Getting Started on Microbial Genomics
Embarking on training in microbial genomics can be daunting with so much new terminology. We asked several members of the CDGN Teaching, Training and Curriculum Working Group to prepare some information from their experience and resources they used that can hopefully assist others in their training journey, whether to provide a starting point to wrap your head around what is ahead or whether to guide your discussion with a prospective training lab for example for NPAAC/RCPA microbial genomics certification.
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From Centaurus to XBB: your handy guide to the latest COVID subvariants (and why some are more worrying than others)
We are also increasingly hearing about new Omicron sub-variants with names such as BA.2, BA.4 and now BA.5. The concern is these sub-variants may lead to people becoming reinfected, leading to another rise in cases.
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Why are there so many new Omicron sub-variants, like BA.4 and BA.5? Will I be reinfected? Is the virus mutating faster?
We are also increasingly hearing about new Omicron sub-variants with names such as BA.2, BA.4 and now BA.5. The concern is these sub-variants may lead to people becoming reinfected, leading to another rise in cases.
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Associate Professor Torsten Seemann wins WHO Western Pacific Region Innovation Challenge for the creation of AusTrakka
University of Melbourne Associate Professor Torsten Seemann has won the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Innovation Challenge for his work leading the development of AusTrakka, Australia’s national pathogen genomics surveillance platform.
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Genomics platform enables real-time surveillance of pathogens nationally
Published in Nature Communications, researchers behind AusTrakka outline how the platform has facilitated rapid data sharing, democratised access to computational and bioinformatic resources and expertise, and achieved national real-time genomic surveillance.
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Q&A: What we do (and don’t) know about Omicron
The latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has sparked international travel bans, stricter quarantine and a lot of “hype” worldwide – but we still have a lot to learn about the mutation
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Researchers develop critical framework to examine use of whole-genome sequencing in public health surveillance and disease control
The Pathogen Genomics in Public HeAlth Surveillance Evaluation (PG-PHASE) Framework published in Genome Medicine, uses an adaptable, whole-of-system approach towards understanding the utility of pathogen genomics and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in disease control and measuring the impact on public health processes and outcomes.
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The vital role being played by COVID genomic sequencing
The Communicable Diseases Genomic Network (CDGN) co-chair Professor Ben Howden, featured on ABC Radio National’s Sunday Extra with Julian Morrow to discuss the important role genomic sequencing has played in the COVID-19 pandemic response.
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Podcast: 101 on genomic sequencing and the B.1.617 variant
It’s been widely publicised that the variant of SARS-CoV-2 associated with Melbourne’s outbreak is the B.1.617 variant. What do we know about it? Is it more transmissible?
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Webinar recording: The Future of Public Health in Asia
The Precision Public Health Asia 2021 Conference held a plenary session featuring a presentation from Prof Ben Howden, CDGN Co-Chair followed by a panel discussion moderated by Prof Jeremy Lim Director, Leadership Institute for Global Health Transformation (LIGHT), NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
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Webinar recording: Genome Sequencing COVID-19
Genome sequencing has been around for decades and has become faster and cheaper in more recent years. But how is it currently being used across the world in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic?
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WEBINAR: AusTrakka: integrated pathogen genomics for SARS-CoV-2
Dr Clare Sloggett, Doherty Institute, recently presented a webinar on AusTrakka, hosted by Australian BioCommons.
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Implementation Plan for the National Microbial Genomics Framework
A national plan for the integration of microbial genomics into the Australian public health system has been published this week by the Australian Government Department of Health.
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CDGN partners with RCPA QAP to develop SARS-CoV-2 WGS PTP
The CDGN is supporting the development of proficiency testing programs (PTPs) for SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, providing advice, bioinformatics expertise and support to the Quality Assurance Program (QAP).
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AusTrakka update #1
An update on the current status of AusTrakka for SARS-CoV-2. Within weeks of its deployment, AusTrakka identified its first inter-jurisdictional transmission of SARS-CoV-2 based on genomic analysis of sequence data uploaded onto the platform.
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Welcome to our website!
Welcome to the CDGN website! We are excited to share regular updates on our public health pathogen genomics activities across member laboratories in Australia and New Zealand.
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