Evelynn Hartmann – Diagnostics Digest

A semi-realistic illustration of bacteriophages targeting Shigella bacteria on various foods, highlighting the phage therapy concept in food safety

Efficacy of ShigaShield™ Bacteriophage Preparation in Reducing Shigella Contamination in Foods

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacteriophage Therapy, Food Safety, Public Health, Shigella

ShigaShield™ significantly lowers Shigella levels in various foods, offering a non-antibiotic method to enhance food safety.

A petri dish with E. coli colonies and a highlighted Shiga toxin-producing strain against an abstract meat section background in a grocery store

Research Highlight

Prevalence and Virulence of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Minced Beef from Spain

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Escherichia coli O157:H7, Food Safety, Meat Industry, PCR Assay, Shiga Toxin, Spain

A study reveals the presence and potential threat of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in minced beef from Lugo, Spain.

Abstract art of two contrasting panels with varying dot densities representing traditional versus advanced pathogen detection methods in gastrointestinal illness

Research Highlight

Comparative Evaluation of Multiplex Panels for Gastrointestinal Pathogen Detection

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Clostridium difficile, Gastrointestinal Pathogens, Norovirus

Evaluation of two multiplex panels reveals higher sensitivity and specificity for gastrointestinal pathogen detection compared to routine methods.

Abstract art representing the demographics and epidemiology of HIV in Canada with interconnected shapes and subtle colors

Epidemiology Insights

Trends and Characteristics of HIV Diagnoses in Canada Through 2016

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Canada, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Public Health Surveillance

An analysis of HIV cases in Canada up to 2016, examining geographic, demographic, and exposure factors.

Abstract representation of various transmission pathways of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli with a limited color palette emphasizing the clinical and dangerous aspects of the bacteria's spread

Epidemiology Insights

Epidemiological Trends of Non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Outbreaks in the USA

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Escherichia coli, Public Health, Shiga Toxin, USA

Analysis of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreaks in the USA reveals food and person-to-person transmission as common modes.

A food handler in gloves and a mask practicing hygiene in a spotless kitchen environment

Research Highlight

Long-Term Impact of Enhanced Hygiene on Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Food Handlers

February 11, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Food Safety, Hygiene Practices, Longitudinal Study, Public Health, Staphylococcus aureus

Enhanced hygiene measures in food handlers post-SARS led to sustained reductions in Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage and hand contamination.

Digital illustration of a PCR machine with abstract airborne particles representing bioaerosol monitoring in a lab environment

Research Highlight

Enhancing Bioaerosol Monitoring: The Sensitivity and Environmental Interference of PCR Detection

February 3, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Air Quality Monitoring, Environmental Monitoring, Escherichia coli, PCR Assay, Public Health

This study evaluates PCR’s sensitivity and environmental interference in detecting airborne microorganisms, offering a rapid alternative for air quality monitoring.

Abstract art of a PCR assay for E. coli detection in the meat industry, with blue and green tones symbolizing scientific processes and bacterial elements

Research Highlight

Evaluating the DuPont BAX System for Detecting Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Beef

February 2, 2024February 3, 2024 Evelynn Hartmann Escherichia coli, Food Safety, Meat Industry, Public Health Surveillance, Real-Time PCR

This study assesses the DuPont BAX System’s effectiveness in detecting Shiga toxin-producing E. coli in beef, comparing it with traditional FSIS methods.