Project Number: 6612-41420-010-03
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Aug 01, 2002
End Date: Sep 30, 2006

Objective:
Determine prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Campylobacter spp. in turkey processing plants and raw products. Use strain subtyping to evaluate the clonal structure of the bacterial enteropathogen populations in turkeys and compare this to global populations. Characterize of biofilm forming potential of the bacteria. Screen for virulence potential of prevalent and resident strains using human vascular endothelial cell cultures. Evaluate the ability of select strains to be transferred to foods from food contact surfaces, and to persist and grow (L. monocytogenes) at refrigeration temperatures.

Approach:
Determine prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Campylobacter spp. in turkey processing plants and raw products. Use strain subtyping to evaluate the clonal structure of the bacterial enteropathogen populations in turkeys and compare this to global populations. Characterize of biofilm forming potential of the bacteria. Screen for virulence potential of prevalent and resident strains using human vascular endothelial cell cultures. Evaluate the ability of select strains to be transferred to foods from food contact surfaces, and to persist and grow (L. monocytogenes) at refrigeration temperatures.

Project Team

Meinersmann, Richard Berrang, Mark Sophia Kathariou - Associate Professor 706/546-3236

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Food Safety, (animal and plant products) (108)