Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3900-6014
Date Available
8-15-2027
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Veterinary Science
Faculty
Carrie L. Shaffer
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a soil-dwelling, respiratory pathogen that causes severe or fatal pneumonia in foals and remains the most common cause of granulomatous bronchopneumonia in young horses. Colonization plasticity exhibited by R. equi is highlighted by the ability of the bacterium to act as an opportunistic and zoonotic pathogen in other species, including immunocompromised humans. Currently, we lack a complete understanding of the bacterial factors that are required for host colonization and pathogenicity. Here, we used a combination of molecular approaches and advanced cryo-electron tomography to analyze the R. equi cell surface and delineate pathogenicity determinants that can be targeted in new treatment and prevention strategies. We identified several cell surface structures and outer membrane features related to other mycobacterial-like bacterial species, highlighting evolutionary paradigms. Our findings revealed unique characteristics of the R. equi cell surface, including the discovery of lipid tubes derived from a single bilayer mycobacterial-like outer membrane. Additionally, we analyzed the role of R. equi polysaccharide capsule biogenesis determinants in mediating biofilm formation and interactions with host epithelial and macrophage-like cells. Collectively, insights garnered from these studies offer promising avenues for the development of novel therapeutics and vaccine interventions designed to combat R. equi infection and disease.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2025.383
Funding Information
This project was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station (HATCH Project Number KY014069) and the National Institutes of Health (Grant P20GM130456).
Recommended Citation
Islam, Md. Monowarul, "MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RHODOCOCCUS EQUI CELL SURFACE" (2025). Theses and Dissertations--Veterinary Science. 72.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gluck_etds/72
Included in
Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons, Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons, Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons, Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology Commons
