Whole Plasmid Sequencing for Plasmid Tracking
Whole plasmid sequencing is a powerful tool for tracking and monitoring specific bacterial species in epidemiological investigations. Plasmid sequences serve as molecular markers, enabling researchers to trace the transmission of bacteria across different environments.
A recent study demonstrated the effectiveness of whole plasmid sequencing in monitoring the transfer and evolution of antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids. By utilizing this technology, researchers were able to investigate the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, facilitated by the transfer of multidrug resistance plasmids in both clinical and environmental samples. This approach has significant implications for public health, as it supports real-time infection control and enhances outbreak containment strategies in clinical settings (Peter et al., 2022).
At Eurofins Genomics, we leverage Nanopore technology for whole plasmid sequencing. This cutting-edge method detects changes in electrical conductivity as DNA strands pass through nanopore-sized channels. The real-time sequencing capabilities of this technology enable rapid and accurate plasmid analysis, supporting applications in antimicrobial resistance research, epidemiology, and biotechnology.