Overview
Background
Justine Gibson is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology at the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland (UQ). She graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from UQ in 1996 and, after working as a veterinarian for several years, completed a PhD investigating the epidemiology and basis of fluoroquinolone resistance in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. from companion animals.
Assoc. Prof. Gibson's research focuses on antimicrobial resistance, stewardship, infection control, and point-of-care diagnostics to improve animal and human health in Australia and internationally. She has led projects investigating antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in companion and production animals, characterising resistance mechanisms using traditional culture and molecular techniques. Her work aims to translate pure research into clinical practical outcomes by merging pathogen identification and resistance mechanisms with epidemiological studies. Recent research has also explored the microbiota of wildlife, livestock and companion animals.
Passionate about teaching, Justine became a Senior Higher Education Academy Fellow in 2019. She encourages critical and independent thinking, fosters clinical reasoning skills, and incorporates eLearning pedagogies in her teaching.
Assoc. Prof. Gibson has authored over 50 conference papers and 70 scientific publications in bacteriology, mycology, antimicrobial resistance, stewardship and teaching.
Availability
- Dr Justine Gibson is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Naturally occurring bacteriocins; a novel therapy for the treatment of MDR E.coli urinary tract infections in dogs
Aim: To detect, isolate and use naturally occurring bacteriocins to reduce or eliminate multiple drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli in the urinary tract for the treatment and management of recurrent MDR cystitis in dogs, as an alternative to the use of antibiotics. Background: Bacterial UTI are common in canines and E. coli, is the organism most frequently cultured [1, 2]. It has been estimated that 14% of all dogs that visit a veterinarian will be diagnosed with a UTI at some point in their lifetime [3]. The majority of these infections are simple and will resolve after 2-3 weeks of antimicrobial therapy. However, recently, resistance to antimicrobials has been observed in canine urinary tract isolates, in particular for fluoroquinolones, third generation cephalosporins, and clavulanic acid-potentiated β-lactams, which are all regarded as second-line veterinary antimicrobial agents [2, 4, 5] Due to the rapid rise and spread of MDR E. coli alternatives to conventional antimicrobial therapies are urgently needed. Bacteriocins provide an alternative solution. Bacteriocins, which are ubiquitous in nature, are antimicrobial peptides and proteins produced by a variety of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria to inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strain(s) [6, 7]. Compared to traditional antimicrobial agents, bacteriocins have a relative narrow killing spectrum and can be selected to target specific bacterial pathogens, e.g. MDR E. coli [6, 7], and could potentially be used with other novel therapies like the urinary �probiotic� asymptomatic bacteriuria strain E. coli 87392 [8]. Targeting specific pathogens will reduce antimicrobial selection pressures prolonging the shelf life of current antimicrobial agents and will reduce the effects on commensal organisms resulting in decreases in hospital acquired infections [6]. It has also been anticipated that the levels of induced resistance to bacteriocins will be low [7, 9]. The increase in antimicrobial resistant pathogens is a serious threat to animal health. However with further research, bacteriocins, due to their high potency and specificity, have the potential of becoming the next generation of pharmaceuticals [7].
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Studies on avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens in Southeast Queensland.
Avian colibacillosis has received considerable attention worldwide in the poultry industry due to its direct association with significant economic losses. Economic losses are a result of reduced production due to high mortality and morbidity. Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) is the causative agent of avian colibacillosis and is capable of causing localised or systematic extraintestinal infections. The mechanism by which APEC causes disease is not yet fully understood. Recent overseas studies have sought to define the APEC pathotype and have indicated that the prevalence of various virulence genes among isolates from chickens with colibacillosis were useful markers for the detection and characterisation of APEC. In Australia, the review of the literature shows that up to date knowledge regarding the molecular and general epidemiology of APEC in poultry is very limited. My research aims to estimate the bird and farm-level prevalence, describe farm-level risk factors and describe the molecular epidemiology of APEC in clinically healthy commercial broiler chickens from South-East Queensland (SEQ). This research will produce the first in-depth understanding of the range of virulence genes present in E. coli circulating in commercial broiler chicken flocks. On the basis of this knowledge a secondary aim is to assess the likelihood of these avian E. coli being linked to human disease.
