• DNA microarrays and global gene expression patterns
• Genomic indexing of Salmonella and E.coli
• Salmonella virulence gene expression during infectionLag Phase
• Salmonella Infection of Chicken oviduct (SafeHouse)
• Influence of Commensal flora, immune response and behaviour on Salmonella infection (VTRI104)
• Environmental regulation of the invasion and intracellular virulence gene programmes of Salmonella: a ppGpp dependent switch

• Regulation of Salmonella SPI1 & SPI2
• Bacterial nitrate metabolism in colonisation of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract
• Analysis of factors affecting Salmonella contamination of meat during the slaughter process (Biotracer)

• "Non genetic variation" gene expression within bacterial populations (Finished)

• Nucleoid associated proteins: DNA topology and gene expression.
• Acambis project on enterotoxigenic E.coli (Finished)

SafeHouse

Main Researcher: Corinne Appia-Ayme

Salmonella contamination of eggs continues to pose a risk to public health in Europe. As new legislation controling chicken housing systems is enforced there is a danger that the incidence of Salmonella in eggs may increase. In this project we will use different model systems to understand how Salmonella contaminates eggs. The model systems have been developed at the University of Ghent and we will use these to examine gene expression of Salmonella inside primary chicken oviduct cells and the lumen of the oviduct. By understanding the mechanisms of Salmonella infection and survival we hope to gain new ways of tackling this pathogen.

 

SafeHouse is a multidisciplinary project co-ordinated by Dr. Filip van Immerseel at the University of Ghent. In addition to gaining knowledge about the processes Salmonella uses to infect eggs the epidiemiology associated with the move away from battery farming systems will be assessed in both experimental setups and in the field. Further information can be found at www.safehouse-project.eu