Research into obligate intracellular parasitic bacteria that cause zoonotic diseases
Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science/Veterinary Public Health
Andoh Masako
- toshima
- amami
- yamato
- uken
- setouchi
- tatsugou
Background and objectives of activities
There are types of bacteria that cause diseases that can infect both humans and various animals. In order to find out where and how they do this, and how they infect humans, we are investigating wild animals and ticks to see if there are any bacteria that cause problems. If we know what is dangerous and where, we can take care to avoid infection. We are conducting research to prevent zoonotic diseases from occurring in humans and animals.
Summary of Activities
We collect blood and other materials from wild animals that have been caught in hunting or have been involved in traffic accidents. We also collect ticks from animals, as well as ticks from the grass and mountain paths. We then check to see whether the collected materials contain bacterial genes. If we find a gene, we check to see whether it is a type of bacteria that actually causes disease. If we find a bacteria that causes disease, we return the information to the local community, such as by issuing a warning. We continue to analyze the bacteria we have found in detail in the laboratory.
Expected Benefits
We contribute to improving public health, with the aim of creating a society where people and animals can all live safely.