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Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with porcine respiratory disease in Australia
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica are the most common causative agents of porcine respiratory disease which causes significant losses to the pig industry. Antimicrobial resistance has been reported in these bacteria in other countries, however, in Australia, there is no current available data. The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of fifty three (53) A. pleuropneumoniae, fifty two (52) H. parasuis, fifty one (51) P. multocida and eighteen (18) B. bronchiseptica cultured from Australian pigs. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was validated for H. parasuis as there are no existing standard methods for this species. H. parasuis isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, macrolides (erythromycin, tilmicosin and tulathromycin), penicillin and tetracycline. A. pleuropneumoniae isolates were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin, penicillin, tetracycline and tilmicosin. Resistance to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, erythromycin, florfenicol, penicillin and tetracycline were observed in P. multocida isolates. B. bronchiseptica isolates showed resistance to beta-lactams (ampicillin, ceftiofur and penicillin), co-trimoxazole, erythromycin, florfenicol, tetracycline and tilmicosin. This study shows that antimicrobial resistance is present in bacterial respiratory pathogens of Australian pigs.
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The role of Mycoplasma bovis in respiratory disease of Australian feeder cattle.
The bacterial organism Mycoplasma bovis has been found to be associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feeder cattle in the United States, but has been largely overlooked as a contributing factor to BRD in Australia. In cattle, M. bovis is associated with a multitude of clinical syndromes that are typically chronic in nature and non-responsive to antimicrobial treatments. As an effective vaccine is lacking, control methods rely on a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of M. bovis in the country and production systems concerned. This study aims to help close the gap in the literature on the epidemiology of M. bovis in the Australian beef cattle population. With a �gold standard� serological diagnostic method for the detection of M. bovis-specific antibodies unavailable, a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be compared to western blot antigen-antibody profiles using serum from cattle of known antibody status to determine sensitivity and specificity estimates. This will subsequently allow estimation of the sero-prevalence of M. bovis in cattle entering feedlots and grazing cattle of similar age. It will also enable possible risk factors associated with sero-positivity and those associated with a change in serological status during the first 42 days on feed to be investigated. The information gained from this study will enhance the knowledge of the epidemiology of M. bovis in Australia and will assist in the development of targeted control measures to help reduce the economic impact of BRD and M. bovis associated disease in Australia.
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Enterotoxigenic E. coli in Pigs
To investigate the relationship between the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in commensal and pathogenic E. coli isolates from pigs and on-farm antimicrobial use.
Works
Search Professor Justine Gibson’s works on UQ eSpace
2015
Journal Article
Isolation of Nocardia mexicana from focal proliferative tenosynovitis and arthritis in a steer
Owen, H., Buckle, K., Olm, J., Leitner, M., Pandey, S., Gaughan, J. B., Sullivan, M. L., Lees, A. M. and Gibson, J. S. (2015). Isolation of Nocardia mexicana from focal proliferative tenosynovitis and arthritis in a steer. Australian Veterinary Journal, 93 (5), 170-173. doi: 10.1111/avj.12308
2015
Journal Article
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Histophilus somni isolated from clinically affected cattle in Australia
Goldspink, L. K., Mollinger, J. L., Barnes, T. S., Groves, M., Mahony, T. J. and Gibson, J. S. (2015). Antimicrobial susceptibility of Histophilus somni isolated from clinically affected cattle in Australia. Veterinary Journal, 203 (2), 239-243. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.12.008
2015
Book Chapter
Utilisation and exploitation
Finch, Neil and Gibson, Justine (2015). Utilisation and exploitation. Marsupials and monotremes: nature's enigmatic mammals. (pp. 379-395) edited by Athol Klieve, Lindsay Hogan, Stephen Johnston and Peter Murray. New York, NY, United States: Nova Science.
2015
Conference Publication
Antibiotic sensitivity testing for H. parasuis and A. pleuropneumoniae and other respiratory pathogens.
Turni, C., Dayao, D., Gibson, J. and Blackall, P.J. (2015). Antibiotic sensitivity testing for H. parasuis and A. pleuropneumoniae and other respiratory pathogens.. Australian Pig Veterinarian Meeting, Kingscliff, New South Wales., 14th-16th June, 2015.
