ARS | Publication request: Application of Microarray Technology to Investigate Salmonella and Antimicrobial Resistance

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: October 23, 2006
Publication Date: October 23, 2006
Citation: Frye, J.G., Cray, P.J., Jackson, C.R., Englen, M.D. Application of Microarray Technology to Investigate Salmonella and Antimicrobial Resistance [abstract]. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, October 23, 2006.

Technical Abstract: Microarrays have been developed for the study of various aspects of Salmonella, which is a model system for investigating pathogenesis. Microarrays were used to analyze the gene expression of Salmonella in various environments that mimic the host environment and these studies have helped to elucidate the complex process of gene regulation in this pathogen. The microarray analysis of mutant strain has enabled us to determine the genes controlled by specific regulators. Salmonella genome structure was also investigated with miroarrays. There are over 2400 Salmonella serotypes each of which differs in their ability to cause disease in humans and animals, persist within the host, and survive in the environment. Mircoarray analysis has revealed that each serotype contains a core of about 4000 genes in addition to 400-600 genes that are specific for each serotype. Some of these genes are shared between closely related serotypes, however, others are shared with very distantly related serotypes or other organisms via horizontal gene exchange. The analysis of gene distribution within specific serotypes is called genovar typing and may be used in the future to replace serotyping. A new microarray for the detection of antibiotic resistance (AR) genes has been developed. This microarray is able to detect hundreds of AR genes in any bacterium and can be used to investigate the development and spread of AR.