October 19, 2007

Kansas State University researches Salmonella and E.coli

Kansas State University is combining a range of expertise in various fields in its study of salmonella and E.coli.

Studying these pathogens is difficult as researchers would have to have a wide field of knowledge, said T.G. Nagaraja, professor of diagnostic medicine pathobiology at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine.

Nagaraja leads a team of seven researchers and six collaborators that includes epidemiologists, molecular biologists, production animal medicine experts and feedlot nutritionists.

For the past five years, Nagaraja has been leading the team on an E. coli 0157 research project supported by the USDA.

The research focuses primarily on dealing with the bacteria in cattle - however, the bacteria also can be found in pigs and poultry.

Nagaraja said the aim is to understand the ecology of E. coli 0157 in cattle and come up with practical, on-farm intervention strategies.

He is also working to develop a rapid, molecular-based testing method for Salmonella that is more accessible. Currently, to find out the serotype of the Salmonella, veterinarians and researchers have to send samples to a laboratory in Iowa.

The research team is also studying antimicrobial resistance with the hopes of preventing foodborne pathogens from becoming more dangerous to humans and animals.