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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Meat Safety and Quality » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #313908
Title: Genomic comparison of Salmonella enterica serotypes commonly associated with cattle and beef – Analysis of variation in virulence potential

Author
item Harhay, Dayna
item Bono, James - Jim
item Wang, Rong
item Smith, Timothy - Tim
item Harhay, Gregory
item KALBFLEISCH, TED - University Of Louisville
item Wheeler, Tommy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2015
Publication Date: 3/3/2015
Citation: Harhay, D.M., Bono, J.L., Wang, R., Smith, T.P., Harhay, G.P., Kalbfleisch, T., Wheeler, T.L. 2015. Genomic comparison of Salmonella enterica serotypes commonly associated with cattle and beef – Analysis of variation in virulence potential. [Abstract]. Beef Industry Safety Summit. http://www.bifsco.org/2015researchsessionabstracts.aspx.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Category: Post-Harvest Abstract Published: Unpublished to date Objective: To create a Salmonella genomic DNA sequence resource for the purpose of characterizing differences in gene content and identification of DNA markers for rapid detection of virulent Salmonella strains. Further, to characterize the ability of Salmonella in this reference collection to grow using different kinds of nutrients, to form biofilms and to resist the action of quaternary ammonia and chlorine-based sanitizers. Experimental Design & Analysis: In the described study, 48 strains of Salmonella, 12 each of serotypes Anatum, Montevideo, Newport and Typhimurium, were characterized. These strains were isolated from various cattle sources (feces, hide, carcass surface, lymph nodes, trim and ground beef) as well as from human cases of salmonellosis. The genomes of all strains were fully sequenced using PacBio SMRT sequencing technology, de novo assembled, annotated and the resulting sequence data uploaded to the Intrepid Bioinformatics Portal. Strains in the assembled collection also were assessed for differences in nutrient utilization, sanitizer resistance and biofilm formation. Key Results: • The results of this study demonstrate the extensive genetic diversity present among Salmonella enterica and support the notion that a spectrum exists within this genus, in which some strains are more able to illicit a virulence response in humans while others may be generally commensal with little impact on the human host. • The sequence data collected lay the foundation for defining key genetic differences between virulent and potentially commensal Salmonella. These data will be instrumental in developing rapid tests for identifying Salmonella strains determined to be of concern. How can this information can be applied in the industry? The creation of this Salmonella sequence data resource: 1) allows genomic differences between virulent and potentially commensal Salmonella strains to be determined, so that Salmonella strains that pose an increased risk to human health can be identified, and 2) will facilitate the identification of molecular targets for differentiating specific Salmonella strains, when present as contaminants of ground beef or trim.