02528: Developing a Next Generation Sequencing Diagnostic Platform for Tickborne Diseases

One Health: Yes

Abstract

Diagnostic tests based on the detection of DNA from harmful organisms in clinical samples have revolutionized veterinary medicine in the last decades. Currently, diagnostic panels for several vector-borne organisms are available through universities and private labs in the USA and abroad. However, the vast majority of results from sick dogs are negative, which frustrates veterinarians and dog owners trying to reach a definitive diagnosis. These panels are based on the detection of previously known DNA sequences of each pathogen, which limits their ability to detect novel organisms. In this study, the investigators will adapt high-throughput nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) to the detection of tick-borne bacteria in dog blood in an effort to overcome the limitations of current diagnostics for tick-borne diseases. If successful, increasing the capabilities of NGS to detect infected dogs and to accurately determine which bacteria are responsible for disease will support the development of a better diagnostic tool to simultaneously advance canine and human health. This work expands on Dr. Diniz's previous AKC CHF-funded study #02292.

Publication(s)

Oney, K., Koo, M., Roy, C., Ren, S., Qurollo, B., Juhasz, N. B., Vasconcelos, E. J. R., Oakley, B., & Diniz, P. P. V. P. (2021). Evaluation of a commercial microbial enrichment kit used prior DNA extraction to improve the molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens from naturally infected dogs. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 106163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106163

Vasconcelos, E. J. R., Roy, C., Geiger, J. A., Oney, K. M., Koo, M., Ren, S., Oakley, B. B., & Diniz, P. P. V. P. (2021). Data analysis workflow for the detection of canine vector-borne pathogens using 16 S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing. BMC Veterinary Research, 17(1), 262. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-02969-9