Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) is an important food-borne, enteric (intestinal) pathogen. SE multiplies in the intestinal tract and invades internal organs, including ovaries in chickens and other animals. Outbreaks of SE-related food poisoning in humans are commonly attributed to the consumption of contaminated egg and meat products.

During 1991-95, health departments throughout the U.S. reported 263 outbreaks, accounting for 13,108 cases of illness, 844 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths. In 1994 alone, the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Services reported 38 outbreaks of SE in the U.S., and eggs were implicated in 12 of those outbreaks. The purpose of this research is to reduce preharvest (before eggs are laid) SE colonization in egg-producing chickens at the farm. This, in turn, could eventually help reduce losses incurred by both the egg and poultry industries, while also minimizing the related human losses in terms of life, suffering, medical expenses, and income.

Method

The overall project seeks to reduce colonization of SE in the intestinal tract through the use of a genetically based vaccine. We are using molecular biology techniques that assess various approaches in order to select the most effective vaccine. For example, we are considering the effect of sub-unit vaccines (those which incorporate only targeted parts of the bacteria as opposed to the whole organism) against SE infection in poultry. At the same time, we are evaluating SE proteins in a non-pathogenic bacterial carrier for use as a possible oral vaccine.

Minnesota chickens produced three billion eggs in 1996, worth a sales value of $150.5 million. In addition, the state's 47 million broiler chickens represented $94.4 million in value to producers. The economic health of the poultry industry depends on its ability to deliver products that are free of food-borne pathogens to consumers.

Exact dollar figures are not available for estimating the degree to which this research will affect industry jobs and profits. However, lowering the incidence of SE food poisoning would reduce the loss of income that poultry and egg processors suffer while they isolate and eliminate its source. It would also lower the additional costs they incur as they recall the tainted food products and reestablish consumer confidence.

At the same time, a potent vaccine will minimize the costs society must absorb in terms of loss of income due to related illnesses, medical treatment, and preventative measures. Ultimately, the economic impact of our research will be measured by weighing all of these costs against the net effectiveness of the vaccine.

Salmonella organisms continue to be the most common cause of food-borne illness associated with meat and poultry products. Our research is an important step in improving food safety. With this, we can help mitigate public fear of SE poisoning and increase confidence in the food supply. Similarly, this will have an impact on public health, as the pain associated with contracting and recovering from SE poisoning will be reduced not to mention the loss of life and long-lasting problems for survivors.

Minnesota County
All Counties

Primary Researcher
Kakambi Nagaraja
NAGAR001@umn.edu

Participating Individuals
2 Graduate Students

Participating Institutions
Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council

Department
Veterinary Pathobiology

Government Funding Type
State

Additional Funding Information
Average annual funding is $50,000.00