Abstract
We aim to provide insight and guidance on the utility of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for investigating food-borne outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 in England between 2013 and 2017. Analysis of WGS data delivered an unprecedented level of strain discrimination when compared with multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis. The robustness of the WGS method ensured confidence in the microbiological identification of linked cases, even when epidemiological links were obscured. There was evidence that phylogeny derived from WGS data can be used to trace the geographical origin of an isolate. Further analysis of the phylogenetic data provided insight on the evolutionary context of emerging pathogenic strains. Publically available WGS data linked to the clinical, epidemiological and environmental context of the sequenced strain has improved trace back investigations during outbreaks. Expanding the use of WGS-based typing analysis globally will ensure the rapid implementation of interventions to protect public health, inform risk assessment and facilitate the management of national and international food-borne outbreaks of STEC O157:H7.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1800346 |
Journal | Eurosurveillance |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Jan 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We would like to thank Francesco Tripodo, Vivienne do Nascimento, Amy Gentle, Marie Anne Chattaway, Dawn Hedges and Michael Wright at GBRU. We would also like to thank the national Gastrointestinal Infections national surveillance team, specifically Lisa Byrne, Natalie Adams, Amy Mikhail and Bob Adak. This work was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, the Department of Health or Public Health England.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.