The Black Box
Since the success of the Human Genome Project, scientists
and researchers have been working towards rapid DNA sequencing. While routine
genetic sequencing in clinical environments remains a technology of the future,
a recent news
briefing from DarkDaily followed researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger
Institute and the University of Cambridge in England as they stopped the spread
of MRSA using “real-time advanced DNA sequencing.”
Previously, “the team identified 12 infants who tested
positive for MRSA within a six-month period in 2011,” but no connection was
ever discovered between them to confirm an outbreak using traditional testing. After
the infection was detected in three infants from the special care baby unit at
Cambridge University’s Rosie Hospital, the research team used genetic
sequencing to “[identify] the MRSA bacterial strains from their genomes.” 154
employees of the unit were tested until the carrier – one of the workers – was
pinpointed.
“What we’re working towards is effectively a ‘black box,’” said
Sharon Peacock, PhD, clinical microbiologist and professor, who led the
research team.
“Black
box” technology allows a user-friendly application for professionals to
administer a test without a background in that specific field – specifically for
a device that could potentially be used “by hospital staff whom typically have
no training in genetics” as the DarkDaily release describes it. A black box
device would process genetic information, decipher the genome sequence and generate
up-to-the-minute test results to allow for more immediate and precise treatment.
“What we need before this can introduced into routine care is automated tools
that interpret sequence data and provide readily understandable information to
healthcare workers,” continued Peacock.
The successful prevention of a potentially dangerous MRSA
outbreak thanks to “real-time advanced DNA sequencing” marks “a first for
medical laboratory medicine,” leaving room for innovation in the detection and
deterrence of other infectious diseases as well. Although the black box “is
still several years away from routine clinical use,” the role of genetic
sequencing in stopping the MRSA outbreak was cited as a “milestone” in the
DarkDaily news briefing.