Estimation of Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis Viability Via Flow Cytometric Measurement of Membrane Potential

Presenter Information

Alex Lieser, Minnesota State University - Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

20-4-2015 10:00 AM

End Date

20-4-2015 11:30 AM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Timothy Secott

Mentor's Email Address

timothy.secott@mnsu.edu

Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of an intestinal disease known as Johne’s disease. This disease is prominent in dairy cattle and results in decreased milk production, decreased slaughter value, and death. The need for a method of controlling the spread of MAP is vital to the health of dairy cattle. It is difficult to study the antimicrobial susceptibility of many Mycobacterium species due to their slow growth rate. The use of a flow cytometer allows for rapid analysis of cell viability within a culture. Various assay methods are available for measuring culture viability via flow cytometry, but they require significant adaptation in order to provide reliable results when working with Mycobacterium species. The aim of this project is to adapt a membrane potential assay for use with MAP. We have currently achieved positive results using this assay method to measure the viability of Escherichia coli, and are currently in the process of adapting this method for use with MAP. There are multiple variables that we are currently investigating in order to determine the conditions which provide the most reliable results. We will establish the parameters under which this assay method produces the most reliable results when evaluating MAP culture viability.