The project is aimed at developing a panel of lytic bacteriophages that can be used for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in poultry farming. Within the framework of the project, a collection of test bacterial cultures representing the major causative agents of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in poultry will be established.
The collection of biological material from environmental sources and the isolation of bacteriophages will enable the identification of strains with high lytic activity. Whole-genome sequencing will be employed to assess the potential risk of horizontal transfer of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes.
The project outcomes are expected to make a significant contribution to scientific and technological development in the fields of veterinary medicine, biotechnology, and microbiology. A unique database of bacteriophages and pathogenic microorganisms will be created. The integration of microbiological, bioinformatic, and molecular biology approaches will foster the development of interdisciplinary competencies among young researchers, support their professional growth, and expand expertise in genomic research and phage therapy. In addition, the project will enhance the competitiveness of research teams and promote their integration into international research activities.
The objective of the project is to develop a panel of bacteriophages with high potential for application in poultry farming as therapeutic and prophylactic agents.
The project aims to establish a panel of lytic bacteriophages with strong potential for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in poultry. To achieve this goal, a collection of test bacterial cultures representing the major causative agents of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in poultry will be formed. As a result of the study, bacteriophage isolates with high lytic activity will be selected.
Whole-genome sequencing will be used to assess the potential introduction of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes into bacterial genomes. The proposed research framework reflects an interdisciplinary approach integrating key scientific fields, including veterinary medicine, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and immunology. This collaboration enables effective problem-solving at the interface of multiple disciplines and ensures a comprehensive investigation and development of innovative strategies to control infectious diseases in poultry.
Igor Sytnik, candidate of veterinary sciences, has over 15 years of experience in scientific research. Interned at the Institute of Zooprophylaxis IZAM in Teramo, Italy, and the University of Florida in the USA. Research area: molecular biology of bacteria and viruses. H-index according to Scopus = 4, WoS = 4. Within the framework of the submitted project, carries out general management of the project, participates in whole genome sequencing, as well as in the interpretation and analysis of the results obtained.
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/P-1659-2017
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56736251700
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3439-7021
Marat Kuibagarov, 49 years old, candidate of veterinary sciences, chief researcher of the laboratories of applied genetics of the National Center for Biotechnology. Interned in research centers in Germany, the USA. Research interests: molecular biology, microbiology. Scientific experience 21 years. H-index according to Scopus/WoS = 3. As part of the project, he takes part in the selection of isolates of bacteria, bacteriophages, and the study of the biological properties of lytic bacteriophages.
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/2051390
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57220278412
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7428-7620
Dinara Kamalova, 35 years old, master’s degree, PhD student, 8 years of scientific experience, research associate at the laboratory of applied genetics of the RSE “National Center for Biotechnology” of the SC MES RK. Hirsch index according to Scopus/WoS=3. Research interests: development of diagnostic test systems for diagnostics of infectious diseases, genotyping by MLVA and MLST methods, virology. As part of the project, she participates in DNA extraction, whole-genome sequencing.
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/2099494
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56736413900
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4570-8761
Asylulan Amirgazin, 30 years old, bachelor’s degree, researcher at the laboratory of applied genetics of the National Center of Biotechnology. 8 years of scientific experience, Scopus/WoS H-index = 4. Area of research: Sanger sequencing, Next-generation sequencing, real-time PCR, bioinformatics analysis. As part of the project, he takes part in whole genome sequencing, microbiome analysis.
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/1615545
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57218628470
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9418-7758
Alexander Ostrovsky, 24 years old, master’s degree, laboratory assistant of the laboratory of applied genetics of the National Central Hospital. Experience in scientific work 1 year. Area of research: development of PCR for diagnostics of infectious diseases, evaluation of the effectiveness of test systems. As part of the project, he takes part in the preparation of the necessary reagents, DNA isolation, and the study of the biological properties of lytic bacteriophages.
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8139-8285
An extended sampling of biological material was carried out from both healthy and diseased poultry, including organs involved in the infectious process. Samples were transported to the laboratory under cold-chain conditions, followed by the extraction of DNA suitable for metagenomic studies. The obtained material was used for amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene.
Metagenomic data analysis enabled characterization of the microbiome structure of pathological samples and identification of taxa potentially associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in poultry. Based on these data, selective and differential culture media, as well as optimal incubation conditions, were selected for targeted isolation of microorganisms.
Bacterial cultures were isolated from pathological material, followed by multiple subculturing steps and selection of pure colonies, resulting in the establishment of a high-quality collection of clinically significant isolates. This collection will be used in further studies, including assessment of virulence, antibiotic resistance profiles, and the isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages specific to the identified strains.
For accurate identification, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed for each culture, confirming species-level identification and the relevance of the isolates for epizootiological monitoring in poultry farming.