How PFGE and WGS are used to detect illness outbreaks?
DNA fingerprinting is often performed on bacteria isolated from people who are sick by using techniques called pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). These techniques provide important genetic information about germs such as bacteria.
Bacteria whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a process used to determine an organism’s DNA. Commonly used by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to learn the genetic information of common germs and to identify the bacterial source of an illness outbreak or to predict antibiotic resistance. The CDC uses the information gained through whole genome sequencing to help prevent illnesses and protect the health of the public. Scientists use Whole-genome sequencing to look at the DNA fingerprint of an organism and compare it with the fingerprint of other organisms to determine if there is a relationship and ultimately whether or not the organisms came from the same source.
Recently, whole-genome sequencing has been used to detect listeria outbreaks and identify other potentially contaminated foods. By combining the DNA fingerprint taken from infected people and knowledge regarding what they have eaten, scientist with the CDC are able to determine the source of an illness/outbreak with more confidence than previously able. Additionally, by continuing to analyze germ samples, scientists can better understand how diseases are spread as well as what genes may play a part in antibiotic resistance.
Another technique for producing a DNA fingerprint is pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), commonly used when investigating bacteria obtained from food, sick people, and food production plants. Though similar to electrophoresis, PFGE continuously changes the direction of the electrical field allowing it to separate larger fragments and create the DNA fingerprint.
Once a DNA fingerprint is created it gets uploaded to a national database where experts will analyze it to determine whether it is the cause of an outbreak or a part of a current outbreak. If a match to an outbreak is found, experts will work with public health officials to launch an investigation.
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