Antony O. Oluoch
Assistant Professor, Veterinary Biosciences
Professional Interests: My research
interests have evolved from a purely microbiological examination of the
interaction of antimicrobials with pathogens, to the interphase between
free radicals and the pathogenesis of disease.
In the first instance, I have been involved in collaborative work examining the
temporal profiles of susceptibilities of pathogenic microorganisms to antimicrobial
agents, and several molecular biological studies of pathogenic bacteria and protozoa. .
Secondly, I have spent considerable time investigating the interaction of nitroimidazoles
(especially metronidazole) with susceptible organisms. The reduction of metronidazole
(and other nitroimidazoles) by susceptible cells results in the formation of
free radical (FR) species. We hypothesize that nitric oxide (NO) is one such
FR species. I am interested in the elucidation of the role of these radical species
in the mechanism of action of the nitroimidazole group of compounds. The rationale
for this kind of research is two fold. 1) It would further define the mode of
action of these compounds and 2) It would begin to unravel the precise mechanisms
responsible for the fact that these compounds have been associated with various
degrees of mutagenicity. Paradoxically, they are banned in food animals, but
still used in human and non-food animal therapy of infections by Gram-negative
organisms, protozoa; and experimentally as potentiating agents in chemotherapy
of tumors. Further understanding of their mode of activity will facilitate the
exploration of similar but less toxic compounds.
Thirdly, and as a long-term objective, I am interested in examining the interphase
between nitric oxide synthase and disease.
Selected Publications:
Baek BK, Lim CW, Rahman MS, Kim CH, Oluoch AO, Kakoma I. Brucella abortus infection in indigenous Korean dogs. Can J Vet Res. 2003 Oct;67(4):312-4.
Baek BK, Soo KB, Kim JH, Hur J, Lee BO, Jung JM, Onuma M, Oluoch AO, Kim CH, Kakoma I. Verification by polymerase chain reaction of vertical transmission of Theileria sergenti in cows. Can J Vet Res. 2003 Oct;67(4):278-82
Baek BK, Islam MK, Kim BS, Lim CW, Hur J, Oluoch
AO, Kim CH, Kakoma I. Characterization of the protective response
against a homologous challenge infection with Strongyloides venezuelensis
in rats. Vet Parasitol. 2003 May 1;113(3-4):217-27
