Dissertation
Occurrence, diversity and virulence properties of nocardiae associated with foaming coastal marine waters of the Sunshine Coast in Australia
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00703
Abstract
Since the early 2000s, foaming events have occurred frequently along the shorelines, lakes, and streams of the Sunshine Coast region in Australia. Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have been investigating the presence of nocardiae in these foaming shallow waters since 2003. Through molecular identification methods, they have detected nocardiae on Sunshine Coast beaches, some of which are closely related to human pathogenic species reported elsewhere. There is a potential link between the rising occurrence of nocardiae and pollution in shallow coastal waters, prompting research into how pollution and climate change may influence the ecology and distribution of nocardiae along sandy beaches. This study evaluates the seasonal presence and diversity of nocardiae and investigates whether these bacteria possess characteristics that may impact public, animal, or environmental health. Furthermore, a polyphasic approach, incorporating multiple complementary methods, was employed to identify nocardiae at the species level, with the aim of isolating and characterizing novel species. The findings, which include both novel and previously described nocardiae, contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of their pathogenic characteristics and infection potential. Additionally, the study provides essential new knowledge about the occurrence, diversity, and pathogenicity of nocardiae specifically associated with foaming marine waters in the region. The results also highlight the possible health risks for swimmers and inform regional health authorities about measures to reduce pollutants that may increase the prevalence of pathogenic nocardiae in the environment.
Details
- Title
- Occurrence, diversity and virulence properties of nocardiae associated with foaming coastal marine waters of the Sunshine Coast in Australia
- Authors
- Luke Wright - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Contributors
- D. İpek Kurtböke (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00703
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99680498002621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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