L2M-Veterinary point-of-care test device to apply novel immune marker for improved pet oral gum health

Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic bacterial infection of the gumline and tissues that anchor teeth and according to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) 7 out of 10 Canadians will experience some form of this disease over their lifetime. PD is caused by specific pathogenic anaerobic (those that prefer low oxygen environments) bacterial species known as the “Red Complex” that establish chronic infection as a sticky difficult to remove biofilm. The “Red Complex” bacteria use sugars for energy differently than the healthy oral bacteria and unique byproducts that they produce provide targets for diagnostic testing to detect PD much earlier than current physical examination methods. In addition to tooth loss, pathogenic bacteria responsible for PD are also linked to increased health risks including cancer, diabetes, heart infections and even degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Similar to humans, companion veterinary animals more than 3 years of age such as canines (dogs) and felines (cats), experience increased incidence of PD, which is considered one of the top factors impacting quality of life for animals as they age. Diagnosing PD in companion animals is also more complicated than in humans and often involves dangerous and costly anesthetization to perform imaging techniques such as X-ray. The treatments and cleanings to address PD in these animals is extremely expensive making it prohibitive for many pet owners delaying care until it is too late. Having a cost-effective and rapid test for veterinary oral health would allow earlier detection of PD and allow for interventions that would prevent future high-cost and high-risk treatments. This novel technology could also be adapted to larger agricultural animals having positive impacts on Canadian animal health and the economy. The valuable network contacts and resources provided by the partner organization will assist with market analysis and IP strategies for this novel invention.

Faculty Supervisor:

Denice Bay

Student:

Partner:

North Forge

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: