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<OL type="a"> <LI> To identify and develop diagnostic assays for detection of parasites in foods and environmental samples. <LI> To develop diagnostic assays for identification of host responses against parasitic infections. <LI> To examine environmental factors such as ambient temperature and relative humidity, water, soil and reservoirs that will favor survival of these parasites in the environment. <LI> To evaluate and identify sanitizers and disinfectants useful for inactivation of foodborne parasites.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The results obtained from this study will provide an adequate tool for testing mitigation procedures to reduce colonization, cross contamination in packaging and processing in real life situations. A simplified method for pathogen detection will also contribute to study the sources of contamination. By being able to test survival of pathogens in food matrices, we can examine the persistence of pathogens in the environment, the virulence, pathogenicity, and their ecology. More importantly, the strains and genotypes present in produce and their association with human cases would benefit future studies.
<P>APPROACH: Protein based assays will be developed to identify proteins that are specific to pathogenic protozoa. Molecular assay including PCR and real time PCR will be developed to identify specific gene targets of these parasites. RT- PCR assays will also be explored for the detection of foodborne parasites and viruses. Protein and DNA based studies to identify virus and parasites in the environment and well as human and animals acting as reservoirs. Current and new detection assays including western blot, immunofluorescence assays and ELISA will be used to determine the host immune response particularly during acute, convalescent, and chronic stages of infection. The effect of chemicals and sanitizers will also be examined in tissue culture.