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PRECISION FOOD SAFETY

Pathogen genomic identification

Genomic sequencing (NGS)-based characterization services to compare pathogen isolates and investigate recurring findings, potential persistence, and contamination routes within your facility.

Relationship between findings
Spread mapping
Factor associations

Two services to guide food safety investigations within your facility

When positive findings recur, you need to understand whether they may be related and where to look for potential sources of contamination. Our services combine genomic characterization with facility context to help investigate these relationships and guide where to look next.

Service 01

Pathogen strain confirmation

Characterize pathogen isolates to strengthen your hygiene program.

Understand the identity and genomic characteristics of detected isolates. Compare isolates to assess whether they may share a common source or represent unrelated events.

What information does it provide?

Pathogen identity

Identification of the strain or sequence type (ST) and the lineage to which it belongs.

Genes of interest

Detection of genes associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence.

Relationship between findings

Phylogenetic analysis to assess whether isolates may be related or represent unrelated events.

Phylogenetic Tree · NGS Illustrative Example
NGS OUTPUT · cgMLST n = 6 Listeria monocytogenes ST 8 Listeria monocytogenes ST 121 Listeria monocytogenes ST 6 Listeria monocytogenes ST 7 Listeria monocytogenes ST 2 Listeria monocytogenes ST 10 genetic distance PHYLOGENETIC TREE 1 SEQUENCING 2 ANALYSIS
ST 8 · ST 121: close grouping, possible common origin ST 6 · ST 7: intermediate relationship ST 2 · ST 10: more distant, possible isolated events
Service 02

Pathogen mapping within the facility

Connect your findings and focus the search for contamination sources.

Link genomic findings to sampling points to investigate their distribution and potential contamination pathways within your facility.

What this allows you to investigate

Spread maps

Visualize pathogen movement and distribution throughout the facility.

Contamination routes

Investigate potential vectors and critical routes of cross-contamination.

Factor associations

Link findings from raw materials, surfaces, and finished products to help identify critical points.

Plant layout Illustrative example
ST 8 ST 2 ST 121 ST 6 ST 7 ST 10 1 Receiving RAW MATERIAL 2 Slicing PROCESS 3 Packaging FINAL PRODUCT
Positive for L.monocytogenes and its ST Possible relationship: closely related STs on the tree No line: no apparent relationship
PRECISION FOOD SAFETY

Complement your investigation with rapid detection and ongoing monitoring.

Genomic Identification is part of Precision Food Safety, Kura Biotech’s portfolio for detecting pathogens, characterizing positive samples, and integrating microbiological results.

 

Pathogen Detection

RESIST® Food

Detect Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. in food and environmental surfaces through a simple workflow and automated result interpretation to support timely decision-making.

Genomic Identification

NGS-based characterization

Characterize and compare isolates to investigate relationships among positive findings, recurring events, and potential contamination routes.

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Data Integration

Precision Food Safety Platform

Centralize results from different systems, review historical data, and identify trends to monitor findings across your facility.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn how genomic information can help you investigate your findings.

What information does the genomic identification of pathogens provide?

Through genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, it enables the characterization of isolates, the identification of their sequence type or lineage, and the evaluation of genes of interest associated with antimicrobial resistance and virulence. It also allows for the comparison of isolates to investigate possible relationships among findings.

What is the difference between strain confirmation and pathogen mapping within the facility?

Strain confirmation focuses on the identity, genomic characteristics, and comparison of isolates. Mapping links this information to sampling points and the historical sampling data to investigate the distribution of pathogens and their possible routes of contamination.

How does it help investigate recurring positive findings?

It allows for an assessment of whether isolates obtained at different times are genetically closely related. By interpreting this information in conjunction with the dates, sampling locations, and operational background, it is possible to investigate whether the positive cases might be related and where further follow-up is warranted.

Can genomic comparison confirm the source of contamination?

Genomic comparison provides evidence to assess potential relationships between isolates and develop hypotheses about contamination sources or routes. These findings should be interpreted together with sampling data and facility history; genetic similarity alone cannot confirm the source or direction of contamination.

Do I need to use RESIST® Food or the platform to access these services?

No. The genomic identification service can be used independently with isolates obtained in your laboratory. RESIST® Food and the Precision Food Safety Platform are complementary solutions for detection and result tracking.

Investigate your positive results and guide on-site actions.

Are you detecting recurring positive results, or do you need to know whether different findings are related? Our team can help you determine how genomic characterization can provide useful information to focus your investigation and guide cleaning and sanitation actions.