In September we evaluated a mobile, self-sufficient laboratory workflow for rapid on-site detection of gastrointestinal bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in resource-limited settings. Using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing, battery-powered equipment, and our laptop-based tool CGELabs, we could achieve on-site pathogen and AMR profiling within 10 hours from faecal samples of individuals with GI symptoms in Burundi (Cishemere refugee camp, Rugombo Health Centre, and Rutana Hospital). Results showed consistent bacterial profiles within sites, validating the pipeline. Cholera-suspected patients had Vibrio cholerae reads, while healthy household members were negative. This approach demonstrates the potential of mobile sequencing labs for frontline diagnostics during outbreaks in remote, low-resource regions.
Emilie Egholm Bruun Jensen’s presentation
