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<OL> <LI> Develop rapid and robust detection technologies for identification and tracking of foodborne pathogens (bacterial and viral) in order to prevent their transmission, growth and survival in the environment; <LI> Develop novel intervention strategies to control foodborne bacterial and viral pathogens in the environment and evaluate their efficacy on food contact surfaces or directly in foods; <LI> Determine methods to control and prevent outbreaks by using fundamental approaches to understand gene expression profiles of foodborne bacteria under various conditions of growth and stress encountered in the food processing environments; <LI> Utilize functional genomics and proteomic technologies for improved detection and development of novel strategies for controlling foodborne pathogens
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Foodborne bacterial and viral diseases are a growing concern to the agricultural and food industry. These disease outbreaks result in significant economic losses and remain a public health concern. The proposed project aims at rapidly detecting these pathogens in the food environment using novel molecular tools. In addition, the project aims at developing mitigation and control strategies to prevent transmission of foodborne disease outbreaks and to protect publich health.
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APPROACH: This project aims at developing robust diagnostic tools for the rapid and sensitive detection of foodborne pathogens to reduce the risk of disease spread via consumption of food. Improved molecular and other novel approaches will be researched for application in food systems. Novel processing and control technologies such as high pressure homogenization, high-intensity ultrasound, washes or rinses, including addition of bioactive and ecologically-friendly methods will be used to inactivate or reduce the pathogen load in food matrices or the food environment. Understanding gene and protein expression for the control and prevention of outbreaks will help in the basic fundamental understanding of bacterial pathogenesis as well.