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Investigating the vector competence of the house fly (Musca domestica) for Campylobacter jejuni

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.Sc.
Date created
2014-07-11
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
Campylobacteriosis is a severe gastroenteric disease in humans caused by the bacterium, Campylobacter jejuni, typically obtained through the ingestion of contaminated poultry products. Poultry facilities become contaminated through the introduction of pathogens, including C. jejuni, by the house fly, Musca domestica. This thesis investigates the vector competence of M. domestica for C. jejuni to determine if the bacteria survive house fly metamorphosis from larva to adult, and can multiply within adult flies to enhance transmission, and whether innate immune factors of the house fly can clear C. jejuni infections. We demonstrate that M. domestica mounts an effective innate immune response that prevents transmission of C. jejuni from larva to adult, and eliminates C. jejuni from adult house fly gastrointestinal tracts within hours. We propose that M. domestica serves as a mechanical vector, rather than as a true, amplifying, biological vector. These findings will help elucidate the elusive epidemiology of campylobacteriosis.
Document
Identifier
etd8458
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Copyright is held by the author.
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The author granted permission for the file to be printed and for the text to be copied and pasted.
Scholarly level
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor: Lowenberger, Carl
Member of collection
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etd8458_CGill.pdf 2.07 MB

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