Integrating Genomic Data into Public Health Surveillance for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms, Washington, USA

Abstract 

Mitigating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health priority to preserve antimicrobial treatment options. The Washington State Department of Health in Washington, USA, piloted a process to leverage longitudinal genomic surveillance on the basis of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and a genomics-first cluster definition to enhance AMR surveillance.

Fundamentals of Bacterial Genomics

In this three part short course, Steph Lunn introduces the molecular microbiology and genomics of bacterial pathogens, including:

  • What encompasses a bacterial genome, and how is it organized?
  • What are the important assumptions and principles of bacterial genomes when performing bioinformatic analysis and using them for genomic epidemiology?
  • An introduction to the core, accessory, and pan genome.
  • A discussion of horizontal gene transfer, including impacts to the genome and implications for genomic epidemiological inference.