Preclinical Sciences

Esther Crouch

Senior Lecturer, Veterinary Anatomic Pathology
esther.crouch@jcu.edu.au

Karen Gerber

Senior Lecture, Vet ClinicalPathology
karen.gerber@jcu.edu.au

Jackie Picard

Senior Lecturer
jacqueline.picard@jcu.edu.au

Orachun Hayakijkosol

Senior Lecturer
orachun.hayakijkosol1@jcu.edu.au

Rachel Bowater

Lecturer, Veterinary Pathology
rachel.bowater@jcu.edu.au

Sue Medlen

Lecturer, Veterinary Anatomy
sue.medlen@jcu.edu.au

Tessa Mackie

Lecturer, Veterinary Pathology
tessa.mackie@jcu.edu.au

Robert Kinobe

Associate Professor
robert.kinobe@jcu.edu.au

Constantin Constantinoiu

Associate Professor - Vet Parasitology
constantin.constantinoiu@jcu.edu.au

Ecological Impact of Antibiotic Resistance Released from the Cleveland Bay Purification Plant using Marine Turtle Species (Old ID 26730)

Robert Kinobe

31 Jan 2020 - 31 Jan 2023

Genotyping Australian Cats for ABCB1 Gene Mutation: Implications for Drug Sensitivity and Veterinary Pharmacogenomics

Robert Kinobe

30 Mar 2024 - 30 Mar 2025

The aim of this research is to determine the existence of the ABCB1 gene mutation in Australian domestic cats and its potential effect on drug induced toxicity. The ABCB1 gene encodes for P-glycoprotein, a membrane transporter that affects the absorption, tissue distribution, and elimination of many clinically used drugs. In the brain, this protein contributes to a blood-brain barrier that safeguards animals from chemical induced neurotoxicity. In dogs and cats, specific mutations in the ABCB1 gene introduce premature stop codons which disrupt the biosynthesis of this protein. These mutations are associated with increased drug movement into the brain, and increased susceptibility to drug induced adverse reactions. In North America, approximately 5% of domestic cats carry the ABCB1 gene mutation but its prevalence in Australian cats is not known. Our primary objective is to determine the frequency of ABCB1 gene mutation in Australian cats presenting with drug-induced neurologic toxicity. This information will be essential for improving drug safety in domestic cats.

Genotyping Australian Cats for ABCB1 Gene Mutation: Implications for Drug Sensitivity and Veterinary Pharmacogenomics

Robert Kinobe

30 Mar 2024 - 30 Dec 2026

Ecological Impact of Antibiotic Resistance Released from the Cleveland Bay Purification Plant using Marine Turtle Species (Old ID 26730)

Robert Kinobe

31 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2025

Cleveland Bay is a grazing ground for turtle species. Cleveland Bay Purification plant (CBPP) treats waste that may contain a variety of antibiotics. This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution patterns of antibiotic resistant genes in the CBPP effluent and in the immediate receiving environment. Marine turtles in Cleveland Bay will be used to determine the localized impacts of both antibiotics and antibiotic resistant genes as compared to resident turtles from a pristine environment. This study will provide valuable insight into the direct effect that antibiotics and ARG’s in WWTP effluent have on ecological health and ecological risk.