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The objectives of the study are to develop sensitive, specific, and cost-effective detection methods for foodborne pathogens, e.g., Campylobacter, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella, characterize genotypes of these foodborne bacterial pathogens in imported and domestic seafood, and to investigate drug resistance among these pathogens in seafood.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Microbial food safety continues to be of paramount importance to the food producer, processor, distributor, and consumer. Major foodborne pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes are responsible for millions of illnesses and billions of dollars annually in the United States. Efforts are particularly needed to develop rapid, sensitive, specific detection methods that are portable, easy to use, robust, cost-effective, specific for viable bacterial cells, and applicable in both food and environmental samples. The development of such an assay will provide an invaluable tool to better control the potential risks associated with the presence of foodborne pathogens in our food supply and contribute to reducing the number of food-related illnesses and deaths in the long run. According to FDA's Food Protection Plan, imports of seafood rose dramatically and are projected to grow continuously. There is an urgent need to update the data regarding the microbiological safety of imported seafood, particularly the prevalence, genotypes, and drug resistance of major foodborne pathogens in seafood. The project will generate valuable scientific data to assess the current microbiological safety status of imported seafood products in comparison with domestically produced seafood products.
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APPROACH: Experiments on detection methods development will consist of designing assays targeting genus/species-specific genes of four bacterial genera: Campylobacter, STEC, Listeria, and Salmonella. The assays will be optimized, evaluated for sensitivity and specificity, followed by testing the practicability of the assay, and finally applied in experimentally spiked food samples. Studies on the prevalence, genotype, and antimicrobial resistance will be based on a carefully planned and executed sampling scheme. Following sample collection, bacteria will be isolated, characterized, and tested for susceptibilities against different panels of antimicrobials. Data will then be analyzed and compared with data reported from national surveillance systems.