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Focus on molecular methods since PCR will become the most efficient method for the detection of pathogens whenever speed and cost-efficiency is critical. However, most of the current available solutions are still too slow and due to the high costs associated with, they can not applied to many industrial routine testing. daygnostics offers the solution using a PCR based fast, reliable and cost-efficient
technology platform.
Daygnostics AG has two areas of great expertise, which are options to generate a technology platform.
One is the expertise in food pathogen testing and the second is the qPCR technology.
daygnostics build great expertise in the field of food pathogen diagnostics. qPCR is used to detect various food pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some examples of food pathogens include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens can cause foodborne illnesses and can be harmful to humans if ingested. daygnostics can easily adapt its
qPCR technology to other food pathogens.
Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
Yersiniosis is an infection caused most often by eating raw or undercooked pork contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria. CDC estimates Y. enterocolitica causes almost 117,000 illnesses, 640 hospitalizations, and 35 deaths in the United States every year.
Campylobacter causes an estimated 1.5 million illnesses each year in the United States. People can get Campylobacter infection by eating raw or undercooked poultry or eating something that touched it. They can also get it from eating other foods, including seafood, meat, and produce, by contact with animals, and by drinking untreated water.
The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is an infectious disease. People can get tularemia many different ways: Being bitten by an infected tick, deerfly or other insect. Handling infected animal carcasses. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
People who accidentally swallow the eggs of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm are at risk for infection. Humans can be exposed to these eggs by “hand-to-mouth” transfer or by ingesting food, water or soil contaminated with stool from infected dogs. This might include grass, herbs, greens, or berries gathered from fields.
Q fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Coxiellaburnetii. Q fever risk to human health from the consumption of contaminated, unpasteurised milk and milk products. People who get sick usually develop flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle pain.
(Source: Food Standards Agency UK)
Many people are affected by food allergens. These allergenic reaction can be deadly. Around 2-4% of adults and 6-8.5% of children are effected. qPCR can be used to detect the allergen such as egg, peanut, fish, gluten, lupinen, milk, nuts.
There is interest in detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for a variety of reasons. One reason is to ensure the safety of the food supply. GMOs are created by introducing specific genetic changes into an organism's DNA, which can lead to changes in its physical characteristics and behavior. This can raise concerns about the potential effects of GMOs on human health and the environment. GMO products have been on the market and promise increase yield and other benefits. However, consumer hesitate in the adoption of GMO food. Clear identification and labeling of food composition is important to ensure consumer protection. qPCR is used to detect GMO food either in a broad-spectrum or specific GMO test.
Product fraud is an increasing topic for consumer and the food industry. Exchange of expensive high-quality ingredients with cheap replacement led to low quality products. It misleads consumers. qPCR can be used to detect the fish, meat, and milk content in a product. The type of meat is it indeed beef
or low-quality horse meat.
Over nearly 30 years, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has developed into an essential tool. It allows researchers to amplify and quantify the presence of specific DNA sequences. While there has been widespread adoption in research settings, the introduction of qPCR into clinical and food testing has been halting and incomplete. Changes tend to arrive slowly when lives are at stake.
The clinic faced with the fast and often asymptomatic spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, clinical laboratories had to rethink qPCR and its potential. The technology is rapid, accurate and scalable, making it ideal for large-scale viral testing. In the span of months, clinical and diagnostics labs around the world began investing heavily in qPCR equipment and infrastructure. Slowly, the food ndustry is starting to move as well.
Uses of the technique in wider industry include the quantification of microbial load in foods or on vegetable matter, the detection of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and the quantification and genotyping of human viral pathogens.
Vertically - Water Pathogens
The list of waterborne diseases, many life threatening, one can contract by not only drinking contaminated water, but also coming in contact with polluted water is alarming. Pathogens in water can lead to life threatening diseases such as gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems and neurological disorders.
Water treatment plants routinely test water quality — sometimes up to 100 times per day to keep people save and fulfill regulatory standards. qPCR water testing methods can provide results desired and required water quality regulations.
Vertically agriculture industry – pathogens
The use of qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) for the detection of plant pathogens is prevalent in the agricultural and horticultural industries. In these industries, it is important to detect and monitor the presence of plant pathogens in order to prevent the spread of diseases and protect crops. Plant pathogens can cause significant damage to crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. By using qPCR, farmers and horticulturists can quickly and accurately detect the presence of plant pathogens in samples, allowing them to take steps to prevent the spread of diseases and protect their crops. Additionally, the use of qPCR can help to identify the specific type of plant pathogen present, allowing for more targeted and effective control measures. Overall, the use of qPCR for the detection of plant pathogens helps to protect the agricultural industry and ensure the production of high-quality, disease-free crops.
Vertically agriculture industry – genotyping
The use of qPCR is used in agriculture in the process of breeding. This molecular method allows quick identification of desired trade accelerating breeding.
Vertically veterinary industry – pathogens
The use of qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) for the detection of animal pathogens is prevalent in the veterinary and animal health industries. In these industries, it is important to detect and monitor the presence of animal pathogens in order to prevent the spread of diseases and protect the health of animals. Animal pathogens can cause significant illness and even death in animals, leading to economic losses for farmers and other animal owners. By using qPCR, veterinarians and animal health professionals can quickly and accurately detect the presence of animal pathogens in samples, allowing them to take steps to prevent the spread of diseases and protect the health of animals. Additionally, the use of qPCR can help to identify the specific type of animal pathogen present, allowing for more targeted and effective control measures. Overall, the use of qPCR for the detection of animal pathogens helps to protect the animal health industry and ensure the health and well-being of animals.
Vertically veterinary industry – profiling
qPCR is a power tool for the agricultural industry. It can be used to accelerate the process of breeding. This molecular method identifies directly relevant genetic traits and allows quick decision making.
Vertically – Forensic profiling
There is interest in detecting forensic DNA evidence for a variety of reasons. One reason is to help identify suspects in criminal investigations. DNA evidence can provide strong and irrefutable evidence of a person's involvement in a crime, which can help law enforcement officials build a case against a suspect. Detecting forensic DNA evidence can also help to exclude suspects who are not involved in the crime.
