Genomic Sequencing for Superbugs

Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are a major threat to public health. Genomics can help us determine the source of infection and how drug resistance arises. This facilitates monitoring the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.

At Ace Therapeutics, we provide genomic sequencing approach that sequences the entire genome of target bacterium. Genome sequencing can identify the genetic changes that turn bacteria into superbugs. This feasible and cost-effective approach provides a reference for the management and treatment of superbug outbreaks and a range of diseases.

Genomic Sequencing Offers Advantages in Drug-Resistant Bacteria Detection

Genome sequencing technologies can help us not only identify drug-resistant bacteria, but also provide clues to the potential for bacteria to develop drug resistance. Genomic data allows for rapid and accurate detection and control of emerging drug-resistant pathogenic strains in a single process, reducing unnecessary infection control. Genomic information provides unprecedented detailed insight into the microevolution of pathogenic factors, antibiotic resistance and pathogen transmission mechanisms.

Fig. 1 Key genomic features for pathogen identification and diagnosis. (Punina, N V, et al., 2015)

Our Genome Sequencing Services for Superbugs

Our services include providing DNA sequencing technology and more bioinformatics analysis, which is the best service for extracting meaningful information from genomic data.

Fig. 2 Genome sequencing process for superbugs.

• You can provide the initial sample. We collect and isolate and strains with drug resistance characteristics by establishing a phenotypic drug sensitivity test method. Bacteria are subjected to DNA extraction and concentration measurement according to standard protocols.
• We use the advanced sequencing platform for whole genome sequencing, including library preparation, sequencing runs, read assembly, single nucleotide variant analysis, and other one-stop sequencing and data analysis services.
• We perform base identification and data conversion of the sequencing data to include all nucleotide positions of informative value in the phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic tree construction services are performed by providing online tools to create different strain phylogenetic trees.

Our services also include examining cultures to determine what types and strains of bacteria are present and to test whether they are resistant to one or more antibiotics. If a superbug is detected, DNA is extracted from the bacteria and then sequenced.

Potential Applications of Our Services

Genomic analysis provides information about drug-resistant bacterial strains isolated from samples. Understanding the functional activity of target strains through this technology can address many epidemiological questions. In this area, genomic sequencing has potential applications in the following areas.

• Detection, identification and characterization of drug-resistant bacteria
• Design of diagnostic analysis of superbugs for laboratory use
• Assessment of strains for multi-drug resistance or virulence pools
• To monitor the emergence and spread of bacterial infection factors from different sources

We are committed to making genomic sequencing an important tool for detecting and combating drug resistance. The adoption of this technology in superbug research can contribute to personalized therapies for specific bacterial diseases, antibiotic drug development, and improved drug resistance.

Ace Therapeutics' sequencing technology meets your bacterial bioinformatics research requirements and can contribute to your drug research efforts. To learn more about applications, please contact us for technical support.

References

1. Punina, N V, et al. Whole-genome sequencing targets drug-resistant bacterial infections. Hum Genomics, 2015,9:19.
2. Kaiser T, et al. Stalking a lethal superbug by whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetics: influence on unraveling a major hospital outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. American Journal of Infection Control, 2018, 46(1): 54-59.