Abstract
Understanding the effectiveness of infection control methods in reducing and preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings is of high importance. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes for patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) across multiple geographically distinct UK hospitals, obtaining 173 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes. We integrated patient movement and staff location data into the analysis of viral genome data to understand spatial and temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We identified eight patient contact clusters (PCC) with significantly increased similarity in genomic variants compared to non-clustered samples. Incorporation of HCW location further increased the number of individuals within PCCs and identified additional links in SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways. Patients within PCCs carried viruses more genetically identical to HCWs in the same ward location. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing integrated with patient and HCW movement data increases identification of outbreak clusters. This dynamic approach can support infection control management strategies within the healthcare setting.
Highlights
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to place a significant burden on healthcare services worldwide (Miller et al, 2020; Propper et al, 2020; Maringe et al, 2020)
Reducing the spread and outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections is important in hospitals and care homes where individuals at high risk of developing severe responses to infection are vulnerable to transmission due to close and regular contact between patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) (Clark et al, 2020; Nguyen et al, 2020; Rivett et al, 2020)
We demonstrate that such an approach can be used to identify highly likely nosocomial transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 between HCWs and the patients in their care
Summary
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to place a significant burden on healthcare services worldwide (Miller et al, 2020; Propper et al, 2020; Maringe et al, 2020). Reducing the spread and outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infections is important in hospitals and care homes where individuals at high risk of developing severe responses to infection are vulnerable to transmission due to close and regular contact between patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) (Clark et al, 2020; Nguyen et al, 2020; Rivett et al, 2020). We have integrated viral genome sequencing with patient admissions records and staff workplace information to investigate SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial outbreaks. We demonstrate that such an approach can be used to identify highly likely nosocomial transmission events of SARS-CoV-2 between HCWs and the patients in their care
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
