Mast Group instrument ‘could be integral for bacteria mutation detection’

Mast Group has highlighted recent research which points to the importance of using equipment – such as the firm’s Hain Lifescience Genotype HelicoDR – to monitor drug resistance.

The study, undertaken by Cambau, focused on the importance of the detection of resistance mutations in Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) – a bacterium that impacts upon the acid barriers in the stomach.

Untreated and long-term H.pylori infections can lead to stomach ulceration and in some cases, the development of gastric cancer.

According to the study, better surveillance of drug resistance by the use of a molecular assay is something that the scientific community is in need of.

It stated: “GenoType HelicoDR is efficient at detecting mutations predictive of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori when applied to strains or directly to gastric biopsy specimens.”

In other Mast Group news, the firm announced the launch of its Seeplex Flu A ACE kit, which is capable of detecting the presence of the influenza virus in individuals.