EMU: Acquisition of Automatic Microbiological Analyzer for the Sanitary and Control Laboratory

• Grant number: 23/17343-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
• Grantee: Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Paula Lepique ; Bianca da Silva Almeida ; Cláudio Romero Farias Marinho ; Daniel Youssef Bargieri ; Denise Morais da Fonseca

Abstract

Animals used in biomedical research are crucial, significantly contributing to both human and animal health. Ensuring the quality and reproducibility of experiments involves safeguarding the health, well-being, and genetic monitoring of these animals. Conducting periodic examinations to maintain their sanitary condition is essential, aiming to identify pathogens such as viruses, parasites, bacteria, or fungi. Detecting bacteria and fungi, in particular, requires complex and time-consuming tests, often involving a series of selective media and biochemical tests to determine the infecting species. The introduction of Automated Microbiological Analyzers has revolutionized our ability to identify various bacterial and fungal species, considerably streamlining microbiological analyses and standardizing experimental procedures.Since 2021, the Laboratory of Sanitary and Genetic Control (LCS) at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB) of the University of São Paulo (USP) has been conducting microbiological and genetic examinations in various laboratory animal species, with a special focus on rodents and lagomorphs. The LCS provides services that include identifying all pathogens listed by the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA), essential for monitoring breeding and experimental animal facilities. Therefore, the aim of this project is to acquire the Automated Microbiological Analyzer VITEK 2® COMPACT to expedite, facilitate, and standardize the procedures for identifying microorganisms in the samples received daily by the LCS. This analyzer is capable of routine identification of Gram-negatives, Gram-positives, yeasts, Neisseria, Haemophilus, anaerobes, and Corynebacterium. With the acquisition of this equipment, we can substantially reduce the analysis time and expedite the issuance of reports. (AU)