WEBINAR - Genomic surveillance for nosocomial infections - WGS for infection prevention and control

Nosocomial or healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a global problem for hospitalized or long-term care patients, affecting an estimated 3.2% of all hospitalized patients in the US, 6.5% in EU, and a higher percentage worldwide. These infections often result in serious health consequences, extend hospital stays, impact patient recovery, and frequently lead to mortality. The health impact also extends to the community at large as HAIs are associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), compromising availability of effective antibiotics.

 

HAIs are not a new problem – hospital epidemiologist and infection preventionist are important well-established professions that have key roles in assuring appropriate hygiene protocols are in place in every healthcare setting. Nonetheless, outbreaks continue to occur.

 

This webinar describes how whole genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogen isolates provides a unique ability to complement current IPC practices to combat HAI outbreaks more effectively. Advancements in sequencing technology, reduction in sequencing costs and availability of standardized high-quality analysis via cloud computing have made WGS analysis a tool that can be implemented for mainstream use.  

 

We discuss how these developments allow the field to transition from reactive outbreak analysis to genomic surveillance in support of outbreak detection and prevention. Genomic surveillance is the systematic sequencing and interpretation of all relevant pathogen isolates in a healthcare system to proactively identify HAI infections at the earliest stages of an outbreak, and target interventions to reduce further transmission events. Challenges in making this a viable option in health settings include staff availability to perform the testing, sufficient skill in data analysis, etc. We describe how ARESiss sequencing service, AREScloud analysis software, and reporting tailored to the needs of infection preventionists help address these challenges.

 

 

Learning Objectives