National Alliance for Food Safety and Security

Center Focus and Objectives

The focus of the Center for Microbial Physiology and Ecology is to identify scientists with similar interests and encourage collaboration among academic and USDA scientists studying factors affecting growth, survival, occurrence, virulence, antibiotic resistance, and the genetic potential to adapt and infect human populations of foodborne agents, as well as the isolation and identification of foodborne pathogens. Epidemiological association and investigation using molecular methods are utilized from farm to table.

Center Activities and Projects

Building upon results obtained in the national assessment of L. monocytogenes, Center projects have focused on developing a better understanding of mechanisms involved in foodborne illness.

Impact Statement

NAFSS scientists have contributed to a greater understanding of the genetic components of biofilm formation in the recurrence of L. monocytogenes in foodborne illness outbreaks.