E.coli characterization
Identification of host environmental and bacterial factors related to pathogens and zoonotic Escherichia coli infections
PROBLEM
Several studies have demonstrated that opportunistic E. coli, such as enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), are associated with diarrhea in various animal species, more specifically in rabbits, pigs and dogs. Besides, other healthy animal species are also important reservoirs of EPEC, such as cattle, sheep and pig. Under certain circumstances, EPEC can cause intestinal lesions of attaching-effacing (AE) type. These lesions are characterized by a close adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and effacing of brush borders. Factors that allow these opportunistic bacteria to induce lesions of AE type are not well known.
HYPOTHESIS
By affecting the innate immune response, some risk factors associated to host environement or bacteria risk factors affect the ability of E. coli pathogens, such as ETEC, EPEC and EXPEC to colonize, persist and survive in the intestinal ecosystem, and can in some cases cause disease.
OBJECTIVES
To identify emerging pathogenic E. coli and new associated virulence genes and risk factors.
Student
Seyedehameneh JAHANBAKHSH, PhD (2016), supervisor John Fairbrother, cosupervisor Ann Letellier