Illumina’s genomic technologies enable better pathogen preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted sequencing infrastructure and capabilities, resulting in better public health agency and healthcare system preparedness for pathogenic threats. By sequencing the genomes of dangerous pathogens, scientists can understand how they spread and how to best control them for human and animal health and the environment. Illumina’s pathogen genomic surveillance solutions were deployed from the onset of the pandemic to characterize SARS-CoV-2 and monitor the virus’s evolution and spread. COVID-19 continues to pose a complicated global public health challenge, and continued vigilance is required. Illumina technology is being used for wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, polio, and antimicrobial resistance pathogens. Genomic surveillance provides a clearer picture of pathogen transmission at the population level and has already been applied to respond to outbreaks of other viral threats, such as Marburg virus in Tanzania and Ebola virus in Uganda. Illumina’s genomic surveillance solutions played a critical role in the response to a major Dengue virus outbreak in Brazil. A proactive approach is needed to establish clear expectations for future pathogen surveillance, with defined targets to detect, investigate, and respond to.
Related Facts:
– Genomic surveillance is “the process of constantly monitoring pathogens and analyzing their genetic similarities and differences.”
– The FDA’s GenomeTrackr program, run in partnership with the CDC and Department of Agriculture in 2013, gathered data from over 100 laboratories performing routine surveillance of the American food supply.
– Outside of the United States, the genomic surveillance infrastructure and framework developed in response to COVID-19 has already been applied to respond to outbreaks of other viral threats, such as Marburg virus in Tanzania and Ebola virus in Uganda.
Key Takeaway:
Genomic technologies are crucial for pathogen preparedness and response. By sequencing the genomes of dangerous pathogens, scientists can better understand how they spread and how to best control them to protect human and animal health and the environment. Illumina’s pathogen genomic surveillance solutions and wastewater surveillance technology have played crucial roles in responding to COVID-19 and other viral threats.
In conclusion, Illumina Inc. has played a critical role in genomic technologies for pathogen preparedness and response. Their solutions have been deployed in response to COVID-19 and other viral threats, providing crucial data for public health agencies and healthcare systems. Continued vigilance and a proactive approach are needed to establish clear expectations for future pathogen surveillance. By building on the capabilities established during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the opportunity to keep COVID-19 controlled and become better prepared for the predictable introduction of future pathogens.
