Capabilities
REAGENTS FOR FOOD & WATER SAFETY TESTING
In the United States, foodborne disease causes an estimated 48 million illnesses and 3,000 deaths annually, with the economic costs estimated at $152 billion to $1.4 trillion every year. Food safety is a major global, public health concern and requires a highly integrated network of initiatives and practices to assure food safety throughout the entire supply chain from the farm to the consumer. Adding to the complication is the continued increase in international trade and challenges faced governing the import/export regulations of food and agricultural products shipped between countries. Sources of drinking water are also subject to contamination and require appropriate treatment to remove disease-causing contaminants. There are many sources of water contamination including naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (for example, arsenic, radon, uranium), local land use practices (fertilizers, pesticides, concentrated feeding operations), manufacturing processes, and sewer overflows or wastewater releases. The presence of contaminants in water can lead to adverse health effects, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. The detection of microorganisms in food and water is an essential part of any quality control or food safety plan. Traditional methods of detecting pathogenic bacteria are often impractical and time-consuming because of the need for growth in culture media followed by isolation, biochemical and/or serological identification, and in some cases, sub- specific characterization. Advances in technology such as antibody and DNA-based assays have made detection and identification faster, more sensitive, more specific, and more convenient than traditional assays. However, even with the application of modern laboratory techniques, there still remains a considerable challenge in identifying the microorganisms responsible for outbreaks. This suggests a large unmet need for better diagnostic tools for foodborne and waterborne diseases. Meridian Life Science (MLS) is a leading large scale manufacturer of antibodies, viral antigens, recombinant proteins, and critical assay reagents. For almost thirty years, MLS has provided innovative life science solutions for in vitro diagnostic, biopharmaceutical, and biotech manufacturers around the world. The company’s reagents are integral components of commercially available human and animal in vitro diagnostic kits, in-process testing protocols, and high-throughput screening applications worldwide. MLS’ products are designed to help maximize the accuracy, consistency and cost-effectiveness of food and water safety testing.
FOOD & WATER SAFETY CATEGORIES Antibiotics Gram Negative Bacteria Gram Positive Bacteria Viruses Protozoans (Waterborne) Natural Toxins
Top Five Foodborne pathogens causing the most illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths each year
Estimated # of illnesses
90% Credible Interval 3,227,078 – 8,309,480
Pathogen
%
Norovirus
5,461,731
58
Salmonella, nontyphoidal
644,786 – 1,679,667
1,027,561
11
Clostridium perfringens
192,316 – 2,483,309
965,958
10
337,031 – 1,611,083
Campylobacter spp. 845,024
9
Staphylococcus aureus
72,341 – 529,417
241,148
3
Subtotal
91
Thirty-one pathogens are known to cause foodborne illness. Eight of those pathogens account for the vast majority of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. The table above represents the top five pathogens contributing to acquired foodborne illnesses in the United States (Source: CDC).
For a complete list please visit us at www.MeridianLifeScience.com
Other Product Categories available • Infectious Disease
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012). Estimates of Foodborne Illness in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/ López-Campos, G., Martínez -Suárez, J.V., Aguado-Urda M., and López-Alonso, V. (2012). Microarray Detection and Characterization of Bacterial Foodborne Pathogens. Springer: New York. Riemann , H.P. Cliver, D.O. (2005). Foodborne Infections and Intoxications. 3d ed. Academic Press (Elsevier): London, Amsterdam.
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