Dr. Alan G. Mathew
Professor and Head

Education

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Biology, Purdue University, 1991-1993
Ph.D., Animal Science (Intestinal Microbiology), Purdue University, 1991
M.S., Animal Science, Purdue University, 1978
B.S., Biology, Purdue University, 1976

Professional Interest

Antibiotics are commonly used in livestock production. Therapeutic use of antibiotics continues to play a major role in combating disease whereas non-therapeutic use decreases pathogen loads, increases animal performance, and lowers the prevalence of bacteria causing food-borne illness in humans. However, agricultural use of antibiotics may be partly responsible for the emergence and prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, which may decrease the efficacy of antibiotics used in human and animal medicine. A primary research focus of our laboratory is to determine the effects of antibiotic use, nutrition and animal management on antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria and on carriage and shedding of food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella. Additionally, we are characterizing bacterial genetic elements, including integrons, which capture and spread antibiotic resistance genes and facilitate multi-antibiotic resistance in pathogens. We are also investigating non-antibiotic feed additives that may enhance performance and health of livestock and reduce the need for antibiotics in livestock systems.  Through this research we can determine the most effective antibiotic therapies and nutritional and husbandry practices to maintain animal health and production while at the same time limiting the prevalence of food-borne pathogens and antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with livestock.

Select Publications:

• Mathew, A. G., S. Rattanatabtimbtong, C. M. Nyachoti, and L. Fang. 2009. Effects of in-feed egg yolk antibodies on Salmonella shedding, bacterial antibiotic resistance and health of pigs. Journal of Food Protection. 72: 267-273.
• Mathew, A. G., S. Liamthong, R. Cissell. 2007. Antibiotic resistance in bacteria associated with food animals: A US perspective for livestock production. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 4: 115 - 133.
• Phongpaichit, S., S. Liamthong, A. G. Mathew, U. Chethanont. 2007. Prevalence of class 1 integrons in commensal Escherichia coli from pigs and pig farmers in Thailand. Journal of Food Protection. 70: 292-299.
• Effects of antibiotic use in sows on resistance of bacteria in their offspring. A. G. Mathew, K. N. Garner, P. D. Ebner, A. M. Saxton, and R. E. Clift. 2005. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease. 2: 212-220.
• Hurd, H. S., S. Doores, D. Hayes, A. G. Mathew, J. Maurer, P. Silley, R. Singer, R. N. Jones. 2004. Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment of the Human Health: Impact Attributable to the Use of Macrolides in Food Animals. Journal of Food Protection. 67(5):980-992
• Mathew, A. G. and P. D. Ebner. 2004. Issues of drug use and antibiotic resistance in swine production. Pig News and Information 25(4): 1N-15N
• Ebner, P. D., K. Garner, and A. G. Mathew. 2004. Class 1 integrons in various Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from animals and identification of SGI1 in Salmonella enterica var Meleagridis.  Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 53:1004-1009