CFIA’s GeneSeekR Program Identifies Specific Strains of Foodborne E. Coli, Possible Severity of Illness
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently highlighted a new rapid tool called GeneSeekR that can confirm if Escherichia colidetected in food samples can cause illness in humans. The technology was made possible by the Government of Canada's Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI).
Developed by CFIA Research Scientist Burton Blais, M.Sc., Ph.D., GeneSeekR combines next generation sequencing technology with bioinformatics to provide a detailed picture of genomic DNA isolated from E. coli found in food samples. The technology can provide results in a matter of hours, including the time it takes to complete the initial sequencing.