ARS | Publication request: Salmonella research in the Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit at ARS

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 17, 2007
Publication Date: July 17, 2007
Citation: Frye, J.G., Cray, P.J., Jackson, C.R., Englen, M.D., Bailey, J.S., Berrang, M.E., Meinersmann, R.J. 2007. Salmonella research in the Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit at ARS. Cornell Institute of Food Science Summer Scholar Program. July 17, 2009. Ithica, NY.

Technical Abstract: Microarrays have been developed for the study of various aspects of Salmonella, including studies on the pathogenesis of the disease. Microarrays were used to analyze the gene expression of Salmonella in various environments that mimic the host environment to elucidate the complex process of gene regulation. 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 all serotypes contain 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 also been developed. This antibiotic microarray is able to detect hundreds of AR genes in any bacterium and can be used to investigate the development and spread of AR. Microarrays will enable scientists to better characterize Salmonella isolates ad design mitigation strategies.