2015
Conference Publication
Haemophilus parasuis - virulence genes and serovars
Turni, C., Singh, R., Dayao, D., Gibson, J. and Blackall, P. J. (2015). Haemophilus parasuis - virulence genes and serovars. Manipulating Pig Production XV, Melbourne, Australia, 22-25 November 2015. Clayton, Australia: C S I R O Publishing. doi: 10.1071/ANv55n12Ab087
2014
Journal Article
Comparison of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from Australian and Vietnamese pigs
Smith, M., Do, T. N., Gibson, J. S., Jordan, D., Cobbold, R. N. and Trott, D. J. (2014). Comparison of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from Australian and Vietnamese pigs. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 2 (3), 162-167. doi: 10.1016/j.jgar.2014.03.008
2014
Journal Article
Use of a proposed antimicrobial susceptibility testing method for Haemophilus parasuis
Dayao, Denise Ann E., Kienzle, Marco, Gibson, Justine S., Blackall, Patrick J. and Turni, Conny (2014). Use of a proposed antimicrobial susceptibility testing method for Haemophilus parasuis. Veterinary Microbiology, 172 (3-4), 586-589. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.06.010
2014
Journal Article
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with porcine respiratory disease in Australia
Dayao, Denise Ann E., Gibson, Justine S., Blackall, Patrick J. and Turni, Conny (2014). Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with porcine respiratory disease in Australia. Veterinary Microbiology, 171 (1-2), 232-235. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.03.014
2014
Journal Article
What causes canine sino-nasal aspergillosis? A molecular approach to species identification
Talbot, Jessica J., Johnson, Lynelle R., Martin, Patricia, Beatty, Julia A., Sutton, Deanna A., Billen, Frédéric, Halliday, Catriona L., Gibson, Justine S., Kidd, Sarah, Steiner, Jörg M., Ujvari, Beata and Barrs, Vanessa R. (2014). What causes canine sino-nasal aspergillosis? A molecular approach to species identification. Veterinary Journal, 200 (1), 17-21. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.01.009
2014
Journal Article
Is Mycoplasma bovis a missing component of the bovine respiratory disease complex in Australia?
Horwood, P. F., Schibrowski, M. L., Fowler, E. V., Gibson, J. S., Barnes, T. S. and Mahony, T. J. (2014). Is Mycoplasma bovis a missing component of the bovine respiratory disease complex in Australia?. Australian Veterinary Journal, 92 (6), 185-191. doi: 10.1111/avj.12184
2014
Conference Publication
Towards a method for antibiotic sensitivity testing of Haemophilus parasuis
Dayo, D., Turni, C., Gibson, J. S. and Blackall, P. J. (2014). Towards a method for antibiotic sensitivity testing of Haemophilus parasuis. International Pasteurellaceae Conference 2014, Prato, Italy, 13 - 16 May 2014.
2014
Conference Publication
Optimised protocol for molecular screening of avian pathogenic E. coli from broiler chickens
Awawdeh, L., Turni, C., Gibson, J., Cobbold, R., Platell J., Allavena, R. and Henning, J. (2014). Optimised protocol for molecular screening of avian pathogenic E. coli from broiler chickens. 10th Annual Meeting of the Australian Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians(AAVLD), Adelaide, Australia, 27-28 November 2014.
2014
Conference Publication
Studies on avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens in Southeast Queensland
Awawdeh, L., Turni, C., Henning, J., Gibson, J., Allavena, R., Platell J., Cobbold, R., Blackall, P. and Gibson, J. (2014). Studies on avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial broiler chickens in Southeast Queensland. Australian Veterinary Poultry Association Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, Australia, 3-4 October 2013.
2014
Conference Publication
(2014) Antimicrobial resistance in respiratory bacterial pathogens in Australia
Dayao, D. A. E., Gibson, J. S., Blackall, P. J. and Turni, C. (2014). (2014) Antimicrobial resistance in respiratory bacterial pathogens in Australia. 81st Philippines Veterinary Medical Association Conference, Peurto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, 19 - 21 February 2014.
2014
Conference Publication
An optimised protocol for molecular screening of avian pathogenic E. coli from broiler chickens
Awawdeh, L., Turni, C., Gibson, J., Cobbold, R., Henning, J., Platell, J. and Allavena, R. (2014). An optimised protocol for molecular screening of avian pathogenic E. coli from broiler chickens. QAAFI Animal Science Olympics Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane, Australia, 19 September 2014.
