes in the blood and faeces of infected cattle. These protein profiles will be applied to detect early stages of infection, making a valuable contribution to diagnosis.

In addition to receiving training in advanced proteomics, the student will gain skills in in vitro tissue culture, phage-based diagnostics, diagnostic test development and critical assessment, and a range of methods in animal welfare assessment relating to health and disease. The project will also introduce concepts of novel technology transfer to stakeholders and end-users.