To strengthen the genomic sequencing capabilities of participating laboratories within PulseNet Africa, we recently organised a hands-on genomics workshop focusing on Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing. This workshop was a collaborative effort with the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM), Theiagen Genomics LLC, the Association for Public Health Laboratories (USA), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Participants brought DNA extracted from archived, unsequenced Vibrio cholerae isolates, collected from outbreaks or routine surveillance in their respective countries. These samples served as the foundation for practical training on PulseNet International’s protocols for ONT sequencing of food- and waterborne pathogens. The workshop culminated in collaborative data analysis, where participants interpreted genomic data to uncover transmission dynamics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of V. cholerae across Africa.
This training empowered regional public health laboratories with the skills to conduct sequencing directly in their own facilities, significantly enhancing Africa’s capacity to track and combat foodborne diseases.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Before the ONT workshop, PulseNet Africa members completed an intensive six-week bioinformatics training on Terra.Bio, a user-friendly, graphical interface platform designed to simplify genomic data analysis. This foundational program equipped participants with the skills to analyse sequencing data effectively, enabling them to maximise the impact of their newly acquired sequencing capabilities.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
This training is part of PulseNet Africa’s mission to support foodborne disease surveillance across the region. It marks a significant step in building expertise and fostering self-reliance among member laboratories, empowering them to respond swiftly and effectively to public health challenges.
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