New Databases for Microbiology Laboratories

Two new MicroLogT database products are designed to enhance the identification capabilities of clinical microbiology laboratories by allowing rapid, biochemical identification of more than 1,900 strains of bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

The two databases are the Filamentous Fungi database and the Dangerous Pathogen database. The databases are designed to complement the existing databases of the MicroStation T system of Oxoid (Basingstoke, UK), including the Aerobic Bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and the Anaerobic Bacteria and Yeast databases. The new Filamentous Fungi database provides accurate and reproducible identification and characterization of many clinically important fungal species.

Fungal diseases are increasingly becoming a more serious threat to human health, causing a range of infections from "sick building” syndrome to life-threatening disorders affecting immuno-compromised individuals. By simplifying and improving the identification and characterization of filamentous fungi, the MicroStation system now provides accurate and reproducible results significantly faster than traditional methods (in days rather than weeks). The Filamentous Fungi database also includes an extensive library of microscopic and macroscopic digital photographs that can be reviewed automatically, allowing verification of identifications with morphologic criteria.

In addition, the new Dangerous Pathogen database supplement, for use with the Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria databases, gives laboratories the ability to identify and characterize a number of important pathogenic bacteria that have been determined to be of primary importance in monitoring bioterrorism. These species are difficult or impossible to identify using traditional biochemical methods, making this supplement of
particular interest to public health and military laboratories.





Related Links:
Oxoid