Bacteria And virus are constantly evolving, overcoming our defenses and creating new public health challenges. A revolutionary method developed by researchers from University of Cambridge promises to transform the way we detect And answer to these emerging threats.
Infectious diseases remain a significant global burden, with pathogens like Bordetella whooping cough (whooping cough) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis) evolve to resist treatments and evade vaccines. Traditional monitoring systems often rely on expert panels and manual analysis, which can be slow and resource-intensive. However, a team led by Dr. Noémie Lefrancq And Professor Julian Parkhill introduced an innovative, automated system that uses genetic sequencing to monitor the evolution of pathogens in real time.
The Science Behind Real-Time Pathogen Tracking
At the heart of this new method is genetic sequencing, which allows researchers to map the evolution of pathogens as they spread through populations. Unlike traditional systems that rely on expert analysis, the team’s algorithm automatically identifies genetic changes and constructs.”family trees» pathogens. These trees reveal how quickly variants are spreading and highlight those with concerning characteristics, such as antibiotic resistance or increased transmissibility.
Professor Julian Parkhill explains: “Our method provides a completely objective way to detect new strains of insect pathogens by analyzing their genetics and population spread..”
The main advantages of this approach include:
- Speed: Automated detection is significantly faster than manual methods.
- Scalability: The system can be applied to a wide range of pathogens, from bacteria to viruses.
- Accessibility: It requires only a small number of samples, making it suitable for resource-limited environments.
This innovation is timely as the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of rapid variant detection.
Early detection: a revolutionary element for responding to epidemics
The researchers tested their system on Bordetella whooping coughthe bacteria responsible for whooping cough. Recent outbreaks of the disease, among the worst in decades, have highlighted the need for improved surveillance. The algorithm identified three previously undetected variants circulating in populations, demonstrating its potential to uncover hidden threats.
Professor Sylvain Brisse of the Pasteur Institute noted: “This method is timely in the treatment of whooping cough, given its resurgence in many countries and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains..”
The team also applied the technique to Mycobacterium tuberculosisrevealing two antibiotic-resistant variants currently spreading. This finding has immediate implications for treatment strategies. As Professor Henrik Salje, lead author of the study, explains: “If we see a rapid expansion of an antibiotic-resistant variant, we can adapt the antibiotics prescribed to limit its spread. »
By enabling early detection of these variants, this method could help prevent outbreaks and guide more effective public health responses.
A new era of global disease surveillance
The implications of this research extend far beyond individual pathogens. The ability to track the evolution of pathogens in real time could revolutionize global disease surveillance, particularly in low-resource settings where infectious diseases often take the greatest toll.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of variants like Omicron has demonstrated how quickly pathogens can evolve and spread. Dr. Lefrancq highlighted the versatility of the new method, saying: “Our new method shows surprisingly quickly whether new transmissible variants of pathogens are circulating, and it can be applied to a wide range of bacteria and viruses.”
Key global health benefits include:
- Proactive responses: Governments can adjust vaccine development and treatment strategies based on real-time data.
- Equitable access: The simplicity of the method makes it accessible to regions with limited health infrastructure.
- Comprehensive monitoring: It can be integrated with existing surveillance systems to fill coverage gaps.
Facing the global threat of evolving pathogens
The incessant evolution of pathogens poses a constant challenge to public health. Genetic mutations allow viruses and bacteria to evade vaccines and resist treatments, often leading to outbreaks that catch health systems off guard.
Professor Salje highlighted the transformative potential of this research, stating: “This work could completely change the way governments respond to infectious diseases. » By integrating this method into global health strategies, countries can take proactive steps to contain threats before they escalate.
The team plans to further refine the technique and explore its applications across a wider range of pathogens. As Professor Salje noted, “This work is an important piece of the broader puzzle of any public health response to infectious diseases. »
The study is published in the journal Nature.
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