Virulence and Colonisation Factors of Salmonella Enteritidis

This project will utilise the S. Enteritidis genome sequence, to identify potential novel and common factors associated with virulence, colonisation and egg transmission by a comparative genomic approach. The sequencing of the S. Enteritidis phage type 4 genome by the Sanger Centre as part of a consortium of which IAH is a member will allow a genomic approach to identify and characterise pathogenicity island-associated factors involved in the virulence and colonisation of S. Enteritidis. <P>The role of potential genes will be investigated through the production of specific mutant strains that will be tested using in vitro and in vivo infection models. Many virulence associated genes are located within pathogenicity islands (SPI). <P>
The main objective of the proposed project are to:<OL> <LI> Use of bioinformatic tools to identify and annotate SPI associated sections S. Enteritidis PT4 genome and to compare them to of S. Typhimurium and S. Typhi to identify common and novel virulence factors. This will be done in association with the Sanger Institute, which the student will visit. <LI> Produce specific mutations of putative virulence factors in S. Enteritidis. <LI> Determination of the phenotype of these mutants through use of in vitro and in vivo assays.