Microbial Testing News and Research

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Outbreak of piercing infections in Australia traced to contaminated aftercare solution

Researchers in New South Wales, Australia, used genomic sequencing to trace an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections following ear piercings to a specific batch of aftercare solution. The study led to a recall of the product and improvements in manufacturing standards, successfully reducing the number of infections.

4 Sep 2023

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing as an emerging modality for the diagnosis of infectious diseases

Study examined the role of plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

1 Aug 2023

Detection of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical samples through bioinformatic approaches

Study explored the utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing alignment methods to identify bacterial populations with antibiotic resistance.

13 Jul 2023

Blood culture vs. metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the detection of pathogenic microbes in patients with suspected bloodstream infections

A recent study published in Scientific Reports compared the detection of pathogenic microbes between blood culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing in patients suspected of bloodstream infections.

13 Jun 2023

Rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant E. coli across Europe raises concerns

Research paper highlights the swift cross-border emergence of NDM-5-producing Escherichia coli in the European Union/European Economic Area from 2012 to June 2022. The findings emphasize the need for continued surveillance and effective measures to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

15 May 2023

NOVA system's food guidance: Valid concerns or oversimplification of health and diet?

Research evaluates the proposed mechanisms for the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and BMI. It concludes that there is limited evidence establishing causality and recommends against making recommendations about the role of UPF in diets before plausible mechanisms have been verified.

21 Apr 2023

JPL study uses metagenomic sequencing to monitor microbial burden on spacecraft

A recent study published in PLOS ONE uses metagenomics to examine the microbial composition in samples obtained from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

28 Mar 2023

Research highlights the importance of ventilation and air filtration to reduce pathogen transmission

Testing of ambient air can be used to monitor the community circulation of respiratory pathogens.

16 Mar 2023

Study illuminates how the brain senses infection

A new study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School illuminates how the brain becomes aware that there is an infection in the body.

8 Mar 2023

Neutralizing antibodies to Toscana and Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus found in quails

The quail could be the unknown reservoir of the Toscana virus (TOSV) and the Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), mosquito-borne pathogens that can infect domestic animals and also cause disease in humans.

1 Feb 2023

Researchers report on the largest cohort of patients tested using plasma mcfDNA sequencing for pathogen detection

Researchers identified a wide variety of pathogenic organisms using plasma mcfDNA sequencing.

16 Jan 2023

Kraft Heinz joins with Wyss Institute to reduce sugar content in foods

When most people think of The Kraft Heinz Company, their minds probably jump to two iconic food products: Kraft mac & cheese and Heinz tomato ketchup.

20 Dec 2022

Improved early detection and analysis of airborne pathogens with new liquid-coated air filters

Researchers from the University of Maine and University of Massachusetts Amherst have designed new liquid-coated air filters that allow for improved early detection and analysis of airborne bacteria and viruses, including the one that causes COVID-19.

7 Dec 2022

Paper-based synthetic biosensor could help easily detect toxin putrescine in beef

The supply chain that brings meat to market worldwide is highly complex and usually very efficient. But when disruptions in one part of the world can result in transportation delays an ocean and a continent away, meat spoilage becomes a very real risk to food producers, vendors and consumers.

6 Dec 2022

Co-infecting pathogens and the microbiome from SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative samples

Researchers evaluated co-infections in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

6 Dec 2022

Does a vasectomy change the semen microbiome?

Researchers investigate alterations in the semen microbiome before and after the vasectomy procedure.

22 Nov 2022

What are the health benefits and food industry applications of wine industry by-products?

A new article reviewed the health benefits and food industry applications of the by-products of the wine industry.

24 Oct 2022

Combining host gene expression profiling and metagenomic pathogen detection from plasma nucleic acid enables accurate sepsis diagnosis

Researchers developed integrated host-microbe plasma metagenomics to facilitate sepsis diagnosis.

24 Oct 2022

Population-level cohort study evaluates efficacy and safety of all COVID-19 vaccines used in Denmark

In a new study, researchers investigated the long-term efficacy, safety, and durability of all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines used in Denmark.

13 Oct 2022

Can surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 be conducted through aircraft wastewater analysis?

Research investigates the behavior of air travelers, especially those who had flown during the pandemic.

6 Oct 2022