Whole Genome Sequencing data has enhanced Salmonella Enteritidis investigations in Minnesota and become an integral part of the surveillance process, according to a study.
Clusters of Salmonella Enteritidis cases were identified by the Minnesota Department of Health Public Health Laboratory with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
Continue Reading WGS boosts Salmonella investigations in Minnesota
Two laboratories did not achieve a good performance in the initial 2018 quality control test on Salmonella typing, according to a new report.
The National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) of EU member states participate in quality control tests which consist of proficiency tests on Salmonella. Performance is assessed annually by testing
Continue Reading Two labs hit problems in Salmonella typing test
Whole genome sequencing offers new possibilities for foodborne outbreak detection and investigation, source attribution and hazard identification, according to an EFSA panel.
The scientific opinion by the panel on Biological Hazards covers use of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomics for outbreak investigation, source attribution and risk assessment of foodborne
Continue Reading Experts assess potential of whole genome sequencing in food safety
Expanding use of whole genome sequencing pathogen analysis globally will improve trace back investigations during foodborne outbreaks, according to researchers.
A study published in the journal Eurosurveillance reports experiences of using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to investigate outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7 in England between 2013
Continue Reading Increased WGS use will help outbreak investigations, say researchers
A quality control test on Salmonella typing has revealed positive results among European laboratories.
National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) of the 28 European Union member states were able to assign the correct name to 98 percent of the strains tested.
The objective of the test in November 2017 was to evaluate
Continue Reading EU labs earn high marks on Salmonella typing test
Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) infections are at the lowest level since 2009, according to Dutch surveillance statistics.
In 2017, 393 patients with STEC infection were reported, compared with more than 600 in 2016. Some of this decline is likely because of a change in reporting criteria from July
Continue Reading Research shows STEC decline in Netherlands; report criteria likely a factor
The first molecular-typing based cluster analyses at the European level has shown “very high performance,” according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The eighth external quality assessment (EQA-8) scheme for the typing of Salmonella was organized for public health national reference laboratories (PH NRLs) in
Continue Reading EU labs take part in Salmonella typing assessment; almost half use WGS
The Salmonella strain behind a foodborne outbreak in Malaysia that has killed two people has been identified by authorities.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM) said the food poisoning was caused by Salmonella Weltevreden.
The total number of cases is 83 with 34 infections in Perak, 25 in Kedah and
Continue Reading Salmonella strain in Malaysian outbreak identified
Two-thirds of 30 European countries were routinely using whole genome sequencing in 2017 for national surveillance of at least one human pathogen, according to a survey.
This figure is up from 16 countries in 2016 and none in 2013.
A European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report found
Continue Reading Use of WGS in Europe continues to increase
Researchers in Finland have detailed an E. coli outbreak in 2016 with more than 230 cases linked to rocket salad, known as arugula salad by U.S. consumers.
In August 2016, an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) with 237 cases occurred in the Helsinki
Continue Reading Researchers describe non-O157 STEC outbreak traced to salad
