Experts are urging for the establishment of a global genetic warning system to combat potential future pandemics more effectively. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of genomic surveillance, especially through whole genome sequencing, in tracking the spread and evolution of the virus.
In an article published in Frontiers in Science, a group of international clinical and public health microbiologists from the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases stressed the importance of investing in technology, capacity, expertise, and collaboration for enhanced genomic surveillance of pathogens to bolster global pandemic preparedness.
Lead author Prof Marc Struelens emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to address the rapid spread of epidemic-prone infectious diseases worldwide. The majority of emerging illnesses in humans are zoonoses, originating from animals and exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance due to the overuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals.
The experts advocate for a collaborative One Health approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human health with the ecosystem. By leveraging genomic surveillance technologies, data from public health agencies, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals can be integrated to monitor human and animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and potential threats.
Real-time genomic surveillance allows for the swift detection of new strains of resistant bacteria and emerging diseases, enabling timely responses through targeted treatments and vaccination campaigns. The integration of epidemiological and clinical data across different fields provides a comprehensive understanding of pathogens and their risks, facilitating the prevention of future epidemics.
The scientists highlight the advancements in sequencing technologies, such as long-read genomic sequencing and artificial intelligence, as driving progress in surveillance efforts globally. However, they underscore the need for substantial investments in capacity building, expertise development, and data sharing mechanisms to ensure equitable and effective surveillance systems worldwide.
As the world navigates through the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the integration of genomic surveillance into global health security measures is paramount. By establishing interconnected surveillance networks and fostering collaboration across disciplines and countries, the international community can better prepare for and respond to potential public health crises, safeguarding the well-being of populations worldwide.
