Pathogen Detection via Genetic Distance Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current environmental sampling programs in food processing facilities and medical settings lack effective methods to distinguish between transient and resident pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which are crucial for identifying contamination sources and implementing targeted sanitation measures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving PCR amplification and targeted sequencing reactions, combined with genetic distance calculations and spatial mapping, to identify and differentiate transient versus resident pathogens by analyzing nucleic acid sequences from multiple locations within a facility, using specific primers and reagents to detect Listeria monocytogenes and associate its presence with specific locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routine sanitation practices are applied, then transient microorganisms are eliminated, but resident pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes persist and cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pathogen detection process into multiple independent steps: (1) DNA extraction from environmental samples, (2) PCR amplification using specific primers for L. monocytogenes, (3) Sequencing of amplified DNA, (4) Genetic distance calculation, and (5) Spatial mapping. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and enables the system to provide both detection and source identification functions that routine sanitation alone cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces genetic sequencing data as an intermediary between pathogen detection and source identification. By sequencing the DNA of detected pathogens and calculating genetic distances, the system creates a molecular fingerprint that serves as an intermediary to trace back to the original contamination source, thereby resolving the inability to distinguish transient from resident pathogens.
2Measurement precision
If environmental sampling is performed across multiple locations, then source identification improves, but the complexity of analysis and number of steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that performs multiple functions through a single integrated workflow: it detects the presence of L. monocytogenes, identifies the specific strain through sequencing, calculates genetic distances to determine relatedness, and maps results to physical locations. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate detection and tracking systems, thereby managing complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analytical parameters from simple presence/absence detection to genetic sequence analysis. By measuring DNA sequences and calculating genetic distances, the system transforms the detection problem into a quantitative analysis that can precisely localize contamination sources across multiple locations without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If PCR amplification and sequencing are performed on all samples, then detection sensitivity increases, but the time and resources required for analysis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary PCR amplification of DNA from all environmental samples before sequencing. This preliminary action concentrates the pathogen DNA in advance, enabling highly sensitive detection during the subsequent sequencing step. By preparing samples ahead of time with targeted amplification, the system achieves high detection sensitivity without requiring excessive analysis time during the critical detection phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables timely detection and source identification of foodborne pathogens, facilitating comprehensive decontamination efforts and improving product safety by distinguishing between newly introduced and persistently resident microorganisms.
Implementation Method 1
performing a PCR amplification reaction on a food or environmental sample from a food processing facility, wherein the PCR reaction amplifies at least one gene from a Listeria monocytogenes pathogen
Implementation Method 2
performing a sequencing reaction on a food or environmental sample from a food processing facility, wherein the sequencing reaction detects a plurality of genes from a Listeria monocytogenes pathogen
Data Source
AI summary
Food processing facilities should employ environmental sampling programs to monitor for general levels of hygiene (the efficacy of general cleaning and sanitation for the removal of transient microorganisms). The instant disclosure provides kits, systems and methods for amplifying a portion of a genome of a pathogen at a plurality of physical locations within a facility; and associating, via a computer, the presence of said pathogen with a location of the plurality of physical locations within said facility.