ANALYSIS OF BACTERIAL EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES (BEVs) AND IDENTIFICATION OF BIOMARKERS LINKED TO MILK QUALITY AND ANIMAL HEALTH

• Grant number: 25/22428-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Nathalia Cristina Cirone Silva
• Grantee: Matheus Couto Gilioli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos (FEA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bovine mastitis is an inflammation caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, affecting the mammary glands of dairy cattle and impacting milk production and quality. The disease has become an increasing challenge due to the multidrug resistance observed in these strains, which complicates clinical management. This resistance arises from bacterial horizontal gene transfer mechanisms that enable adaptation to the environment. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) contribute to bacterial survival and virulence by carrying cargos that interact with the host immune system, triggering cellular dysfunctions and potentially promoting the onset of various diseases, as well as affecting the safety of bulk milk and dairy products. This study aims to examine BEV cargos derived from bacteria associated with mastitis, comparing the proteomic composition in individual samples and bulk milk to identify biomarkers indicative of milk from diseased animals. The characterization of these biomarkers will enable the development of monitoring strategies to ensure milk quality and control the spread of antimicrobial resistance, thereby promoting animal welfare and food safety. (AU)