Project Number: 1935-42000-037-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 01, 2000
End Date: Feb 28, 2005

Objective:
The objectives of this proposal include, but are not limited to: (1) defining the biosynthesis and genetic mechansisms that microorganisms utilize to become resistant to traditional food safety barriers; (2) exploiting functional genomics to study regulatory effects such as those involved in stress and/or resistance to antimicrobials; and 3) elucidating how development of resistance affects expression of toxins that may be associated with virulency and/or pathogenicity.

Approach:
Develop molecular methods to facilitate characterization of resistant pathogens detected in food, and facilitate tracebacks to the source (e.g. environment, manure, water, animal feed). Define physiological and or genetic mechanism that microbes utilize to become resistant to traditional food safety barriers, such as heat or cold, low pH, low water activity and disinfectants. Use this information to develop prevention/intervention pathogen control strategies which delay or prevent the acquisition of resistance. Determine the mechanisms controlling gene transfer, toxin production and interventions, replication and stability. Determine and characterize the genes for biologically active compounds that have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents in foods.

Project Team

Luchansky, John Uhlich, Gaylen Bayles, Darrell

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002   FY 2001   FY 2000

Related National Programs

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

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