Exploiting Genomics for Developing Autogenous Vaccines to Control Campylobacter in Poultry
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Biology and Biochemistry
Abstract
This student is working as part of a multidisciplinary group focusing on comparative genomics and evolution of bacterial pathogens of public health importance. They are investigating the genetic basis and ecology of Campylobacter by explaining the factors involved in generating and maintaining genotypic and phenotypic diversity among isolates in the primary reservoir of human disease, poultry. Comparative and functional genomics approaches are being used to examine genetic structuring and answer fundamental questions about how genetic variation and genome plasticity influence adaptation and the evolution of pathogens. Bioinformatics is being exploited for the design of vaccines for the control of Campylobacter in broiler chickens on farm. The student is responsible for culturing isolates, extracting DNA for genetic characterisation, analysing genomic data and carrying molecular and functional characterisation in the lab. As part of this project, the student will also spend a three month placement at Ridgeway Biologicals Ltd (http://www.ridgewaybiologicals.co.uk/) where he/she will be involved in the manufacture of autogenous vaccines prior to testing on farm.
People |
ORCID iD |
Samuel Sheppard (Primary Supervisor) | |
Jessica Calland (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BB/P504750/1 | 09/01/2017 | 07/07/2021 | |||
1834077 | Studentship | BB/P504750/1 | 09/01/2017 | 07/07/2021 | Jessica Calland |
Description | The findings from this award will provide information to poultry companies on the difficulties of vaccine design in Campylobacter due to high diversity in strain variation. However, we have highlighted that maternal antibodies have protective effects against vaccine strains but are ineffective at controlling strain replacement. |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Microbiology Society Conference Grant |
Amount | £233 (GBP) |
Organisation | Microbiology Society |
Sector | Learned Society |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 04/2018 |
Description | Poultry company |
Organisation | Banham Poultry Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We sampled our Campylobacter strains to be used in the vaccine from Banham Poultry broiler chickens. Sampling was carried out on the premises and the vaccine was administered to breeder chickens on a whole farm belonging to Banham Poultry. |
Collaborator Contribution | Banham Poultry provided us with Campylobacter samples to use in our vaccine design. We also used the vaccine on breeder birds on a Banham Poultry farm. |
Impact | An autogenous vaccine was designed by myself and Ridgeway Biologicals and tested on a whole farm of breeder chickens receiving two doses. The efficacy of the vaccine is yet to be tested. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Vaccine company |
Organisation | Ridgeway Biologicals |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Using genomics, I selected strains of Campylobacter to be used in the autogenous vaccine which was manufactured by Ridgeway Biologicals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Ridgeway Biologicals cultured and grew up the strains which were selected by me to large amounts and manufactured an autogenous vaccine based on these strains. |
Impact | A vaccine was manufactured to be used in breeder chickens on a whole farm in Norfolk. The vaccine has been administered and we are now in the post-vaccination sampling stage to assess whether the vaccine has been effective. |
Start Year | 2017 |