Evaluation of plasmid-mediated virulence in Salmonella enterica

This study will be investigating the role of plasmid-encoded factors, such as iron acquisition component(s) in regulating virulence of Salmonella enterica specifically the serovar Heidelberg. The long term goal of this study is to understand how plasmid encoded factors influence virulence and horizontal gene transmission among Salmonella and related species, which may be beneficial to develop novel strategies to control the spread of virulence and antimicrobial plasmids among foodborne pathogens.