Under the agreement, USDA-ARS will provide PathoGenetix with genetic information and bacterial strains of E. coli and Salmonella. USDA-ARS and PathoGenetix researchers will analyze the strains, both as isolates and in mixed cultures, using PathoGenetix’s Genome Sequence Scanning technology, currently in development for commercial use as the RESOLUTION™ Microbial Genotyping System. Results of the joint analysis will assist USDA-ARS in evaluation of the RESOLUTION System as a platform for rapidly identifying pathogenic Salmonella and E. coli in food samples.
PathoGenetix’s GSS technology identifies microbial DNA from complex mixtures or from isolates, and automates the process from sample preparation through data analysis to provide actionable information in five hours. Because GSS scans microbial DNA directly from a mixed culture and does not require a pure culture, it can reduce the time, complexity, skill and cost required for molecular identification and strain typing.
The strain type information provided by GSS is comparable to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), the current standard for pathogen typing in foodborne outbreak investigation and response. As a result, GSS may enable quicker decisions affecting food safety and public health.
