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INVESTIGATE RECURRENCES AND GUIDE YOUR ACTIONS

Pathogen genomic identification

Genomic sequencing (NGS)-based characterization services to compare findings and help identify potential sources or contamination routes within your facility.

Relationship between findings
Spread mapping
Factor associations

Two services to guide your investigation within the facility

When positive results reappear, you need to determine whether they might be related and where to look for potential sources of contamination. Our portfolio addresses these questions by characterizing the pathogen and its distribution within the plant.

Service 01

Pathogen strain confirmation

Characterize your pathogens to optimize your hygiene program.

Understand the identity and genomic characteristics of the pathogens detected.  Compare findings to assess whether they share a common origin or are isolated incidents.

What information does it provide?

Pathogen identity

Identification of the strain or reference 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 using a comparative tree to evaluate a possible common origin versus isolated 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 genomics 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 related to raw materials, surfaces, and the final product to 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 results to support timely decision-making.

Genomic Identification

NGS-based characterization

Characterize and compare isolates to investigate possible relationships between positive results, recurrences, and 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 reference sequence 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 on-site pathogen mapping?

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

How does it help investigate recurring positive cases?

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?

It provides evidence for evaluating possible relationships between isolates and formulating hypotheses about sources or routes of contamination. To interpret these findings, it is also necessary to consider the sampling and the plant’s history; genetic similarity alone does not confirm the origin or direction of contamination.

Do I need to use RESIST® Food or the platform to sign up for these services?

No. You can hire the genomic identification service separately and work 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 if different findings are related? Our team can help you determine how genomic characterization can provide insights to focus your investigation and guide recommendations for cleaning and sanitization.