Molecular Genetics of Gram-Positive Pathogens

Although the majority of food-borne microbial infections are associated with Gram-positive bacteria, several established and emerging diseases are caused by Gram-positive species. <P>
This project involves molecular genetic analysis of environmental survival, stress response and virulence in the important pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the virulence of Enterococcus species is being studied as they are an increasingly serious cause of human disease. Enterococci are ubiquitous in the animal production food chain and present in many ready to eat dairy products. They have been promoted as prebiotic strains but the relationship between such food- use isolates and established agents of disease warrants further investigation.