EVALUATING ILLUMINA MINISEQ DESKTOP SEQUENCER FOR SEQUENCING FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS

Project AbstractUsing next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of food-bornepathogens provides a much higher level of resolution for typing than conventional typing methods includingpulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). MiSeq is commonlyused for WGS of food-borne pathogens. Among the Vet-LIRN network laboratories, only a few have MiSeq,however, most do not have mainly due to cost. To increase the WGS testing capability of Vet-LIRN networklaboratories, this study will propose evaluation of another new less expensive Illumina sequencer MiniSeqfor WGS of foodborne pathogens. The cost of MiniSeq is half of MiSeq. If the MiniSeq provides relativelycomparable features for WGS of food-borne pathogens, Vet-LIRN network laboratories may purchase anduse MiniSeq for case investigations, which eventually increases Vet-LIRN network test capacity.