Cutting-Edge Pathogen Detection

MicroDetect is a specialised laboratory service operating in the United Kingdom, with a focus on developing and implementing rapid and current quantitative PCR (qPCR) methodologies for detecting environmental pathogens in various settings.

Our test methodology is capable of detecting the presence or absence of pathogens in less than 24 hours with a high level of specificity, making it a unique feature of the MicroDetect rapid test.

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Environmental Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in Bovine Tuberculosis Hotspots

The bacterium Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, often referred to as MTB. It is a hardy bacterium with a unique outer layer that allows it to survive harsh environmental conditions for long periods of time.

The infections caused by MTB can spread across many species of animals including cattle, deer and badgers, which makes it a challenge to control. Understanding where there are hotspots of MTB contamination in the environment can help aid in decision making on farm biosecurity measures and cattle grazing choices.

MicroDetect has developed a highly specific molecular test that can detect MTB in complex and mixed environmental sample types. To date these have included farmyard samples such as water troughs, feed trough and clamps, bedding and slurry. For out in the wider environment, we have also tested river/spring water, badger latrines and deer scat. We have detected MTB is all these sample types, especially in high-risk areas.

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Take the guesswork out of pathogen management – order your test kit and supercharge your decision-making today.
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Prof. Ruth Massey, B.A. (mod), PhD – Chief Scientific Officer

Ruth has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Trinity College Dublin. She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the UK at both the Universities of Oxford and Bath.

Her first independent position as Principal Investigator was in the Zoology Department in Oxford, where she set up her first lab, which subsequently moved to Bath in 2007. In 2017 Ruth moved to the University of Bristol and, in 2019, was promoted to Professor of Microbial Pathogenicity.

Ruth and her research team have been working on developing the testing processes described here for the past seven years, and she is now translating this for use in several clinical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural settings.

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Dr. Marcia Boura, BSc, MSc, PhD – Head of Development

Marcia has a background in clinical diagnostics, having worked in a hospital laboratory and completed an MSc in Emergent Infectious Diseases before commencing her PhD in Microbiology, at the University of Reading.

After completing her PhD she worked as the Senior Research Scientist in the team developing rapid molecular diagnostic tests. She led the development of a crops diagnostic test from conception through to field trial, before moving on to develop the technology for use in the human and veterinary clinical diagnostics sector.

Marcia’s experience of diagnostic test development for infectious diseases allows her to lead the scientific research within MicroDetect with focus and confidence.

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Tamryn Hassel, BSc, MBA – Business Management

Tamryn holds an MBA from the University of Bath. She has worked for over 16 years in the quality sector of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, putting her in a unique position to understand the challenges associated with working in a highly regulated environment and how to validate scientific methodologies to meet regulatory requirements. She was initially involved in developing the rapid test methodology before refocusing on her consultancy businesses which continue to operate with great success. 

With her proven track record in the setting up and successful running of businesses, she is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the business. 

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