Use of Whole Genome Sequencing and Other Approaches to Investigate A Potential Wildlife Reservoir For The Foodborne Pathogen, Listeria Monocytogenes.

1) To employ whole genome sequencing and sequencing informed analysis to gain an understanding ofthe characteristics of L. monocytogenes in an environmental reservoir.a) To characterize the virulence potential of wild isolates for comparison against those of food/ processing / outbreak origins.b) Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of bear isolates.2) Environmental survival and movement of L. monocytogenes in relation to an animal host.a) Discern regionality of L. monocytognes isolated from bearsb) Examine known factors of animal host and environment to assess impacts on L.monocytogenes in the wild.3) To identify and characterize genes that are involved in the adaptation of L. monocytogenes to ananimal host.a) Comparative genomic analysis to identify genes unique to L. monocytogenes isolated frombears.b) Comparative genomic analysis to identify genes from food outbreaks that may or may notbe lacking in L. monocytogenes isolated from wild bears.