WGS to Investigate Klebsiella Bacterial Outbreaks

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Applying genomic methods for the timely characterisation and outbreak investigation of Klebsiella spp. isolated within a healthcare setting

• IRAS ID

  364411

• Contact name

  Luke Turner

• Contact email

  luke.turner@wales.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Public Health Wales

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Why?
  Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections caused by Klebsiella species can have serious consequences for patients. Rapid identification of outbreaks and transmission routes is essential to reduce harm, improve infection control, and prevent further spread. Current laboratory methods can identify some links between cases but may lack sufficient resolution or speed. This study aims to assess whether whole genome sequencing (WGS) methods can improve outbreak investigation and provide patient benefit and value for money.
  What?
  This study focuses on improving the investigation of nosocomial Klebsiella spp. infections. It evaluates genomic characterisation methods, including, but not limited to, SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism), MLST (mutlilocus sequence typing), cgMLST (core genome mutlilocus sequence typing) typing, and compares their performance with existing outbreak investigation approaches.

  Who?
  The study involves Klebsiella isolates obtained from patients as part of routine clinical care. No additional procedures, sampling, or interventions will be required from patients.
  Where?
  The study will be conducted within hospital and microbiology laboratory settings in Swansea Bay University Health Board, using samples generated through routine diagnostic and infection prevention and control activities.
  How?
  Bacterial isolates from known or suspected outbreaks, over the period of one year, will undergo whole genome sequencing. Genomic relatedness between isolates will be analysed using bespoke methods and interpreted alongside standard infection prevention and control investigations. The study will assess whether rapid WGS improves understanding of transmission events, supports more effective outbreak management, and represents a cost-effective service. Findings will be shared with stakeholders, with scope for patient and public involvement through established genomics engagement groups, e.g. Genomics Partnership Wales sounding-board.
  

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  26/WA/0148

• Date of REC Opinion

  27 May 2026

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion