Probiotic Nissle E. coli 1917 as antibiotic-alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in the food chain

Project Summary PROJECT SUMMARY Title: Probiotic Nissle E. coli 1917 as antibiotic-alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in the food chain PI: Helmy, Yosra Institution: University of Kentucky Co-PI: Ilhem Messaoudi Institution: University of Kentucky Co-PI: Jon Thorson Institution: University of Kentucky Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans worldwide, with poultry as the primary source of human campylobacteriosis. Currently, there are no effective interventions to control Campylobacter in poultry and humans. Regular use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for disease control and growth promotion on-farm result in an increase in antibiotic- resistant Campylobacter. Therefore, there is a critical need for the development of antibiotic alternatives to control the spread of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter and maintain food safety. Our long-term goal is to improve food safety by decreasing the spread of antibiotic- resistant Campylobacter via the food chain (poultry) to humans. Our innovative studies demonstrated the anti-Campylobacter effects of probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), which can also modulate the intestinal cells'' innate and adaptive immune responses and enhance chicken’s productivity and immunity. This project will elucidate how EcN mediates its action against C. jejuni via: 1) identification of the bioactive peptides that contribute to the antimicrobial effect of EcN, and 2) evaluating the efficacy of the extracted peptide in vitro and chicken enteroids. The outcome of this study will lead to the development of a novel approach to reducing the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter in the food chain. These studies directly address the priority area “Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain” under program area priority (A1366) and will lay the groundwork for the development of effective antibiotic-alternative to control antibiotic resistance associated with Campylobacter burden in poultry and enhance food safety.