COVID-19
Genomic sequencing to track, trace and prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare.
COVID-19 has emerged as one of the greatest threats to global human health, presenting health authorities with the immense challenge to halt the spread and develop a vaccine.
Until then, the ID Project will lead the use of next generation sequencing to effectively track, trace and respond to potential transmission and outbreaks of COVID-19 in Queensland Health facilities.
Sequencing COVID-19 will provide clinically actionable, validated, and timely genomic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated in hospitals.
COVID-19 samples collected from Queensland Health facilities will be analysed and compared to other cases recorded within the healthcare facility, community, throughout Queensland, Australia and internationally.
In this way the spread of COVID-19 can be mapped, and viral mutations and emerging strains detected.
Primarily, clinicians will be able to rapidly identify and verify COVID-19 transmission in the healthcare environment with pinpoint accuracy and implement infection control measures using a targeted approach that can ultimately save lives.
Project Investigators
Project leaders engage with and draw upon the expertise of partners within universities, research institutes and hospital and health services around Queensland.
Professor David Paterson, The University of Queensland (lead)
Dr Patrick Harris, The University of Queensland and Pathology Queensland
Dr Krispin Hajkowicz, Metro North Hospital and Health Service
Dr Scott Beatson, The University of Queensland
Dr Brian Forde, The University of Queensland
Dr Geoffrey Playford, Metro South Hospital and Health Service and Pathology Queensland
Dr Julia Clark, Queensland Children’s Hospital
Professor Graeme Nimmo, Pathology Queensland
Dr Amy Jennison, Forensic and Scientific Services
Ms Belinda Henderson, Infection Control Genomics Nurse Coordinator, The University of Queensland
Ms Trish Hurst, Infection Control Genomics Nurse Coordinator, The University of Queensland
other infectious disease projects
