Optical Molecular Diagnostics and System Technology

Bacteria such as extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are important opportunistic pathogens. They might belong to pandemic, epidemic and/or sporadic clones. Some of the clones are associated with humans, others are associated with wild and/or domestic animals. Some clones are shared by both and may be found contaminating the environment. In these studies, we examined the spread of ExPEC from feces of Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW; Orcinus orca) that are associated with human diseases. We also examine MRSA isolates in wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), their environment and from humans. This One Health Approach aims to better understand the sources/reservoirs and possible transmissions of potential pathogens between animals, humans and their shared environment.