Researchers Study Whole-Genome Sequencing Use for Foodborne Pathogens
A new study published in the journal Eurosurveillance addresses the costs and benefits of routine whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Researchers evaluated costs and benefits of routine WGS through case studies at eight laboratories in Europe and the Americas, including five which work with foodborne pathogens. All of the labs reported benefits from using WGS for pathogen identification and surveillance.
The study found that WGS provides a level of extra information that more than balances out additional costs if used effectively.