S -- - NOTICE OF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT WITH UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON SCHOOL OF FISHERIES Notice of intent to negotiate a sole source contract with the University of Washington School of Fisheries. Purpose of research is to identify and characterize genetic mechanisms that enable Aeromonas species of bacteria to cause foodborne disease in humans from contaminated seafood and to infect fish. Experiments will be conducted to continue characterization of virulence factors from Aeromonas hydrophila, including type IV pili, in adherence and colonization of mammalian tissue culture cells. This organism is a potentially important seafood-borne pathogen, with a high salt tolerance and ability to grow at low temperatures, and is the cause of significant gastrointestinal disease in children and immunocompromised adults. Bacterium also causes significant disease in several species of fish, including freshwater phases of salmonid species. Research will be extended to develop methods aimed at the identification of virulence determinants expressed in vivo (during infection of the host). Sources responding must show qualifications and experience in this type of research. This is a simplified acquisition with an estimated value of less than $100,000.

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