Role of free-living protozoa and biofilm formation on the evolution and persistence of foodborne pathogens in natural and food-related environments

The project studies the mechanisms underlying settling and persistence of pathogens in biofilms and to identify gene targets that facilitate inter-specific synergistic and antagonistic effects. This will facilitate the understanding of the interactions of pathogens within a multi-species setting. The presence of protozoa will further provide scope to understand bacterial adaptations to form biofilms and the protozoan resista tce during grazing.