Pilot study of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria identifies shared strain types on a Vermont dairy farm
Abstract
We explored the potential transmission of enteric pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes between birds and cattle on the UVM Miller farm. We hypothesized we would isolate the same enteric bacterial strain types from birds and cattle living on the same farm, and that these bacteria carry the same antibiotic resistance genes. We collected cow, calf, and bird fecal samples and cattle feed samples, isolated bacteria using MacConkey’s agar with and without cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, and ciprofloxacin, a second-generation fluoroquinolone, and determined species identity and antibiotic resistance genes using whole genome sequencing.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Elise Lauterbur
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Pilot study of antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria identifies shared strain types on a Vermont dairy farm
We explored the potential transmission of enteric pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes between birds and cattle on the UVM Miller farm. We hypothesized we would isolate the same enteric bacterial strain types from birds and cattle living on the same farm, and that these bacteria carry the same antibiotic resistance genes. We collected cow, calf, and bird fecal samples and cattle feed samples, isolated bacteria using MacConkey’s agar with and without cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin, and ciprofloxacin, a second-generation fluoroquinolone, and determined species identity and antibiotic resistance genes using whole genome sequencing.
