A team of MSU researchers was awarded a $10.2 million research contract Wednesday to study the prevention and treatment methods of food and waterborne infectious diseases such as salmonella.
The contract, given to the university by the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, runs until 2010.
MSU's National Food Safety & Toxicology Center is one of only two laboratories in the United States recognized by the NIH with research contracts in the field of molecular biology.
The other laboratory is at Tufts University in Boston.
"We are going to be studying microorganisms that cause disease and are spread through food and water," said Thomas Whittam, professor in the departments of food science and human nutrition and microbiology and molecular genetics.
There are three other leading researchers in other departments at MSU, Whittam said.
The National Food Safety & Toxicology Center is in its fifth year, and Whittam said this is the biggest research project the center has ever received.
"This will really establish and maintain research in this area at MSU," Whittam said. "Many of these diseases are worldwide problems."
Whittam added that microorganisms such as E. coli, salmonella or campylobacter, which cause symptoms similar to stomach viruses, can result in diarrhea and vomiting.
Mahdi Saeed, researcher and professor of epidemiology and infectious diseases, said the contract bodes well for the university.
"Selecting the research group for MSU is a significant recognition for the expertise that's available for this institution," Saeed said.
MSU researchers also will collaborate with scientists from the University of Michigan, University of Maryland and the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Saeed said an example of MSU working with the department of community health would be if MSU sends some findings to the laboratory and then officials from the department characterize the microorganisms.
Saeed said there are about 4 million cases of salmonella and campylobacter, resulting in hundreds of deaths a year, in the United States.
Saeed added that the agriculture industry, particularly poultry, is susceptible to these microorganisms.
"All of these agents can threaten the agricultural business or public health if introduced by a bio-terrorism group," Saeed said.
