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<ol> <li> 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). <li> 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. <li> Investigate
the molecular basis for swine resistance to Salmonella colonization by characterizing
the immunological aspects of infection.
Approach: <ol> <LI> Use a novel reporter system and transposon mutagenesis o identifiy DT104 genes
involved in rumen protozoa-mediated hypervirulence. <LI> Use an in vitro conjugation
system to chracterize intra-protozoal transfer of plasmids from Klebsiella (and other
bacteria) to Salmonella. <LI> Compare the progression of salmonellosis for defaunated
and fully-faunated calves infected with DT104. <LI> Functional genomic analyses will
be performed on Salmonella exposed to norepinephrine, low pH, and conditions relevant
to intestinal colonization. <LI> Use microarrays to identify swine genes that
contribute to innate resistance to Salmonella colonization.</ol>IBC-0210R BSL-Exempt; Recertified 11/02/09.