Karen Liljebjelke

General Description of Research Program

The long-term objective of my research program is to understand the genetic ecology of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria found in food animal production. My research program ultimately aims to provide information useful to animal agriculture for making prudent decisions regarding antibiotic usage in order to reduce antibiotic resistance in food borne pathogens while preserving animal health and welfare. My laboratory uses interdisciplinary approaches such as molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemical tools.

Antimicrobial Resistance

My laboratory examines the phenotypes and genotypes of antimicrobial resistance of food borne pathogens, bovine respiratory disease pathogens, and environmental bacteria present in food animal production and processing facilities. One current research project is examining antimicrobial resistance and mobile genetic elements in food borne bacterial pathogens isolated from retail meats and poultry production facilities. Another research project involves using metagenomic approaches to examine the microbial populations present on broiler carcasses and in the litter from poultry barns.

Bacterial Biofilm Production

The laboratory examines the ability of environmental bacteria isolated from food animal production and processing facilities to form biofilm, and the effect of biofilm production on antimicrobial resistance.

Salmonella in Poultry Production

I have published studies examining the ecology of Salmonella enterica serotypes in poultry production and processing. I continue to conduct research in the areas of Salmonella enterica genetics and pathogenesis.