Whole Genome Sequencing for the Infection Preventionist

Session Description: This session will cover three main topics from an infection preventionists’ perspective: 1) the history and current use of whole genome sequencing, 2) the research and application of whole genome sequencing, and 3) how to interpret genomic output for infection prevention

Whole genome sequencing is an emerging technology that is becoming more common in healthcare settings. Using genomics, hospital epidemiologists and infection preventionists can determine if outbreaks are truly outbreaks or find hidden transmission of healthcare-associated infections. However, given this is an emerging field, there has not been any formal education on the uses or interpretation for the infection preventionist. Public health agencies and hospitals alike may struggle to interpret phylogenetic trees, pairwise single nucleotide polymorphism distances, gene presence/absence, or methods of genomics. Moreover, infection preventionists may not know how to reach out to partners to access this technology.

Topic 1 will provide novice infection preventionists the background on WGS to help them better understand the science and scenarios in which whole genome sequencing aids investigation. Topic 2 will communicate the new research on whole genome sequencing to proficient and advance infection preventionists, and Topic 3 will help infection preventionists of all skill levels to understand the complexity and details interpreting genomic reports.