PHO Rounds: Prioritizing Pathogens for Genomics

Public health organizations throughout the world have started using microbial genomics to investigate outbreaks and conduct surveillance. Public Health Ontario (PHO) aims to prioritize pathogens for genomics in Ontario based on a robust methodology to focus resources. PHO’s approach was inspired by the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the prioritization of bacteria and fungi with antimicrobial resistance. A PHO working group used six criteria to develop a multi-criteria decision analysis method and the weighting for each criteria was done through consultation with stakeholders in Ontario and, more broadly, in Canada. This Rounds presentation will present detailed information on the benefits of genomics based on the literature and the results of this prioritization exercise.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of prioritization exercises in public health organizations
• Describe how microbial genomics can impact decision-making in public health during outbreaks
• Explore the impact and benefits of using microbial genomics in public health practice

Presenter(s): Dr. Sandra Isabel