Alan G. Mathew
Professor and Head
Department of Animal Science
Education:
PhD, Dec. 1991, Animal Science, Nutritional Microbiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
MS, May 1978, Animal Science, Purdue University
BS, May 1976, Biology, Purdue University
Research Area:
Antibiotic resistance, Livestock, Nutrition, Foodborne Pathogens,
Salmonella, E. coli
Research Description:
The primary research focus of our group is determining effects of
antibiotic use and animal management on antibiotic resistance in bacteria,
including foodborne pathogens and other zoonotic organisms. Characterizing
and tracking DNA elements, including integrons, which facilitate the spread
of multi-antibiotic resistance in livestock systems and in animal and human
pathogens are primary methodologies for our work. A number of our studies
have also been aimed at determining how different uses of antibiotics in
livestock production affect concentrations and shedding of food-borne
pathogens, and studies are conducted on the interaction of nutrition,
intestinal bacteria, and gastrointestinal physiology and how these
interactions affect animal health and performance. Through this work, we
can determine the most effective nutritional regimens, antibiotic
therapies, and husbandry practices to maintain animal health while at the
same time limiting prevalence of food-borne pathogens and antibiotic
resistance in livestock.
Contact Information:
Department. of Animal Science
2505 River Drive
206 Brehm Animal Science
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: 865-974-3130
Fax: 865-974-7297
E-mail: amathew@utk.edu