Molecular Ecology of Listeria Monocytogenes in the Turkey Processing Industry

<OL> <LI> Determine prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Campylobacter spp. in turkey processing plants and raw products.<LI> Use strain subtyping to evaluate the clonal structure of the bacterial enteropathogen populations in turkeys and compare this to global populations. <LI>Characterize of biofilm forming potential of the bacteria. <LI>Screen for virulence potential of prevalent and resident strains using human vascular endothelial cell cultures. <LI>Evaluate the ability of select strains to be transferred to foods from food contact surfaces, and to persist and grow (L. monocytogenes) at refrigeration temperatures.