Pathogen Genomics for Public Health

Our Bioinformatics and Epidemiology teams translate genomic data into public health insights, supporting outbreak response, surveillance, and national programs.

Our Capabilities

• Quality control and analysis of microbial whole genome sequencing (WGS) data
• Development of custom bioinformatics tools for resistance detection, pathogen characterisation, and phylogenomic analysis
• Epidemiological interpretation of genomic and antimicrobial resistance data
• Coordination of key public health programs, including:
  • Victorian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Response Unit (VASRU)
  • Victorian Hospital Pathogens Surveillance Scheme (VHPSS)
  • National Enteric Pathogens Surveillance Scheme (NEPSS)

Key Contributions

• Genomic support for local and national outbreak investigations
• Tracking of antimicrobial resistance trends, including carbapenemase-producing organisms
• Data management and reporting for enteric disease surveillance in Australia
• Training and technical support across the Western Pacific Region as part of WHO collaboration