a microbiology newsletter - august, 2022
A newsletter of, by, and for microbiologists. Copyright 2022, rights reserved
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A new and better way?
A new
Covid-19 Vaccine
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Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine
Effective vaccinations for COVID-19 have been readily available in the United States for well over a year and a new vaccine has just been added to the arsenal. Novavax (NVX-CoV2373), created by a company of the same name, was granted emergency use authorization in early July and has now been endorsed by the CDC.(2) Novavax is approved for adults who are 18 years and older and currently is limited to those who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine. Novavax is a two-dose primary series with each shot typically administered three weeks apart.(1)
Novavax operates through a different mechanism compared to the current vaccines, Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines utilize mRNA technology to transport genetic instructions for making copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inside of the body. Johnson & Johnson also provides the same genetic instruction, but instead of mRNA, the J&J vaccine utilizes a disabled adenovirus for transport. Once the body detects copies of the spike protein, an immune response will be triggered.(3)
Alternatively, Novavax is a protein-based vaccine that uses traditional technology that is similar to the influenza and shingles vaccines.(4) With Novavax, copies of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are grown in a lab from moth cells that are infected with a viral transmitter, packaged within nanoparticles, and injected intramuscularly. These packaged spike proteins resemble the SARS-CoV-2 virus. To assist the body in provoking an immune response, Novavax contains an adjuvant made from soapbark tree extract.(5) Potential side effects of Novavax include chills, headache, fever, and tiredness.(1) Instances of pericarditis and myocarditis are rare.(4)
Protein-based vaccinations have been a well-understood technology for many years and medical experts are hopeful that Novavax may ease some vaccine hesitancy in some people.(3) Studies done in both Mexico and United States show an efficacy of 90% after two doses for mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19.(2) While Novavax may not surpass the efficacy of the mRNA vaccines currently available, Novavax has the added benefit of being easier to ship and store. The downside to Novavax is that producing and purifying protein for the vaccine means manufacturing costs are much higher.(4)
Officials from the CDC stressed that a booster will need to be cleared for use around five months after Novavax recipients receive their second dose. The United States currently has 3.2 million doses on order and the first vaccines are expected to be available at US pharmacies during the end of July or the beginning of August.(3)
by Alexandra Lopez
Business Development
Hardy Diagnostics
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What is Hardy Diagnostics all about? |
Watch a two minute video about how your media is made... View here...
Read a short article in Company Week that explains what makes Hardy Diagnostics different... Find out...
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Did you know that Hardy Diagnostics was the first to introduce Chromogenic Media to America in 1996?
Chromogenic media allows the microbiologist to make identifications based on colony color. The principle involves a carbohydrate molecule in the media that is bound to a colorless chromogen. When a specific bacterial enzyme cleaves the bond, the chromogen turns color, thus creating color throughout the bacterial colony.
Want to see the complete list? Just type "HardyCHROM" in the search bar here.
Interested in trying out any of our HardyCHROM plates? Contact your account rep here for free evaluation samples. |
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HardyCHROM Plates...
Make Micro Easy!
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Unsung Heros
This woman microbiologist did the original research on bacterial plasmids and genetic transformation, transduction, and conjugation; but never got the credit she deserved.
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Phraseology
"High Tail it Outa here"
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This phrase, meaning to leave quickly or run at maximum speed, has its origin in the American Old West dating back to about 1890.
Many animals such as rabbits, deer, horses, or cattle lift their tails up high while running at top speed to escape a predator.
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As a free service to all microbiologists, Hardy has produced a series of instructional videos to help you train new technologists. Here is our list...
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The Nipah Virus...
Another Emerging Virus
with a very high mortality rate
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Originates from bats.
The Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus of the genus Henipavirus, family Paramyxoviridae, and has been identified as a biosafety level-4 pathogen with a 40-75% fatality rate. The virus was first discovered in 1999 following a Malaysian outbreak among pig farmers which resulted in nearly 300 human cases and more than 100 deaths.(1) Given the virus’ genetic relation to Hendra virus, a rare bat-borne zoonotic disease, the fruit bat (genus Pteropus) was quickly identified as the host reservoir of NiV. This puts many South and Southeast Asian countries at risk for potential outbreaks.
Humans are mainly exposed to NiV from infected fruit bats that pass the virus to farm animals. In countries like Bangladesh and India, consumption of fruit that has been contaminated with fruit bat urine or saliva has also been a main source of infection. Direct human to human transmission is also possible, usually with healthcare workers and family members of the infected. The symptoms of NiV infection in humans ranges from asymptomatic to acute respiratory infection or fatal encephalitis. Signs of NiV can include labored breathing, fever, cough, and headache. Severe cases can usually lead to seizures, which can progress to a coma within 24 to 48 hours.(2) The nonspecific initial symptoms of NiV make it difficult for accurate diagnosis and control measures. During the acute phase of the disease, real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibody detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be used to diagnose NiV.(3)
There are currently no approved vaccines or specific drugs designed to cure or prevent the Nipah virus infection. The main treatment for those with severe NiV cases is supportive care. Human-to-human transmission in this context is a concern, especially for exposed healthcare workers. The only way to prevent infection and transmission is to employ effective education strategies about reducing the risk of exposure to NiV. As of July 2022, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) launched an early-stage clinical trial for a NiV mRNA vaccine.(4) This is the first clinical trial using the NIAID’s Pandemic Preparedness Plan approach, which prioritizes research on prototype pathogens and viruses with pandemic potential.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting at risk countries by offering guidance for preventing and managing outbreaks.(2) If feasible, all bats must be kept away from fresh fruit products and sap collection sites. When this is not feasible, stopping consumption of specific fruits or fruit sap altogether, or washing and peeling all fruits potentially contaminated with fruit bat urine or saliva is recommended. To reduce animal-to-human transmission, protective attire should be worn when handling sick animals and animal premises should be quarantined as soon as signs of infection are detected. WHO recommends avoiding close physical contact with NiV infected patients and washing hands often. The high fatality rate of the Nipah virus has garnered attention from WHO as a priority disease and there will likely be additional research needed to generate better treatments and prevention methods.
by Anna Klavins and Taylor Slouka
R&D Department
Hardy Diagnostics
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Covid Supplies and Test Kits |
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Rapid Covid Antibody Test Kit
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Hardy announces a rapid test kit for the detection of Covid antibodies (both IgM for current infection and IgG for long term immunity) from any blood specimen. Read out in only 10 minutes. No equipment required. |
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AloeSafe, a better way
Hardy's hand sanitizing gel guards against drying of your skin with Vitamin E, soothes with Aloe Vera, and has a pleasant scent with lavender oil. No harmful ingredients (such as parabens and propylene glycol) as with the cheap drug store variety! Don't your hands deserve the very best?
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DisCide Wipes
With Hardy's DisCide Ultra you get 160 towelettes that are soaked with two powerful killing agents, isopropyl alcohol and quaternary ammonium. Effective against bacteria and viruses.
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Hardy's viral specimen transport is ideal for COVID-19 antigen testing. The shelf life has been increased to 365 days at room temperature. Swabs are sold separately. |
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Monkey Pox Facts
What you need to know...
- There have been 15,000 reported cases worldwide since April of 2022, mainly in Central and West Africa.
- On study showed that 95% of the cases were suspected of being transmitted by sexual activity. 98% of patients identified as gay or bisexual men.(1)
- 73% had anogenital lesions and 41% had mucosal lesions.(1)
- Being chiefly a sexually transmitted disease, the clinical presentation and symptoms can often be confused with syphilis and herpes.
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Lab testing by PCR requires a swab from the lesion, however an earlier diagnosis can be made from a saliva sample before the lesion appears and after initial symptoms arrive (fever, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy, and myalgia).
