MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF SALMONELLA VIRULENCE, ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE, AND HOST RESPONSE

(1) Investigate the molecular mechanisms that coordinate virulence and antibiotic resistance in Salmonella obtained from cattle (DT104 and S. dublin) and swine (DT104 and S. choleraesuis). (2) Characterize the molecular mechanisms involved in Salmonella survival, colonization and pathogenicity in relation to various host (swine and cattle) factors such as stress, gastric pH, and protozoa. (3) Investigate the molecular basis for swine resistance to Salmonella colonization by characterizing the immunological aspects of infection.