Genomic sequencing initiatives from around the world have resulted in the complete sequencing of a large number of food- and waterborne pathogens, including most of the bacterial agents associated with significant disease in human populations. In this contributed work, the authors review these genome sequencing initiatives, explaining how they continue to build our understanding of the ecology, adaptation, and evolution of individual pathogens. In addition, the authors explain how our growing understanding of pathogen genomics has the potential to help ensure the safety of global food and water supplies.

Each chapter focuses on a specific food- or waterborne pathogen that represents a major public health threat. Moreover, each chapter has been written by one or more authors who have made major contributions to the genomic discovery of the particular pathogen. These authors explore all the findings, potential applications, and new questions that have arisen from genomic discovery efforts. They also examine how global trends such as climate change, growing human populations, and increasing levels of pollution are stressing the ecosystems that food- and waterborne pathogens encounter, forcing them to adapt.