Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia Coli in Biofilms and Within Microbial Communities in Food

<p>1: Molecular identification and characterization of the genetic factors that influence biofilm formation by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STECs). 1.1 Genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular analyses to identify novel genetic factors and regulatory mechanisms for biofilm formation in STEC. 2: Examination of the influence of extrinsic (biotic and abiotic) and intrinsic factors on biofilm formation by STECs. 2.1 Microbiological properties and comparative transcriptomic analyses of serotype O157:H7 biofilms on abiotic and biotic surfaces, and in various environmental conditions. 2.2 Evaluation of the roles and interactions of various plasmids (conjugative or mobilizable) carried by mixed-biofilm partners (intrinsic factors). 2.3 Mixed culture biofilm of STEC with beef-associated biofilm-forming flora. 3: Qualitative and quantitative characterization of microbial communities associated with beef, and how the various populations influence the presence of STECs. 3.1 16S rDNA-targeted metagenomic studies of microbiomes on ground and intact beef. 3.2 16S rDNA-targeted metagonomic studies of microbiomes associated with beef slaughter facilities (and their correlation with the presence of STEC). 3.3 16S rDNA-targeted metagonomics studies of biofilm forming bacteria associated with beef and beef slaughter facilities. 3.4 Quantitative computational analyses of microbiomes by whole-genome metagenomics.</p>