Microbes are present in large quantities in our everyday lives and even in our bodies. To date, the genome sequence (the exact composition of the genetic material) of more than a thousand bacteria has become known, but research conducted on a single organism has limitations. However, new-generation sequencing technologies, with which we can now study communities, greatly facilitate the study of microbes.
New-generation sequencing technologies have also given rise to a new branch of science: metagenomics, the study of genomic sequences directly from the environment (i.e., the metagenome).
Metagenomic studies enable the simultaneous analysis of many species present in a given environment (e.g., hospital, airport). Compared to marker sequencing, random shotgun sequencing can provide more information about the diversity and taxonomic composition of the community. Thus, with this method, we are able to identify viruses ( e.g., SARS-Cov2) and detect new species.
Continuous monitoring of the hygienic condition of the hospital environment is still a serious task for institutions, and the emergence of specific critical pathogens (e.g. multiresistant pathogenic bacteria or rotavirus) requires immediate intervention. The spread of these pathogens in hospitals is a considerable risk and extra cost for institutions, which can be significantly reduced by early detection. In addition, the past epidemic period has highlighted that early detection of certain pathogens (e.g. SARS-Cov2) is essential not only in the hospital environment but the examination of airports and public transport means is also justified.
B+N Referencia Zrt. cleans many domestic hospitals, trains, long-distance buses, and the Liszt Ferenc Airport. Applying HYGIENE+, the company’s metagenomic analysis and signalling system, in these areas allows for the rapid detection of critical pathogens and the prevention of a possible epidemic within a hospital department and also on a regional or national level.
Sampling can be done on surfaces, wastewater, or air. The microbiological community of the given area can be continuously monitored from the samples taken from separately collected wipes and mops, and changes can be detected immediately.
With the company’s expansion in Central and Eastern Europe, a forecasting network can be built with the participation of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovenia, in addition to Hungary. If a suitable sampling, logistics, and data analysis system is established, the samples can be processed within 24-48 hours.