Mast highlights benefits of VTEC detection tools

Mast has underlined the benefits of its range of products for use in detecting verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), in light of the recent outbreak of infections in Europe.

The life sciences company noted it is "critical" that laboratories are able to monitor and contain bacteria after a shigatoxin-producing strain of E. coli was found to be the cause of the spate of bloody diarrhoea cases across the continent.

Among the products in its portfolio are Seeplex Diarrhoea ACE Detection, an automated system for detecting and identifying 14 of the most prevalent diarrhoea-causing microorganisms, optimised for ease of use and high throughput.

The firm also distributes the Verotoxin-producing E. Coli detection kit from Eiken Chemical Company Japan, which can be used to determine the presence of VTEC in food samples.

"Mast offers various molecular biology-based assays enabling microbiologists in both clinical and food laboratories to reliably detect and identify pathogens," the firm said.

Last month, Mast attended the annual scientific meeting of the British Society for Microbial Technology, which addressed topics such as the role of point-of-care testing in MRSA and C. difficile detection.