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
2011
Conference Publication
Clonal complex pseudomonas aeruginosa in horses: A model of CF infection
Kidd, Timothy, Gibson, J. S., Moss, S., Greer, R. M., Cobbold, R. N., Wright, J. D., Ramsay, Kay, Grimwood, Keith and Bell, Scott C. (2011). Clonal complex pseudomonas aeruginosa in horses: A model of CF infection. Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth, Australia, 2-6 April 2012.
2010
Journal Article
Fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal infections in dogs
Gibson, Justine S., Cobbold, Rowland N., Kyaw-Tanner, Myat T., Heisig, Peter and Trott, Darren J. (2010). Fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal infections in dogs. Veterinary Microbiology, 146 (1-2), 161-166. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.04.012
2010
Journal Article
Identification of Qnr and AAC(6')-1b-cr plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in multidrug-resistant Enterobacter spp. isolated from extraintestinal infections in companion animals
Gibson, Justine S., Cobbold, Rowland N., Heisig, Peter, Sidjabat, Hanna E., Kyaw-Tanner, Myat T. and Trott, Darren J. (2010). Identification of Qnr and AAC(6')-1b-cr plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in multidrug-resistant Enterobacter spp. isolated from extraintestinal infections in companion animals. Veterinary Microbiology, 143 (2-4), 329-336. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2009.11.031
2010
Journal Article
Characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal clinical infections in animals
Gibson, Justine S., Cobbold, Rowland N. and Trott, Darren J. (2010). Characterization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from extraintestinal clinical infections in animals. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 59 (5), 592-598. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.018002-0
2010
Other Outputs
Epidemiology and Basis of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. Isolated from Companion Animals.
Gibson, Justine (2010). Epidemiology and Basis of Fluoroquinolone Resistance in Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp. Isolated from Companion Animals.. PhD Thesis, The School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland.
2008
Journal Article
Multidrug-Resistant E. coli and Enterobacter Extraintestinal infection in 37 dogs
Gibson, Justine S., Morton, John M., Cobbold, Rowland N., Sidjabat, Hanna Evelina, Filippich, Lucio J. and Trott, Darren J. (2008). Multidrug-Resistant E. coli and Enterobacter Extraintestinal infection in 37 dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 22 (4), 844-850. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.00124.x
2008
Conference Publication
Plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance genes identified in multidrug-resistant "Enterobacter" spp. isolated from opportunistic infections in dogs
Moss, S. M., Gibson, J. S., Cobbold, R. N., Sidjabat, H. E., Wetzstein, H. G. and Trott, D. J. (2008). Plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance genes identified in multidrug-resistant "Enterobacter" spp. isolated from opportunistic infections in dogs. 48th Annual ICAAC/IDSA 46th Annual Meeting, Washington D. C., USA, 25-28 October 2008. Washington D. C., USA: American Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Society of America.
2007
Journal Article
Identification of plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum and AmpC B-lactamases in enterobacter spp. isolated from dogs
Sidjabat, H. E., HansonND, Smith-MolandE, BellJM, GibsonJS, FilippichLJ, TrottDJ and IRPoxton (2007). Identification of plasmid-mediated extended-spectrum and AmpC B-lactamases in enterobacter spp. isolated from dogs. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 56 (3), 426-434. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.46888-0
2006
Conference Publication
Resistance profiles of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaeceae causing extraintestinal opportunistic infections in dogs
Gibson, J., Sidjabat, H. E., Morton, J. M., Filippich, L. J., Moss, S. M. and Trott, D. J. (2006). Resistance profiles of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaeceae causing extraintestinal opportunistic infections in dogs. 2006 Annual Scientific Meeting and Exhibition ASM, Gold Coast, 2-6 July, 2006. Australia: Cambridge Publishing.
2005
Conference Publication
Resistance profiles of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae causing extraintestinal opportunistic infections in dogs
Gibson, J., Sidjabat, H. E., Morton, J. M., Filippich, L. J., Moss, S. M. and Trott, D. J. (2005). Resistance profiles of multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae causing extraintestinal opportunistic infections in dogs. Showcasing Faculty research through our postgraduates, Gatton, Queensland, 8 December 2005. Gatton, Queensland: NRAVS Faculty.
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: Dr Rebekah Scotney, Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen, Professor Joerg Henning, Dr Erika Meler
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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
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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 Francois-Rene 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
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 Viviana Gonzalez Astudillo, Dr Allison Stewart, Associate Professor Francois-Rene Bertin
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Doctor Philosophy
Impact of commercial poultry trading networks on Avian Influenza risk in Bangladesh
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Joerg Henning
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Doctor Philosophy
Prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases and other parasitic diseases in wild and free roaming canids in Queensland, Australia.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nicholas Clark, Dr Swaid Abdullah
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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
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