2013
Journal Article
Michael Desmond Connole: Veterinary Mycologist
Gibson, Justine S. (2013). Michael Desmond Connole: Veterinary Mycologist. Microbiology Australia, 34 (1), 46-50. doi: 10.1071/MA13015
2013
Journal Article
Bacteria isolated from dugongs (Dugong dugon) sub-mitted for postmortem examination in Queensland, Australia, 2000-2011
Nielsen, Kristen A., Owen, Helen C., Mills, Paul C., Flint, Mark and Gibson, Justine S. (2013). Bacteria isolated from dugongs (Dugong dugon) sub-mitted for postmortem examination in Queensland, Australia, 2000-2011. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 44 (1), 35-41. doi: 10.1638/1042-7260-44.1.35
2013
Journal Article
The persistence of biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical bovine mastitis cases in Australia
Babra, Charlene, Tiwari, Jully G., Pier. Gerald, Thein, Thi Ha, Sunagar, Raju, Sundareshan, Srinivasaiah, Isloor, Shrikrishna, Hegde, Nagendra R., de Wet, Sharon, Deighton, Margaret, Gibson, Justine, Costantino, Paul, Wetherall, John and Mukkur, Trilochan (2013). The persistence of biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical bovine mastitis cases in Australia. Folia Microbiol, 58 (6), 469-474. doi: 10.1007/s12223-013-0232-z
2013
Journal Article
Proliferative enteropathy in foals: disease, diagnostics and transmission
Platell, Joanne L. and Gibson, Justine S. (2013). Proliferative enteropathy in foals: disease, diagnostics and transmission. Veterinary Journal, 195 (2), 135-136. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.08.023
2013
Journal Article
Trends in therapeutic and prevention strategies for management of bovine mastitis: an overview
Tiwari, JullyGogoi, Babra, Charlene, Tiwari, Harish Kumar, Williams, Vincent, De Wet, Sharon, Gibson, Justine, Paxman, Adrian, Morgan, Eleanor, Costantino, Paul, Sunagar, Raju, Isloor, Shrikrishna and Mukkur, Trilochan (2013). Trends in therapeutic and prevention strategies for management of bovine mastitis: an overview. Journal of Vaccines & Vaccinations, 4 (2), 1000176.1-1000176.11. doi: 10.4172/2157-7560.1000176
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Justine Gibson is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Epidemiology and control of canine skin and ear conditions in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen, Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes, Dr Erika Meler
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigations into diagnosis, risk factors and antimicrobial resistance of clinical mastitis in dairy herds in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ben Wood, Professor Joerg Henning
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Doctor Philosophy
Comprehensive use of whole body computed tomography,microbiome and metabolomics analysis to measure the effects ofdietary and exercise interventions on body fat content in dogs a stepforward in the understanding of obesity and overweight in dogs
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joerg Henning, Dr Erika Meler
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of dopamine in the regulation of gastrointestinal health in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen, Dr Allison Stewart, Associate Professor François-René Bertin, Dr Viviana Gonzalez Astudillo
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Doctor Veterinary Clinical Sci
Antimicrobial use and stewardship in dog-to-dog bite wounds
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Allison Stewart
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigations into the development of antimicrobial resistance associated with commercial poultry farming practices in Bangladesh
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joerg Henning
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Doctor Philosophy
The epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus spp. transmission in companion animals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Erika Meler, Professor Ricardo Soares Magalhaes
Completed supervision
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Studies on avian pathogenic Escherichia coli in commercial broiler Chicken in South East Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Rachel Allavena, Dr Conny Turni, Professor Joerg Henning
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with porcine respiratory disease
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Conny Turni
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2023
Doctor Veterinary Clinical Sci
Prevalence of canine urinary bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in south eastern Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Erika Meler, Dr Aaron Herndon
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2022
Master Philosophy
Assessment of antimicrobial usage on commercial chicken farms in Bangladesh and its association with implemented farm biosecurity practices, farmers' behaviour and antimicrobial resistance
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joerg Henning
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Detection and epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in northern Australia and the potential risk to public health
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nigel Perkins
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Infection prevention and control in Australian small animal veterinary practices.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Simon Reid
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Ecological genetics of dugongs (Dugong dugon) in Queensland
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Janet Lanyon, Dr Nicholas Clark
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2019
Master Philosophy
The development of teaching and assessment materials to encourage the growth of clinical reasoning skills in the preclinical phase of the Veterinary Science Program
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Daniel Schull
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Mycoplasma bovis in Australian feeder cattle
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Timothy Mahony
Media
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