Microbiology is undergoing a major shift to molecular techniques.
MALDI-TOF and direct PCR provide easy, rapid identification of known organisms. Sequencing, being the technology of choice when confronted by unknown genetic variability, is the ideal, complementary approach, to tackle bacteria and fungi which are not adequately discriminated by front-line methods. Furthermore, sequencing can address questions of strain relatedness, evolution, pathogenicity and drug resistance.
Emerging deep sequencing technologies reveal organisms present in primary, non-sterile samples, obviating the need for culture and allowing detection of novel and non-cultivable bugs. Microbiome analysis elucidates the relative abundance of multiple organisms in a sample, be that from a patient’s skin, gut, or oral cavity, or from an environmental or manufacturing source. Such analyses should discriminate and assess individual species and groupings, in a granular, quantitative and reproducible manner. Consistent and comparable typing by MLST, qMLST or wgMLST enables tracking of strains, for outbreak surveillance and to identify cross-contamination.
Molecular microbiology is greatly dependent on accurate reference data, which must reflect the naturally occurring, ever-evolving diversity of organisms. For nearly twenty years, SmartGene has developed and maintained trusted reference databases, establishing proprietary and patented methods of data curation. Our databases comprise the largest and most representative, curated data sets available, timely reflecting species variants, novel species and changes in taxonomy. Leading institutions rely on our expertise for their routine infrastructure, thereby freeing up their own scientists to focus on adding value by interpreting and using the data. SmartGene’s Bacteria and Fungi analysis modules are CE-IVD marked, for use in clinical diagnostics procedures, and are certified compliant with 21 CFR Part 11, for incorporation into GMP-validated processes.