The Genomics to Optimise Infection Prevention (GENOTIPE) network, whose collaborative work helped establish the Society's GENOTIPE Special Interest Group (SIG), has been featured in The Lancet Microbe’s publication. The publication highlights the collaborative work of clinicians, academics, public health leaders and industry partners to address the implementation gap in genomic medicine for infection prevention and control. The article, authored by HIS Secretary Dr James Price, along with other co-authors and GENOTIPE network members, sets out a practical roadmap for integrating genomics into infection prevention and control, highlighting key implementation priorities and opportunities for system-wide impact.

Whole-genome sequencing has transformed our ability to track and understand how infections spread. Despite the UK's strong track record in genomic medicine, including landmark initiatives such as the 100,000 Genomes Project and national surveillance programmes for tuberculosis and foodborne diseases, genomics is still not routinely embedded in infection prevention and control. Creating a sustainable framework for its everyday use remains an important challenge and opportunity.

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remain significant challenges for health systems worldwide. As advances in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) create new opportunities to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC), HIS continues to be at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy, supporting healthcare professionals to tackle these challenges and improve patient outcomes.

Read the full article here  to learn more about the critical work being done in pathogen genomics in IPC.