Here are the latest studies featured in 2024’s Microbiology Time:

• In the first study, Dr. Cherkaoui and Prof. Schrenzel’s team addressed the need to reduce turn-around times and minimize costs for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening in pregnant patients by exploiting laboratory automation and AI. After comparing the performance of direct chromID™ Strepto B agar plating against LIM-broth enriched CA plating – finding nearly identical GBS detection rates – the Swiss researchers trained PhenoMATRIX™ with almost 9000 plate images, validating the results on other 800 pictures. With a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 90.2%, and a negative predictive value of 100%, PhenoMATRIX™ showed the be a reliable tool for the automated release of GBS-negative results within 24 hours.
• The single-molecule sequencing capabilities offered by the latest third-generation sequencing (TGS) techniques addressed the limitations of traditional NGS techniques. Still, its high error rate has hindered achieving accurate results. Three years ago, the high-accuracy sequencing Kit by Oxford Nanopore Technologies reported up to 99% accuracy. This month’s second study aimed to validate this kit for HLA genotyping in combination with a full-gene HLA PCR assay, comparing its performances with earlier flow cell models. The workflow was assessed for data throughput, sequence quality, accuracy, HLA genotyping resolution, flow cell stability, and barcode contamination. The findings underscore the advantages of ONT’s sequencing Kit flow cells for HLA genotyping and provide insights into their implementation in routine diagnostic HLA laboratories.
• Rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 in environmental settings had been essential for effective public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The third study by Professor Cristino evaluated the performance of RT-qPCR and Reverse Transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) in detecting SARS-CoV-2 from surface samples collected in healthcare environments. The reference method, RT-qPCR, identified 25% of the samples as positive, while RT-LAMP detected 27% as positive. RT-LAMP demonstrated a sensitivity of 32%, a specificity of 75%, a positive predictive value of 30%, and a negative predictive value of 77%, with an overall accuracy and concordance with RT-qPCR of 64%. RT-LAMP offered advantages in rapid screening and environmental surveillance, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for the environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2, thereby aiding sanitation processes in both routine and emergency conditions.

Read the full studies below: