Molecular Biology and Sequencing Lab

 

We Are:

A dedicated team of micro- and molecular biologists specializes in next-generation sequencing, carrying out standardized, high-throughput analyses of bacterial and fungal genomes while using both custom and commercial molecular assays to rapidly identify species and detect resistance genes.

  
 
 
 
 

Our Molecular Rapid Tests:

  
 

Species specific RT-PCR including:

    
 
  • Escherichia coli
  • Acinetobacter baumannii
  • Clostridioides difficile
  • Candida auris
  
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  
  • Serratia marcescens
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
  • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
  
             
 

Gene Specific RT-PCR including:

  • Carbapenemases
  • Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases
  • 16S methyltransferases
  

 
 



 
 

Our Work

  
 

  • Performing short- (routine) and long-read (ad hoc) sequencing of bacterial pathogens.

  • Managing routine sequencing of clinical isolates for prospective outbreak detection.

  • Providing ~ 2,000 genomes per month for bioinformatic analysis.

  • Near-Real time identification of major resistance genes (e.g. carbapenemase).

  • Assisting with environmental sampling and investigations at hospitals across the network.

  • Performing broth microdilution for extended antibiotic susceptibility testing (e.g. novel antibiotics)

  






 






 

 

Our Instruments:

  • 2 Illumina MiSeq sequencing systems

  • 2 Illumina NextSeq 2000 sequencing systems

  • 2 Oxford Nanopore Minion long-read sequencers

  • 4 Hamilton Microlab Star liquid handlers

  • 4 Real-time PCR systems