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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #191017
Title: BACTERIAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE RESEARCH UNIT PROJECTS

Author
item Frye, Jonathan
item Jackson, Charlene
item Englen, Mark
item Bailey, Joseph
item Meinersmann, Richard - Rick
item Berrang, Mark
item Cray, Paula

Submitted to: Advances in Pre-harvest Reduction of Salmonella and Poultry
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/25/2005
Publication Date: 8/25/2005
Citation: Frye, J.G., Jackson, C.R., Englen, M.D., Bailey, J.S., Meinersmann, R.J., Berrang, M.E., Cray, P.J. 2005. Bacterial epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance research unit projects. Advances in Pre-harvest Reduction of Salmonella and Poultry. August 25, 2005. Athens, Georgia.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Knowledge about the prevalence and spread of antimicrobial resistant pathogens in animals is incomplete and techniques to study this problem are lacking. To address this, the Bacterial Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit (BEARRU) studies antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic food borne pathogens (e.g. Salmonella and Campylobacter) and commensal bacteria (e.g. Enterococcus and generic E. coli). The scientists develop molecular techniques to analyze these organisms and the resistance genes they carry. Projects include: (1) detection of resistance genes by PCR and microarray techniques, (2) identification of clones for studying outbreaks and attribution, (3) multiplex PCR for rapid identification of the most prevalent human and animal Salmonella serotypes, (4) PCR identification of Enterococci genus and species, (5) evaluation of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococci from food, (6) characterization of aminoglycoside resistant Enterococci from poultry, (7) determine the antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter from feedlot cattle, (8) Determine prevalence of Campylobacter in broilers, and (9) PCR detection of C. jejuni and C. coli in mixed cultures. These tools are used to analyze isolates collected by surveillance programs conducted in the unit, including the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) and Collaboration in Animal Health and Food Safety Epidemiology (CAHFSE). Surveillance from pre-harvest to post-harvest combined with molecular analysis allow us to understand the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and develop intervention strategies which will improve food safety and animal health. These are important to the consumer as well as the agriculture industry, pharmaceutical manufacturers and the agencies that regulate them.