The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a guide for use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in food safety.
The guidance comes in three parts. The first explains the minimum capacity requirements in the foodborne disease surveillance and response system prior to considering implementation of WGS.
The second discusses how
Continue Reading WHO unveils WGS guides to help tackle foodborne disease
One-third of survey respondents in low and middle-income countries do not use whole genome sequencing, according to a study.
Only 8 percent reported using WGS in a routine, real-time way, highlighting minimal uptake of the technology for foodborne disease surveillance outside the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The main barriers
Continue Reading Study reveals low use of whole genome sequencing outside of U.S. and Europe
German experts have presented results so far from increased surveillance of Campylobacter infections.
In Germany, around 60,000 cases are reported every year. Mainly contaminated food of animal origin are identified or suspected as sources of infection.
Intensified molecular surveillance of Campylobacter from human infections at the National Reference Center (NRZ)
Continue Reading Germany reveals insights from enlarged Campylobacter surveillance
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides a level of additional information that more than balances out the additional costs if used effectively, according to a recent study.
Researchers evaluated costs and benefits of routine WGS through case studies at eight laboratories in Europe and the Americas, including five which work with
Continue Reading Researchers assess WGS use for foodborne pathogens
Scientists are urging government officials to consider helping to develop an international database to share and analyze DNA sequences.
Such a system is a platform for storing whole genome sequencing (WGS) data on the full genomes of investigated microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, providing quick characterization and treatment
Continue Reading Experts call for global DNA database to help disease surveillance
Whole genome sequencing can improve surveillance and control of Clostridium perfringens, say researchers.
Clostridium perfringens bacteria are responsible for an estimated 80,000 cases of diarrhea in the United Kingdom each year either from food poisoning or a non-foodborne origin. It is the second most common foodborne pathogen after Campylobacter with
Continue Reading Researchers aim to improve Clostridium perfringens surveillance
The World Health Organization is encouraging all countries to look at how whole genome sequencing can be used to improve their foodborne disease surveillance and response system.
Used as part of such a system, whole genome sequencing (WGS) can increase the speed with which illnesses and food contamination are detected
Continue Reading WHO seeks to expand international use of whole genome sequencing
In 1993, 623 people in the western U.S. fell ill with a little-known bacteria called E. coli O157:H7. Ultimately, four children would die from their infections; many others suffered long-term medical complications. The bug was later traced to undercooked hamburger served at Jack in the Box restaurants. This outbreak thrust
Continue Reading Outbreak Detection Since Jack in the Box: A Public Health Evolution
The Microbiological Data Program, which used to conduct 80 percent of all federal produce testing for pathogens like Salmonella and Listeria, officially shut down on December 31, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official confirmed.
The $4.5 million program had been in shutdown mode since mid-November. State agriculture departments, which
Continue Reading MDP Shuts Down; USDA Testing of Produce for Pathogens Halted
There have been 3,538 laboratory confirmed Norovirus infections in the United Kingdom this fall and winter, according to new figures from the Health Protection Agency. This number marks an 83 percent increase from the number of cases recorded over the same time period last year, says the group. Almost
Continue Reading UK Sees Spike in Norovirus Cases
