1. Genomic and healthcare dynamics of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Author
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Ellingford, Jamie M., George, Ryan, McDermott, John H., Ahmad, Shazaad, Edgerley, Jonathan J., Gokhale, David, Newman, William G., Ball, Stephen, Machin, Nicholas, and Black, Graeme C. M.
- Subjects
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SARS-CoV-2 , *MEDICAL personnel , *INFECTION control , *NUCLEOTIDE sequencing , *LOCATION analysis - Abstract
Understanding the effectiveness of infection control methods in reducing and preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings is of high importance. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 genomes for patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) across multiple geographically distinct UK hospitals, obtaining 173 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes. We integrated patient movement and staff location data into the analysis of viral genome data to understand spatial and temporal dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We identified eight patient contact clusters (PCC) with significantly increased similarity in genomic variants compared to non-clustered samples. Incorporation of HCW location further increased the number of individuals within PCCs and identified additional links in SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways. Patients within PCCs carried viruses more genetically identical to HCWs in the same ward location. SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing integrated with patient and HCW movement data increases identification of outbreak clusters. This dynamic approach can support infection control management strategies within the healthcare setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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