Asymptomatic carrier animals are a serious food safety and health issue resulting in a significant loss to agri-food industry as well as a substantial burden on the healthcare system. On the human side, asymptomatic carriers may spread their bacteria because of low hygiene standards, this is especially problematic in the food industry, but is also an issue in hospitals and kindergartens. This project will have a substantial positive impact on the EU poultry and pig industry. It will also reduce the impact of zoonotic pathogens in humans and livestock, improving health thus lessening the use of antimicrobial compounds and the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
The main originality of our approach is to take into account the recent studies which have uncovered the importance of host heterogeneity in infection. In particular, it has been shown that a minority of the infected individuals (Super-shedders) are responsible for the majority of the infections. Three of the most important zoonoses, namely salmonellosis, colibacillosis and campylobacteriosis are no exception to this general rule. Similarly, heterogeneity of human infection has been described for several pathogens as well as for carriage of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). More recently, we, and others, have demonstrated that gut microbiota can impact on this infection heterogeneity.
In this project, we will develop new approaches to predict, identify and prevent the appearance of animal and human Super-shedders based on immune response and modulation of gut microbiota composition. Moreover, developing new mathematical models of pathogen transmission within a population taking into account this heterogeneity of infection and the role of gut microbiota will help to test several intervention strategies in order to optimize husbandry and feeding practices, but also decrease the use of antimicrobials and block the spread of antimicrobials resistance genes. The economic efficiency of our approach will be validated by the evaluation of the cost effectiveness of interventions. The data obtained from animals such as the immune and microbiota markers of susceptibility/resistance to become super-shedders will be tested on human and especially on travellers to high risk areas. To increase our efficiency and to develop partnerships between the institutes, we have decided to focus, for this 2 year project, our primary research on Salmonella which will be used as a model for the other zoonoses. The impacts of this project will be healthier, more productive farm animals with less wastage and a more competitive animal sector. Fewer EU citizens will also be infected with these zoonotic pathogens. Our objectives are achievable, measurable, science-based and timely.