Dissertation
Development of a vaccine to protect koalas against koala retrovirus
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00180
Abstract
The long-term survival of the koala is under serious threat. Apart from the human-induced factors of habitat destruction, road accidents and domestic dogs, two infectious diseases pose major threats to koala survival. Although Chlamydia is the "most visible" of these infectious threats koala retrovirus (KoRV) is also important. KoRV infects the majority of Australia's koalas, with only some Victorian and South Australian koalas being KoRV negative (and these numbers are decreasing every year with new research). KoRV has been strongly linked to life threatening diseases such as lymphoma and leukemia. In addition to losses in wild koalas, some zoos have very high koala losses due to these diseases. While quarantine and antiretroviral drug treatment are possible control measures, they are impractical, leaving vaccination as the only realistic option in controlling KoRV infection and associated diseases. This PhD study was therefore set up to develop a vaccine with therapeutic properties to protect koalas against KoRV.
Details
- Title
- Development of a vaccine to protect koalas against koala retrovirus
- Authors
- Solomon Olusola Olagoke
- Contributors
- Peter Timms (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00180
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451338502621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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