The next generation – the use of whole genome sequencing in outbreak management and HAI

Mrs Belinda Henderson1,2,3, Ms Trish Hurst1,2,4, Dr Patrick Harris2,5, Dr Brian Forde2,6, Prof David Paterson2,4

1Queensland Genomic Health Alliance, Herston, Australia
2Univeristy of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Australia
3Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
4The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Australia
5Pathology Queensland, Herston, Australia
6Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre (AIDRC) , St Lucia, Australia

Introduction: The emergence of high consequence infectious diseases and extreme antibiotic resistance poses an increasing risk to patients of harm from healthcare associated infections (HAI) that inevitably are becoming more difficult to treat. Since 2017 some Queensland hospitals have been accessing rapid next generation ultra-resolution whole genome sequencing (WGS) technology to type bacteria to detect and prevent infection transmission and outbreaks well before they become established. WGS coupled with clinical support led by infection prevention and control experts ensures accurate, timely and appropriate interpretation of results.

Methods: A prospective, observational, multi-centre, case series exploration of the molecular epidemiology of common multi resistant bacteria colonising or infecting patients admitted to Queensland Health facilities services by Pathology Queensland was undertaken. Utilisation of the sequencing data to characterise the bacterial pathogens of interest and concern to infection prevention and control practitioners.

Results: Bioinformatic analysis of the WGS data enabled genetic characteristics and relationships to be examined within the clinical context. This data allowed interpretation by the infection prevention and control team leads to understand the relatedness, transmission dynamics, virulence factors, fitness, persistence and environmental adoption to drive infection prevention and control interventions.

Conclusion: The conservation of precious resources is key in the current climate for infection prevention and control,  HAI and outbreak management. The identification of true transmission events and mapping pathogens of epidemiological interest locally and internationally will drive interventions and a business as usual model for best practice and management of patients to reduce harm.


Biography:

Belinda is a passionate ICP with over 20 years experience. She leads the infection control program at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and recently the Infectious diseases whole genome sequencing project through the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research in partnership with Queensland Genomics Health Alliance.

Belinda is credentialed and holds a fellowship of the College she actively engages and participates in infection prevention and control activities Nationally and Internationally.

Date

Nov 10 2021
Expired!

Time

11:30 am - 11:40 am

Local Time

  • Timezone: America/New_York
  • Date: Nov 09 2021
  • Time: 7:30 pm - 7:40 pm