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<OL> <LI> Using bacterial genomics & physiology determine conditions leading to the acquisition, retention & transfer of antibiotic resistant organisms in poultry. <LI> Use information to: develop models useful to regulatory agencies in their risk assessments of antibiotic usage in animals; and help develop practical usefulness of antibiotics in both animals & humans. <LI> Define mechanisms associated with development of resistance to microbials;transfer of resistance between zoonotic pathogens & commensals and effect.
Using molecular approaches, define the gene(s) responsible for resistance including an understanding of the mechanism associated with resistance;for multiple drug resistance, define how multiple genes are integrated into the chromosome or plasmid; & determine the type and frequency transfer of resistance between commensals & pathogens. Using information obtained from the molecular approaches described above, develop rapid tests to screen for isolates carrying resistance attributes including multiple resistance. Conduct in vivo challenge studies in poultry to determine if resistant bacteria are more virulent & couple with molecular approaches to determine the impact resistance has on gene arrangement & any linkage of antibiotic resistance genes with virulence determinants. Conduct in vitro studies re environmental stressors such as detergents & disinfectants on resistance development. Determine the prevalence of resistance in the environment thru both field samples & NARMS program & thru field studies in poultry. Develop intervention strategies at both the molecular & nonmolecular levels.