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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2013 Publication Date: 3/10/2013 Citation: Harhay, D.M., Smith, T.P., Harhay, G.P., Bono, J.L., Bosilevac, J.M. 2013. Salmonella virulence, genomics and interactions with the immune system. Meeting Abstract. The Beef Industry Safety Summit, March 13-15, 2013, Dallas Texas, FLASHDRIVE. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: “Every living thing has two ultimate goals—to survive and reproduce, and Salmonella is no exception,” said Harhay. “If we think about that as we try to understand this pathogen, it may help us in developing effective controls.” Harhay discussed the evolution of Salmonella to Salmonella enterica, the subspecies that is adapted to warm-blooded hosts and causes illness in humans. To achieve survival, bacteria have evolved different host attachment mechanisms. They then invade their host and find ways to manipulate the host environment to survive. “As we work to develop beef safety interventions, our goal will be to find ways to disrupt that process,” said Harhay. Past research has demonstrated differences in virulence among serotypes. Harhay iscussed results from a checkoff-funded study that examined the differences between four serotypes (S. Newport, S. Typhimurium, S. Montevideo and S. Anatum) commonly found in cattle. Interestingly, S. Montevideo and S. Anatum are frequently found in ground beef and the lymph nodes, but S. Newport and S. Typhimurium are found much less frequently. When they are found, however, they cause illness outbreaks, so we were interested in the genetic differences between the serotypes.” According to Harhay, the results challenge the assertion that all Salmonella are equally virulent to humans. Harhay cautioned the group against a “zero tolerance” mentality as it might be impossible to achieve and may be more harmful than beneficial. The focus should be primarily on the virulent strains that cause the most severe illness. |
