ELUCIDATION OF IMPORTANT HOST AND PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS TO REDUCE PRE-HARVEST FOOD SAFETY RISKS

The host/pathogen interaction is poorly understood because establishment of an infection in livestock by a microorganism is a dynamic event. The complex interaction between the host and the pathogen can now be explored in more detail using microarrays. In this project, we will evaluate the genetic interaction of livestock and pathogenic bacteria during colonization in an attempt to elucidate and interpret the mechanistic roles of gene regulation in pathogenesis. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of host/pathogen interactions during colonization and to elucidate how these interactions are affected by stress. These studies will lead to new and/or improved diagnostic techniques, new therapeutics and vaccines, and improved health management strategies for livestock.