Applying genomics to outbreak investigations

Abstract

The introduction of microbial genomics into public health laboratories in Australia has been disruptive in technological terms by enabling replacement of existing phenotypic and molecular typing tests, and in organisational terms by placing complex molecular analysis at the forefront of communicable diseases prevention and control. However, the translation of microbial genomics from a research tool into clinically meaningful public health practice in Australia has been impeded by: (i) incomplete understanding of resident bacterial population structure and diversity; (ii) lack of standardised tools for genomic analysis and data-sharing and; (iii) limited frameworks for rapid reporting to end-users. This talk will provide an overview of how a series of high-impact state and national outbreaks provided a catalyst for improved implementation and coordination of microbial genomics in Australia, and in several instances, effected a marked change in public health practice.