Develop better molecular techniques for the characterization of isolates. This project will provide more rapid identification and characterization of foodborne pathogens. It will provide information to better understand and combat antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens. This program monitors antibiotic resistance trends in foodborne bacteria recovered from humans, farm animals and retail meats in order to identify emerging patterns that may require interventions. This ongoing data collection also helps FDA to formulate regulatory policies to limit the development and spread of resistant bacteria in the food supply. (1) ON TRACK ON TRACK main 1. Develop rapid testing methods for strain analysis (analysis of a segment of DNA/biological material): 7/30/2011 <i>(3/30/2012)</i> Completed 3/30/2012 sub a. Troubleshoot and enhance low-density array for detection of antibiotic resistance gene in foodborne bacteria 12/15/2010 Completed 12/15/2010 sub b. Design high-density microarray platform to analyze foodborne bacteria 7/30/2011 <i>(3/30/2012)</i> Completed 3/30/2012 sub c. Submit manuscript to a journal for publication 3/30/2012 <i>(8/31/2012)</i> <i>(3/30/2013)</i> <i>(7/31/2013)</i> On Track main 2. Expand the number of NARMS isolates with sequence information on resistance genes: 7/30/2011 <i>(3/30/2012)</i> Completed 3/30/2012 sub a. Sequence resistance plasmids (circular segments of DNA that are external to chromosomal DNA and are easily transferable between cells) from Salmonella Typhimurium (a type of salmonella that has been especially problematic in recent human infections) 3/30/2011 <i>(3/30/2012)</i> Completed 3/30/2012 sub b. Compare gene sequences in susceptible and resistant Salmonella (Heidelberg) Newport (a type of salmonella that causes significant clinical disease in humans and livestock) 6/30/2011 <i>(9/30/2011)</i> <i>(3/30/2012)</i> Completed 3/30/2012 sub c. Draft manuscript or final report based on findings 12/30/2012 <i>(3/31/2013)</i> On Track (1) The dates in italics under the milestone due dates are modified due dates which had to be updated due to real-time delays. The milestone status reflects the modified dates. isolates DNA or proteins that have been separated in pure form from a combined mixture pathogens microbes that cause a diseased state in a host (i.e. virus, bacteria, parasites) strain analysis analysis of a segment of DNA/biological material NARMS National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) resistance plasmids circular segments of DNA that are external to chromosomal DNA and are easily transferable between cells Salmonella Typhimurium a type of salmonella that has been especially problematic in recent human infections Salmonella Newport a type of salmonella that causes significant clinical disease in humans and livestock http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/track/ucm203425.htm FDA-TRACK CVM Dashboard http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/NationalAntimicrobialResistanceMonitoringSystem/default.htm NARMS Program ਍††਍਍਍਍਍਍਍