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There is no specific treatment, but the small pox (its close cousin) vaccine may provide protection.
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The current outbreak is less severe (West African clade) and resulted in a mortality rate of 1%.
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Face Masks
With adjustable metal nose band.
Now available for immediate shipping!
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Double Action Sanitizer
Hardy's custom produced sanitizer pump bottle gives you double protection...both isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Bugs don't stand a chance!
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Comfy Lab Coats
For added protection on the job, Hardy offers disposable lab coats, featuring three pockets, and comfortable knit cuffs and collars.
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Specimen Collection Swabs
Hardy offers swabs in the flocked, foam, and spun polyester formats.
Choose from nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, standard, or urethral.
Available for immediate shipping!
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Did you hear about the claustrophobic astronaut?
He just needed a little space.
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The chef told me not to borrow items from the kitchen...but that's a whisk I'm willing to take!
A cheese factory exploded in France. Da brie is everywhere!
Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because it wasn’t peeling well.
Dogs can’t operate MRI machines — but cats-can.
I had a date last night. It was perfect. Tomorrow, I’ll have a grape.
It was an emotional wedding — even the cake was in tiers.
I have an inferiority complex, but it’s not a very good one.
Why did Waldo go to therapy? To find himself.
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Ever wish for an instrument that will quickly identify all the major pathogens in respiratory and stool specimens?
Now it's here!
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Rapid Tests
Hardy has developed all the usual and unusual rapid tests, that go far beyond catalase, oxidase, and indole. Check out our mini catalog here...
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HardyCHROM Candida+auris
Hardy's new chromogenic plate for the detection of Candida spp, now includes C. auris! It creates both a colored and fluorescent colony. Vivid colors stand out against a white background. Ask us for samples!
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Rapid Test Methods
Check out our mini catalog on rapid test kits that includes reagents and test cards. You'll see many "hard to find" products that will save you time and money!
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Loops of all kinds!
When it comes to loops, Hardy has it all. Nichrome, platinum, disposable, calibrated, needles, or spreaders. See our mini-catalog below or click here to learn about the convenient Loop Caddy.
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QC Organisms
Hundreds of species are available from Hardy Diagnostics, your Microbiologics distributor. Available in the pellet or stick format. Quantitative or qualitative.
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Carba 5 for CRE Detection
With Carba 5 you can test for the 5 major enzymes of carbapenem resistance. Tests for gene expression not just gene presence. Read out in only 15 minutes. No equipment needed! See the video!
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Rapid Bacterial Pneumonia
Detection
Hardy offers a rapid kit that will detect bacterial antigens in the urine in only 15 minutes. Watch a short video here.
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Fast Strep Grouping
Strep season is in full swing! Hardy's StrepPRO will rapidly identify your streps into the proper Lancefield grouping. Takes only minutes!
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AnaeroGRO
Pre-reduced anaerobic culture media, ready-to-use for your set-ups. Pouches are gassed out with nitrogen for superior growth. Click here for a short video. See our complete anaerobic catalog below...
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Dehydrated Media
Hardy manufactures a complete line of powdered media. It is conveniently packaged in five different configurations ready for export. Click here to watch a short video explaining the advantages of CRITERION.
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Stare at this and watch the gray dots at the intersections appear and disappear!
"Believe nothing you hear and only one half that you see"
Edgar Allen Poe
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Pharmaceutical Microbiology |
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DuraRack for all Petri Plates
Hardy now offers an indestructible rack for 100mm standard and 60mm contact plates. Click here to find out why this will be the last rack you will ever have to buy! |
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Impact Air Samplers
Hardy offers a complete line of air samplers for your clean room monitoring program. Click here for a short instructional video. Check out our complete catalog!
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HardyVAL for all your USP <797> compliance needs
Hardy offers everything you need for proficiency testing to comply with USP regulations.
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Surface Sampling
Hardy offers a complete line of products for Environmental and Surface Monitoring. Contact plates and more. Watch a brief video on what Hardy has to offer...
