Publication Date

5-2-2025

Document Type

Student Project

First Advisor

Singh, Pallavi

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Bison herds are being reintroduced across Illinois for prairie conservation efforts and as an important food source, with bison meat gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to beef. However, bison can act as reservoirs of pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, posing food safety and public health risks. Conservational and commercial herds are managed differently, which may influence the prevalence of STEC and associated AMR genes. To address concerns about potential AMR transmission from bison to humans via fecal-oral routes, we examined the prevalence of AMR in STEC isolates from both herd types. Fecal samples were collected and processed using specific enrichment and isolation techniques to detect STEC. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis were used to identify the AMR gene parC, which affects fluoroquinolone efficacy by reducing drug binding. STEC was detected more frequently in commercial herds (32 isolates) compared to conservational herds (24 isolates), suggesting potential differences in management practices influencing pathogen prevalence. Among these isolates, 18 samples were tested for parC, and 14 were positive, with 8 positives from commercial herds and 6 from conservational herds. These findings will help inform food safety standards and risk mitigation strategies for bison meat consumption.

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

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Included in

Microbiology Commons

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