Comparative genomics of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and determination of strain-specific pathogenicity and virulence

Abstract

The subsequent chapters of this dissertation will address many of the current knowledge gaps surrounding ORT. First, comparative genomics of clinical ORT isolates from several US commercial turkey producers will highlight the genetic similarities and differences between currently circulating ORT strains. Second, a study comparing these clinical isolates to commensal isolates of ORT will reveal whether there are genetic differences between clinical and commensal isolates. Finally, a series of challenge studies will determine if clinical ORT strains that differ genomically result in differences clinically, and if controlled exposure is effective in preventing negative outcomes associated with ORT.