Hospital and Healthcare Pathogens (Past Projects)
Using whole genome sequencing to identify transmission linkages among carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates within the Australian Capital Territory
Project Summary
Carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are an emerging threat to public health. Approximately half of all patients that get bloodstream infections from CRE die from the infection because the bacteria are resistant to most available antibiotics.
Since 2009, ACT Pathology has collected over 100 CPE isolates from clinical, surveillance and environmental sources, with extended epidemiological data available for most of these isolates.
This project aims to identify the extent of healthcare associated transmission within this health jurisdiction and to determine whether there is any phlylogenetic link between environmental and clinical isolates. This project will lead to the establishment of a phylogenetic database of CPE isolates within the ACT for future outbreak and/or routine surveillance purposes. The knowledge gained through this project will also assist in ongoing infection prevention and control strategies.
Project Partners
ACT Pathology, ACT, Australia