A University of Guelph veterinarian recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of E. coli bacteria has been named to the Order of Canada.
Dr. Carlton Gyles was named an Officer of the Order in recognition of “his profound contributions to veterinary microbiology,” whose seminal studies “have led to new vaccines, improved infection control and a safer food supply.”
A longtime professor in the Department of Pathobiology at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) who retired in 2005, Gyles is one of the world’s top authorities on E. coli and helped position the college as a global leader in veterinary medicine education.
One of Gyles’ key discoveries was the role of E. coli toxins in diarrheal disease. He was one of the first to pinpoint how a key toxin produced by the bacterium could cause illness. That led to the development of an effective oral vaccine for traveler’s diarrhea in humans, as well as vaccines to prevent disease in farm animals. Gyles is credited with providing the fundamental basis for recent developments in the veterinary field.
Throughout his career, Gyles worked closely with Health Canada and other health agencies, including acting as a key spokesperson during the Walkerton, Ont. E. coli-contaminated water crisis in 2000.
“On behalf of OVC, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gyles on his well-deserved appointment to the Order of Canada,” said Dr. Joanne Hewson, OVC’s acting dean. “His pioneering contributions to veterinary pathology, his dedication to animal health and his leadership in education and research have positively impacted our profession and public health in Canada.”
Gyles a world-renowned E. coli researcher
Gyles, who is from Jamaica, received his DVM from OVC in 1964, followed by a master of science and PhD. He joined OVC as a faculty member in 1969, spending decades as a pathobiology professor, contributing to the fields of veterinary science, public health and animal welfare.
He also mentored graduate students and veterinarians through the early stages of their careers.
“I enjoyed working with DVM students and graduate students and I tried to inspire in them a love of science. My special interest was in microbiology, and I sought to link the science with the clinical subjects,” said Gyles.
“I was delighted that our students carried with them a love of learning and a desire to continue to be outstanding.”
During his time as both a student and professor, Gyles’s research focused on how E. coli causes disease in humans and animals, as well as how to control the risk of contamination through food and water and contact with animals.
“I was privileged to be mentored by Dr. Don Barnum and to conduct research in an environment in which we had an exceptional group of faculty in microbiology and pathology. Much of my success is due to the influence of colleagues at the OVC and in other laboratories that worked on E. coli,” said Gyles.
Gyles served as editor-in-chief of The Canadian Veterinary Journal, the official publication of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), from 2008 until 2020 and on the editorial boards of journals Veterinary Microbiology and Advances in Veterinary Science.
In 2018, Gyles was honoured with a lifetime membership to the CVMA for his significant contributions to the veterinary profession.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of Canada in various fields, including the arts, sciences, business, and public service.