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The world's microbiology laboratories can be a global microbial sensor network
Thomas F O'Brien1, John Stelling1
1Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women´s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Biomedica : Revista Del Instituto Nacional De Salud
|June 27, 2014
Summary
Microbiology laboratories can be linked into a global sensor network to track infectious microbes and resistance genes. This network leverages existing lab data to improve real-time detection and containment of disease spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health Informatics
Background:
- Infectious microbes and their resistance genes spread globally, necessitating effective tracking and containment strategies.
- Current microbiology laboratory data reporting is fragmented, hindering real-time surveillance and response efforts.
- Existing sensor networks for environmental and biological monitoring demonstrate the potential for integrated data systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and outline the framework for a global microbial sensor network by integrating data from worldwide microbiology laboratories.
- To demonstrate how existing laboratory data can be repurposed for enhanced microbial surveillance.
- To improve the detection and tracing of microbial and antimicrobial resistance gene movements.
Main Methods:
- Accessing and translating data from over 2,200 microbiology laboratories in 108 countries into compatible WHONET files.
- Utilizing byproduct data from drug susceptibility and biochemical testing, along with new technologies (genotyping, MALDI-TOF), for microbial subtyping.
- Applying statistical methods to delineate subtypes and analyze global sensor network data.
Main Results:
- Established a foundation for a global microbial sensor network using harmonized laboratory data.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of reusing laboratory byproduct data for sensitive microbial subtyping and tracing.
- Highlighted the potential for improved detection of microbe and resistance gene transmission across geographical and healthcare boundaries.
Conclusions:
- A global microbial sensor network is achievable by integrating and subtyping data from existing microbiology laboratories.
- Repurposing laboratory data can significantly enhance the sensitivity and scope of infectious disease surveillance.
- Such a network can automate reporting, guide genotyping, and alert responders to emerging threats, ultimately improving patient care and public health outcomes.
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