Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Developing and implementing genetic tools designed to understand host takeover by Chlamydia trachomatis.(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2019) Kessy, Enock Joel; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Blake WiedenheftChlamydia are gram negative obligate intracellular parasites that are responsible for millions of new infections in humans and animals every year. C. trachomatis is the number one cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States, the number one cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Since 2001, there has been a steady increase in the number of new cases of C. trachomatis infections each year. Despite the prevalence and medical importance of C. trachomatis, we still know relatively little about the lifecycle of this parasite and the host factors that are essential for the lifecycle of C. trachomatis. To address this critical gap in our knowledge, my thesis work aimed to develop and implement genetic tools to understand host takeover by C. trachomatis. In this thesis I present results suggesting that I have transformed C. trachomatis with a plasmid carrying the Cas9 gene from Campylobacter jejuni. Additional experiments are necessary to determine if the CjCas9 is expressed, nuclease active, and functional for programable editing in C. trachomatis. In addition to my work aimed at developing a CRISPR-Cas9-based genetic engineering system in C. trachomatis, I also participated in a genome wide knockout screen aimed at identifying human genes necessary for completion of the C. trachomatis lifecycle. The CRISPR-Cas9 genome wide knockout screen identified 103 genes as critical factors for C. trachomatis. To validate results for the screen I have been involved in creating clonal cell lines with deletions in three of the genes that form the Adaptor Protein (AP) Complex (i.e., AP3S2, AP1B2 and AP1G2). The genes have been deleted and future experiments are aimed at measuring the impact of these genes on the C. trachomatis lifecycle.Item Relationship factors and American Indian men's condom use intentions(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Education, Health & Human Development, 2009) Dick, Rebecca Nalle; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Elizabeth RinkSexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a major threat to the public health of the United States. American Indians are disproportionately affected by STIs, including chlamydia and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Roosevelt County, which lies within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in northeastern Montana, has consistently reported chlamydia rates two to five times higher than national rates. Community leaders from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation partnered with researchers from Montana State University to address the reservation's sexual and reproductive health needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the heterosexual relationship factors that were associated with condom use intentions for STD and HIV prevention in a purposive sample of American Indian men, ages 18 to 24, living on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. A community based participatory research (CBPR) approach was used for this study. A non-probability sample of American Indian men (n=122) were recruiting using consecutive and snowball sampling techniques. Study hypotheses were tested using Pearson's chi-squared and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis for bivariate associations and multinomial logistic regression for multivariate associations. Variables examined for their association with condom use intentions included age, educational attainment, relationship type, relationship duration, relationship commitment, condom use communication, condom use decision making, control of condom use, and negative partner reaction to condom use. Results indicated that American Indian men were less likely to use condoms for disease prevention as their age and their relationship commitment increased. Factors resulting in an increased likelihood of future condom use included high participation in the condom use decision making process and female control over condom use. Culturally relevant sexual risk prevention programs that work towards changing the perception of condoms in committed relationships and that engage men in sexual health decision making could help reduce the disproportionate burden of sexually transmitted disease carried by young American Indians living on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.Item Myths and misconceptions : exploring beliefs about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2010) Robertus, Kacie Taylor; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Barbara Derwinski-RobinsonThe purpose of this professional project was to explore myths and misconceptions about sexual activity in adolescents. Adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are a significant problem worldwide and have been studied for many decades (Kirby, 2002). The burden of treating pregnancy and STD in the adolescent population affects all aspects of healthcare. Because of the magnitude of the problem, prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents has become a national priority (McBride & Gienapp 2000). A review of literature was conducted focusing on education, current myths and misconceptions of sexual activity, STD and pregnancy. A survey was created based on the literature. The questions asked were pregnancy or STD related and focused on fertility, condom use, and STD transmission. A convenience sample of four female and three male adolescents aged 15-18 participated. Important preliminary results were provided by the survey. Survey results indicated a high number of incorrect responses. Questions regarding pregnancy were the most frequently missed while questions about STD were answered correctly by most participants. Sample size was small, so generalization is impossible. However, knowing that these adolescents had limited knowledge about pregnancy prevention and sexually transmitted diseases may encourage inclusion about these topics in future educational programs for adolescents.