Advancing pathogen genomics in resource-limited settings

Summary

Genomic sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool to enhance early pathogen detection and characterization with implications for public health and clinical decision making. Although widely available in developed countries, the application of pathogen genomics among low-resource, high-disease burden settings remains at an early stage. In these contexts, tailored approaches for integrating pathogen genomics within infectious disease control programs will be essential to optimize cost efficiency and public health impact. We propose a framework for embedding pathogen genomics within national surveillance plans across a spectrum of surveillance and laboratory capacities. We adopt a public health approach to genomics and examine its application to high-priority diseases relevant in resource-limited settings. For each grouping, we assess the value proposition for genomics to inform public health and clinical decision-making, alongside its contribution toward research and development of novel diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

Graphical abstract

Abstract

Pronyk et al. profile an approach to genomic surveillance for high-priority pathogens in resource-limited settings. National planning should be informed by local disease burdens, existing surveillance and laboratory systems, and the utility for genomics in each context. The aim is to design cost-efficient, multi-pathogen approaches that optimize public health impact.