#United States #Antimicrobial Resistance #Tustin #Whole Genome Sequencing #MiDOG Animal Diagnostics

MiDOG Animal Diagnostics Launches Innovative Whole Genome Sequencing Test

MiDOG Animal Diagnostics has recently announced the introduction of an advanced Whole Genome Sequencing diagnostic service that significantly enhances the organization’s sequencing platform. This cutting-edge test provides one of the most all-encompassing microbial analyses available in the realm of veterinary medicine, now extending into the diagnostics for parasites.

As a pioneer in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, MiDOG stands out by being the first to amalgamate various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites into a singular diagnostic test while also incorporating antimicrobial resistance profiling along with biofilm and virulence factor analysis. This comprehensive approach enables a more thorough investigation of potential infections than ever before.

The newly implemented Whole Genome Sequencing pipeline equips veterinarians with precise species-level identification of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It facilitates the simultaneous detection of antimicrobial resistance genes alongside clinically significant virulence factors, inclusive of toxic and biofilm-associated markers. Remarkably, these results can be obtained from a single sample in as little as two days, showcasing MiDOG’s efficiency.

Key to this innovative testing service is the utilization of curated genomic reference databases that comprise over 65,000 bacterial genomes, 4,100 fungal genomes, and more than 4,300 parasitic or protozoan entities. This extensive database allows for broad detection while ensuring high-resolution capabilities to identify pertinent pathogens for all submitted samples to MiDOG.

Unlike traditional diagnostic methods that rely on multiple targeted assays, MiDOG’s Whole Genome Sequencing service offers a holistic, multi-organism evaluation of the sources of infection. This attribute proves particularly beneficial in situations of culture-negative, polymicrobial, chronic, recurrent, or treatment-resistant infections where conventional diagnostic approaches may fall short. By marrying pathogen detection with antimicrobial resistance and virulence analysis, veterinarians can move from empirical treatment to targeted therapy more swiftly. This not only aids in precise and effective clinical decision-making but also aligns with the One Health initiative, which emphasizes the interconnection between animal and human health.

As challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and polymicrobial infections increasingly confront veterinary medicine, comprehensive genomic diagnostics become paramount. MiDOG’s new platform represents one of the most sophisticated sequencing-based tests available for infectious diseases in veterinary settings.

Dr. Michael Kavanagh, DVM, Co-founder of MiDOG Animal Diagnostics, stated, “Infections in veterinary medicine can become extremely complicated. MiDOG's new test allows us to look comprehensively across bacteria, fungi, and parasites in one single test and translate that genomic data into clear, clinically actionable insights. This reduces diagnostic uncertainty, accelerates therapeutic decisions, and helps clinicians treat infections more effectively.”

Additionally, Dr. Shuiquan Tang, CSO at MiDOG Animal Diagnostics, emphasizes, “Whole genome sequencing provides the full picture with essential details clinicians need. This is especially important for animal infections, which frequently involve polymicrobial communities, biofilm formation, prevalent antimicrobial resistance, and previously uncharacterized microbes.”

The results from these tests are delivered within two to three business days after the sample is received, enabling rapid intervention in cases of complex infections, applicable to all animal species.

Availability

The MiDOG Whole Genome Sequencing diagnostic service is available for immediate use across various animal categories, including companion animals, equine patients, exotic species, wildlife, and zoological collections. For veterinarians wishing to explore more or submit samples, information can be found at MiDOG's website. Additional contact information is provided for enquirers from Australia and Canada.

About MiDOG Animal Diagnostics

MiDOG Animal Diagnostics is a California-based veterinary diagnostics organization specializing in DNA-sequencing-based detection of infectious diseases applicable across all animal species and sample types. They aim to deliver advanced genomic testing solutions, thereby providing high-resolution pathogen identification and insights concerning antimicrobial resistance to veterinary professionals around the globe.