Genomic, biological and epidemiological characterisation of pathogens
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genomic, biological and epidemiological characterisation of pathogens
IRAS ID
342045
Contact name
Theodore Gouliouris
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study is a laboratory-based study of genome sequencing (reading the DNA sequence) of microorganisms in clinical samples routinely collected from patients with a range of infectious diseases. Microorganisms that cause disease in humans are known as pathogens, and include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites. Pathogens and microbial communities will undergo a range of laboratory assays and genetic sequencing. Pathogen sequence data will be analysed using standard bioinformatic analysis programmes. Routine clinical and epidemiological data will be collected and de-identified, and used to improve interpretation of genomic data. This will enable us to study important clinical pathogens in detail. The benefits of research into pathogens routinely isolated during normal laboratory practice include: Surveillance of antimicrobial or anti viral resistance patterns; surveillance of infection caused by strains not covered by current vaccines; generation of large datasets for use by public health providers and the scientific community; understanding transmission in the hospital and the community; understanding pathogen biology.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0145
Date of REC Opinion
15 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion