Publications by authors named "Melinda Precious"
Microbiol Spectr
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- Aquatic ecosystems like Lake Wilcox harbor diverse bacterial strains, many of which can potentially harm humans, highlighting a significant health risk.
- Among 11 bacterial isolates studied, 67% were identified as potential human pathogens, indicating considerable genetic diversity and a reservoir for multiple pathogenic strains.
- The research uncovered widespread antibiotic resistance, particularly to β-lactams and tetracycline, emphasizing the importance of monitoring pathogens in such ecosystems to understand their genetic evolution and ecological impact.
Article Synopsis
- - Wastewater surveillance has proven effective in tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2, including its variants, particularly at transportation hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport.
- - Canadian municipalities, including WWTPs in Ontario, use techniques like qPCR and whole genome sequencing to monitor the virus in wastewater.
- - Findings from wastewater samples at the airport often identified new viral lineages 1-4 weeks before clinical cases were reported, highlighting the potential for early detection in pandemic response.
BMC Genom Data
February 2024
Article Synopsis
- Vibrio cholerae is a dangerous pathogen that causes cholera, a severe diarrheal disease, and can be contracted via contaminated seafood or polluted water exposure.
- The study presents the isolated strain NB-183 from a freshwater lake in Ontario, Canada, detailing its whole-genome analysis achieved through advanced sequencing techniques.
- The genome of V. cholerae strain NB-183, consisting of over 4 million base pairs, contains numerous virulence genes and may help researchers better understand the pathogen’s ecological impacts and evolutionary behavior.
