Projects
Survival and virulence of the zoonotic pathogens Salmonella and E. coli O157 in greenhouse cultivation of butterhead lettuce Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Zoonotic pathogens (human disease causing microorganisms transmitted through animals) can be transferred to vegetables. If they occur on raw or minimally processed vegetables (IVth gamma), they can pose a risk for human health, as illustrated by a number of recent outbreaks associated with these food products. This study focuses on leafy vegetables, specifically butterhead lettuce, which we use ...
Asses the variation in lipopolysaccharide structure in circulating African invasive Salmonella Typhimurium isolates to predict vaccine coverage. University of Antwerp
Systems biological analysis of niche adaptation in resistant and virulent Salmonella pathogens Institute of Tropical Medicine
Identification of new Salmonella biofilm inhibitors through a 'bottom-up' and 'top-down' approach. KU Leuven
Salmonella biofilm formation in chronic carrier pigs: impact on gut colonization, genetic markers for functional diagnostics and potential as target for non-antibiotic therapy KU Leuven
The goal of this PhD is to expand the knowledge on the role of Salmonella biofilm in pig farming. In a first subgoal we aim to investigate Salmonella biofilm formation as a strong contributor to its chronic colonization in the pig gut. In a second subgoal we aim to identify genetic markers for the capacity of biofilm formation. These markers can be included in fuctional diagnostic tools that focus on a phenotypic functional feature of an ...
Invasive Lineages of AMR Salmonella, Trojan Horses in Africa Institute of Tropical Medicine
Predicting and treating non-typhoidal Salmonella bloodstream infection in children in sub-Saharan Africa KU Leuven
Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) frequently cause, often fatal, bloodstream infections in children in sub-Saharan Africa. In this region, circulating NTS serotypes have genetically evolved towards more invasive and human-adapted phenotypes. Furthermore, sub-Saharan African children are susceptible to invasive NTS infections due to comorbidities impairing their immune system (Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria, anemia, malnutrition, HIV). The ...
Salmonella biofilm formation in chronic carrier pigs: impact on gut colonization, genetic markers for functional diagnostics and potential as target for non-antibiotic therapy KU Leuven
The goal of this project is to expand the knowledge on the role of Salmonella biofilm in pig farming. In a first subgoal we aim to investigate Salmonella biofilm formation as a strong contributor to its chronic colonization in the pig gut. In a second subgoal we aim to identify genetic markers for the capacity of biofilm formation. These markers can be included in fuctional diagnostic tools that focus on a phenotypic functional feature of ...
Effect of vaccination against Salmonella Typhimurium in pigs under field conditions Ghent University
Salmonella infections are very common in Belgian pig farms. The infection is hard to control with the current control measures. This research project will investigate to what extend vaccination against Salmonella can be used to improve the control of Salmonella in pigs. The possible implementation in a new national control program against Salmonella is investigated.