Application of genomic approaches towards the development of improved methods for detection of Shigella spp. in foods

Funding period: 2019-2023
Lead: Catherine Carrillo
Total GRDI funding: $100,000

It is estimated that about 1.2 of the 4 million annual foodborne illnesses in Canada are caused by ingestion of Shigella species. Shigella species are closely related to Escherichia coli, especially Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC). The detection of Shigella in foods is unreliable using current methodology. Shigella species are rarely recovered by cultural methods, even when food products are associated with Shigella outbreaks. In a recent study it was determined that Shigella sonnei was sensitive to the antibiotics produced by harmless E. coli present in foods. The goal of this project is to use genomic technologies to characterize these antibiotics in order to inform the development of improved microbiological methods for the detection of Shigella in foods.