Inzicht in het persisterend karakter van Samonella Infantis in de braadkippensector in België als basis voor het doorbreken van contaminatiecycli (FOD SALMINF)

The aim of this project is to reduce Salmonella in the poultry sector with emphasis on the serotype Infantis. To do so, it is important to get an insight in the mechanisms of persistence of S. Infantis clones circulating in the poultry sector in order to make scientific based solutions to remediate poultry farms that are dealing with this persistent serovar. 

Belgian S. Infantis isolates will be characterized via several techniques. First, a molecular technique will be used to distinguish between different Infantis strains. Based on the results, antibiotic resistance and sensitivity to biocides will be determined on a subset of isolates. In addition, the biofilm forming capacitity will also be evaluated. Whole Genome Sequencing will be performed to understand the mechanisms behind the observed phenotypic characteristics and to see if the isolates have a megaplasmid, as reported in other countries, which may contribute to their persistent character. 

Further, it will be investigated if the Salmonella status at slaughter correlates to the official Salmonella status which is determined 3 weeks before slaughter. Last, the role of the crates, used to transport poultry flocks to the slaughterhouse, in the Salmonella contamination cycles will be studied. 

Information gathered during this project should lead to a better insight in  Salmonella persistence and contamination cycles. This knowledge will used to remediate some poultry farms dealing with a persistent S. Infantis contamination.