Genetic sequencing: key to infection control

The laboratory technique, whole genome sequencing, which is used to identify the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome has developed dramatically in recent years. Microbiologists presenting at the conference showed how it is now possible to use this process to gain a deeper understanding of the spread and transmission of infections. Dr Elizabeth Sheridan, head of healthcareassociated infections (HCAI) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) for the HPA, and co-chair of the HCAI and AMR session at the conference, said: “Whole genome sequencing has been around for some time but advances in technology have meant the process has become faster and cheaper to use. This has meant the technology is more widely available and can now be applied to many more scenarios including researching the transmission and spread of infections in hospitals and community settings. “For example, whole genome sequencing has been used to investigate an outbreak of MRSA in a neonatal intensive care unit and was able to distinguish between those strains involved in the outbreak and those that were not. This is a real breakthrough because it finally allows us to understand the dynamics of how a strain spreads in a healthcare setting where a high baseline level of infection already exists.” Dr Sheridan continued: “Existing typing methods are useful for monitoring outbreaks but because this technique looks at the microorganism’s entire DNA sequence, it goes much further, which allows us to see just how closely related the organisms are within a single strain as well as showing if they have genes which give them special virulent characteristics, enabling them to cause more severe disease or spread more quickly. “This work is extremely valuable and has demonstrated how the technology can provide a much more scientific approach to researching infection control. It can offer a deeper level of understanding about outbreaks that has not been available before and enables us to get better evidence for which infection control interventions would be the most effective. This information can then be used to develop future infection control strategies. We hope that the application of the technology will continue and, in future, local hospitals as well as research institutions will be able to use whole genome sequencing in the management of outbreaks. This will inevitably help with the continuing reduction in healthcareassociated infections. The findings have shown that this technology offers a promising new approach to radically improving infection control.”