Genetic based detection and identification is the most accurate and reliable way for distinguishing pathogens and bio-threat agents. We are developing ultra-rapid, highly sensitive, accurate and robust diagnostic tests utilizing state-of-the-art methods. Our main objectives of study include:

• Genetic detection and identification of pathogens from complex samples (real-time PCR for specific molecular markers, DNA array, high throughput sequencing). 
  
• Quantification and typing of bacterial and viral pathogenic species by genetic means. 
  
• High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of pathogen genomes, identification of genomic variants by re-sequencing or assembling of unknown genomes by de-novo sequencing. Development and implementation of novel sample preparation methods and library construction for genetic detection of pathogens derived from clinical samples and environmental samples.
  

 

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Arrayed Primer Extension (APEX) – a DNA array mini-sequencing on chip approach for rapid and multiplexed genetic identification. Upper panel, scanned APEX results. Lower panel, Apex results of two patients. Patient 1 positive for the Orf virus and patient 2 positive for cowpox. The two patients were analyzed using the ChiPox array.

The HTS lab at IIBR. In our lab we aim to develop novel sample preparation and library construction procedures for genetic detection of clinical and environmental samples by HTS. We are currently equipped with 2 Illumina MiSeq and a genome analyzer as well as all the relevant supportive equipment (i.e PCR, TapeStation, Qubit, BioAnalyzer).​​