2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Staphylococcus aureus Antigens as a Potential Vaccine for Cows

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Juliette Tinker, Noah Souza, and Dr. Elise Overgaard

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that causes different types of infections in humans such as those in joints and wounds. It can spread through skin to skin contact and contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets. S. aureus is known to be antibiotic resistant, making treatment difficult. Bovine mastitis is a condition caused by this bacteria that causes swelling and inflammation in cow udders. This condition costs the dairy industry about $2 billion annually. Developing vaccines against S. aureus is crucial for both bovine and human health, as it can help prevent the transmission of infections and combat antibiotic resistance. We have determined the function of promising antigens expressed on the surface of S. aureus. This allows us to better understand the pathology of S. aureus. ClfA is a clumping factor associated with S. aureus in blood plasma and EssA is a part of a speculated protein secretion apparatus. These genes are found within S. aureus, and can be purified and cloned to study immune reactivity, functionality, and structure. To create the vaccine, we constructed a fusion between a non-toxic part of cholera toxin (CTB) to these antigens from S. aureus to form a chimera. Another project known as the SpyCatcher project aims to simplify the process of making a chimera using a protein that binds strongly to another protein. We have cloned these genes and purified the CTB fusion proteins using affinity chromatography. We aim to increase protein purification for use in a future bovine vaccine. The current vaccine was tested in a double-blind pilot study using six cows. Animals were challenged with S. aureus to test the efficacy of the vaccine. Bovine milk specimens were collected and evaluated to test vaccine efficacy. S. aureus shedding in these samples was quantified via qPCR using nuc-specific primers. This research is important because it could serve as a foundation for developing a vaccine for both livestock and human applications.

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