IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group - The Institute for Environmental Health - Food Safety Laboratories

Molecular Epidemiology

Globally recognized for molecular epidemiology expertise

We use high resolution comparison of microbial genomes to determine their genetic relation. Investigations of potential harborage in food production facilities involves the use of molecular epidemiology to determine if some of the environmental isolates are genetically identical. We provide clients with the analysis and guidance needed to take preventative and proactive actions against foodborne illnesses.

Turnaround time: 1 – 10 days

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Expedited testing, comprehensive analysis

Molecular epidemiology is a field in microbial genomics that involves high resolution comparison of microbial genomes to determine their relation. In foodborne outbreak investigations the aim is to compare the food isolates to that of the patients.

Molecular Epidemiology Applications:

  • Tracking sources of product contamination
  • Identifying harborages of pathogens in the production environment
  • Tracking microbial contamination to suppliers
  • Linking a product to a foodborne outbreak
  • Eliminating a potential contamination source by showing that isolates from different products, environments or patients are unrelated

Molecular Epidemiology Methods:

  • Whole Genome Sequencing
  • Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)
  • Micro-Restriction Fingerprinting (MRF)
  • Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA)
  • Ribotyping

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For returning customers, download the Sample Submission Form and send it back to us.

Sample Submission Form

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