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<p>The work identified the molecular bases for the tropism of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) for hen reproductive tissues; determined the molecular bases underlying the survival of SE in avian macrophages; determined which components of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) regulate SE persistence in reproductive tissue and survival in forming eggs in vivo and identified the genetic determinants that permit certain SE isolates. The study explored the hypothesis that SE has cell surface determinants, unique amongst non-host-adapted salmonella that ideally suit it to contaminate eggs in vivo. </p>
<p>Background: This project was part funded by the FSA through the BBSRC Government Partnership Award (GPA) Scheme.</p>
<p>Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is the most important human pathogen among all other types of Salmonella and many people have become ill from consuming SE infected eggs. Little is known about the behaviour of SE in the hen and why it is apparently so adaptive at infecting eggs in vivo.</p>
<p>This study aimed to identify the characteristics that allow SE to infect and persist in hen reproductive tissues. The work also explored the hypotheses that SE surface structure different from those in other salmonellae which allow the pathogen to persist in tissue and infect eggs. A better understanding of the interaction between SE and the hen could eventually enhance animal welfare and improve food safety by allowing development of improved vaccines. </p>