Evaluation of the zoonotic risk of escherichia coli strains involved in extraintestinal infections of humans and animals

Objective

Particular zoonoses such as salmonellosis and influenza are infections frequently transmitted between poultry and man. Extra intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) may represent another group of zoonotic pathogens causing sepsis in poultry as well as sepsis and meningitis in man. The zoonotic risk of ExPEC, however, is poorly known. The aim of the project is to analyse the zoonotic risk of human and avian ExPEC strains. A new DNA chip containing human and animal ExPEC patho-genes will be developed, used for epidemiological analysis and for in vitro and in vivo expression profiling. Together with comparison of clonal ExPEC lineages from man and poultry, functional analysis of ExPEC patho-gene products and studies of the molecular basis of host specificity will be performed. This project combines genomics and functional studies to develop new tools to combat one of the most important bacterial human and avian pathogens in Europe.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-2. - Key action Control of Infectious Diseases

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF WUERZBURG

Address

Roentgenring 11
97070 Wuerzburg
Germany

Participants (4)

INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE

France

Address

Chemin Des Capelles, 23
31076 Toulouse

SCIENION AG

Germany

Address

Roentgenring 11
97070 Wuerzburg

TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY

Israel

Address

Ramat Aviv
69978 Ramat - Aviv

UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI

Finland

Address

Viikinkaari 9
00014 Helsinki