Defining the functional basis of the enhanced survival and replication of African Salmonella in human phagocytic cells

We normally think about Salmonella as a bacterium that is responsible for severe gastroenteritis. But two new types of Salmonella called Typhimurium and Enteritidis have recently emerged in Africa, and are causing a bloodstream infection called iNTS that is currently killing about 49,000 people a year. No-one has done experimental comparisons between African Typhimurium and Enteritidis before. I will investigate the bacteria while they are growing inside human cells, and using a range of innovative approaches. Other scientists are working on prophylactic approaches, and vaccines to target iNTS are currently in development. My research will contribute fundamental knowledge concerning the ability of African Salmonella to thrive inside human cells, which may reveal an unexpected Achilles' heel of this dangerous pathogen. how Salmonella evolved from causing gastroenteritis in Europe and USA to become a pathogen responsible for bloodstream infections in Africa, we will be better prepared for future epidemics.