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HardyCHROM Campy
Hardy announces a new chromogenic media for Campylobacter. Easily identify colonies based on their red color.
Ask us for samples to evaluate.
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The smartest ATP Monitors!
Hardy is your authorized dealer for the Hygiena ATP monitoring system, Ensure Touch. Get results in 10 seconds!
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Legionella Testing
Hardy offers a complete line of BCYE media for the detection of Legionella. Many formulas to choose from for immediate delivery.
Ask us for samples to evaluate.
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Compact Dry
Hardy is your authorized dealer for all the Compact Dry chromogenic formulas. These low profile rigid plates allow for accurate colony detection and selection.
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Zinc, zinc ionophores, and Vitamin D are recommended for a robust immune system.
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Early Treatment of COVID-19
What are the recent recommendations regarding "home based" treatment of the virus?
More outpatient recommendations as published in the American Journal of Medicine...
1) Reduction of re-inoculation - To prevent further spread of the virus, room ventilation measures can be taken.
2) Combination antiviral therapy - Zinc lozenges, zinc ionophores (hydroxychloroquin (HCG)), azithromycin, doxycycline, Favipiravir.
3) Immunomodulation - Corticosteroids to prevent a possible cytokine storm.
4) Antiplatelet/antithrombotic therapy - Low dose aspirin or heparin to prevent blood clots.
5) Administration of oxygen - Blood oxygen can be monitored with a fingertip pulse oximeter, utilizing supervised supplemental oxygen, and self-proning.
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Jack LaLanne
1914 ~2011
American fitness enthusiast. Started the first health and fitness club in America, then hosted a TV show for 32 years teaching people how to exercise and live a healthy life style. He lived to be 96 years old and worked out the day before he died.
"There is no fountain of youth, What you put into your body is what you get out of it. You would not feed your dog a coffee and doughnut for breakfast followed by a cigarette. You will kill the damn dog."
"Exercise is king. Nutrition is queen. Put them together and you've got a kingdom."
"How do you build up your bank account? By putting something in it everyday. Your health account is no different. What I do today, I am wearing tomorrow. If I put inferior foods in my body today, I'm going to be inferior tomorrow, it's that simple."
"If man made it, don't eat it."
"Everything you do in life, I don't care, good or bad - don't blame God, don't blame the devil, don't blame me, blame you. You control everything! The thoughts you think, the words you utter, the foods you eat, the exercise you do. Everything is controlled by you."
"Better to wear out than rust out."
"The food you eat today is walking and talking tomorrow."
"Ten seconds on the lips and a lifetime on the hips."
"I've never been satisfied with myself, ever. I've got energy and drive and I can't stand inefficiency in people. And I can't stand dumb people. Why surround yourself with people who are going to tie you down? I don't suffer fools."
"Sitting around on your big fat gluteus maximus talking about the good old days. The good old days are right this second. You've got to exercise VIG-OR-OUSLY! Life is tough. Life is a challenge. Life is a battlefield... . Life is an athletic event, and you must train for it."
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Where does Blood Agar come from? |
Did you know that Hardy Diagnostics utilizes a herd of about 1,000 donor sheep? These sheep live long and happy lives. The veterinary supervised program keeps them healthy and antibiotic-free. They are humanely bled once per month to supply Hardy with the blood needed for its Petri plates. |
Vintage public health poster from WWII |
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Brainteasers
Need to exercise
the gray matter?
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Below is the Hardy Diagnostics manufacturing facility in Springboro, Ohio. Click on the photo for a 2 minute video on how we make media! |
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During our 42 years of serving the microbiology community, we have continually aimed to provide the utmost in "a culture of service" for our valued customers. As a 100% employee owned company, we have even more incentive to please our customers as best we possibly can every day. Do you have a suggestion, comment, or question? Please contact me here.
Jay Hardy, CLS, SM (NRCM)
CEO of Hardy Diagnostics
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