PHO Microbiology Rounds: Progress and Challenges in Implementing a Tuberculosis Genomic Epidemiology Program
Genotyping of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis using methods such as Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit-Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (MIRU-VNTR) has greatly enhanced traditional contact tracing efforts and is a valuable tool. However, the emerging field of genomic epidemiology, which relies on whole genome sequencing (WGS), is significantly more powerful in determining both the direction and timing of person-to-person spread of tuberculosis (TB). Yet many public health laboratories are challenged to fully implement TB genomic epidemiology programs.
This presentation will provide an overview of TB genomic epidemiology and its use as a surveillance and outbreak detection tool. Examples of how WGS can be used to support contact tracing and outbreak investigations will be provided, and the progress and challenges in TB genomics for public health will be explored.
Intended audience: Public health unit staff, Laboratory staff, microbiologists, academic researchers, TB specialists, public health professionals and individuals interested in or studying pathogen genomics and infectious disease.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain how genomic epidemiology works in plain language.
- Describe how genomic epidemiology is applied to public health using a real-world example of conducting TB surveillance and outbreak detection.
- Discuss the challenges in implementing a tuberculosis genomic epidemiology program.
Presenter(s): Jennifer Guthrie
Jennifer Guthrie, MSc, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Western Ontario, in the Departments of Microbiology & Immunology and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and is an Adjunct Scientist at Public Health Ontario. Her research interests include pathogen genomics and bioinformatics to study infectious disease emergence and transmission to support public health response to outbreaks.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Accreditation
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Accessibility
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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