How Does Genomic Sequencing Work?
Genomic sequencing is a term used to describe a variety of laboratory procedures that provide detailed information about the genetic makeup of infectious disease pathogens (germs) that are making people sick.
The genome of disease-causing pathogens is made up of DNA or RNA. Both DNA and RNA are formed with “building blocks” called nucleotides that tell us important information about a pathogen. The laboratory process of reading these nucleotides with bioinformatic tools is called sequencing. Analyzing the genome of various pathogens tell us more information about the germs that are causing disease in an individual person or in a population. VDH uses genomic information to find potential transmission links during public health disease investigations and to identify common sources of exposure in outbreak investigations.
How Are Genomic Sequencing Results Used?
- Analyzing and Visualizing Disease Data. VDH can analyze disease outbreak data from several sources. These include case information from our disease surveillance systems and pathogen genomic results. VDH creates data visualizations of pathogen genomic results using analytical tools such as Microbetrace, Nextstrain, and Microreact. These tools allow us to see how diseases are spreading through transmission network diagrams, maps, and phylogenetic trees.
- Interpreting Reports and Communicating Findings. The VDH Genomic Epidemiology Program interprets genomic results and develops methods to make this information easier to understand.
- Taking Public Health Action. The Genomic Epidemiology Program works closely with other infectious disease programs at VDH. Together we try to prevent and control outbreaks in Virginia.