Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Fall 11-18-2020
Abstract
Koala populations have declined rapidly in the past 2 decades due to many reasons such as disease, vehicle collisions, dog attacks, urbanization and deforestation, and climate-related issues. Chlamydia is one of the leading causes for population declines in koalas. Koalas are difficult to treat for chlamydia because antibiotic treatment kills the specialized gut bacteria they have and need for degrading toxic compounds within eucalyptus leaves, their only source of food. I propose that doxycycline, a drug with a 97% cure rate and reduced dysbiosis, to be administered at higher concentrations less frequently. Additionally, I propose that koalas treated with antibiotics should receive soya-based supplements that contain tannin-degraders. I expect to see high survival and success rates in curing this infection while reducing adverse effects of dysbiosis.
Recommended Citation
Thornton, Kelsey, "Alternative Treatments to Koalas with Chlamydia" (2020). Fall Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. 44.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rci_fall/44
Comments
BIOL 488