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Since our founding in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded hundreds of health research studies to protect, treat and cure the world's companion animals and wildlife.
Our studies have led to major advances in veterinary care, including vaccines and other preventions, diagnostic tools and new therapies for the diseases and health conditions that threaten the lives of the animals we love. Search our completed study database by species and/or disease to learn more about how our work has given animals longer, healthier lives.
Category
D07EQ-622: Isolation & Purification of Lytic Bacteriophages Against Streptococcus equi subspecies equi
principal investigator: Mia Lieberman, Veterinary Student Scholar, University of California, Davis
completed
Results
Infectious Disease Samples Collected
Because the lack of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi cases this summer, the project goals were expanded to include cases of Rhodococcus equi, another serious equine bacterial respiratory pathogens. The goal of this project was to isolate lytic bacteriophages—viruses that only infect bacteria—that have the ability to kill these pathogens. Bacteriophages can potentially be delivered directly to the site of infection—the respiratory tract—and may be more effective than antibiotics in treating these diseases. The student analyzed samples of bedding, dirt, food, water, fecal material, transtracheal washes and abscess aspirates but was unable to isolate any bacteriophages. Only two cases were available during her summer project, but she is continuing to monitor the UC-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for cases. She stated that although her summer project was unsuccessful, she remains interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of bacteriophage therapy and plans to continue modifying her techniques.
