Genomic sequencing explained

Genomic sequencing creates a genetic fingerprint of organisms and maps the order of how chemical building blocks of a genome are organised.

The researchers looked at how the virus genetic sequence was organised by detecting and translating minute differences in each new infection. A genetic family tree was created showing which COVID-19 positive cases were connected and to track clusters.

The more fingerprints we took, and the critical information collected from the contact tracers, the easier it became to identify if someone contracted COVID-19 from a known cluster or case, said Dr Rockett.

Very early on we were able to discover cases which werent linked to a known cluster or case. This informed state and federal governments that community transmission was happening, and led to the border closures, revision of testing policies and other measures that stopped further spread of the virus.

Dr Rockett and her team managed to produce these genomic data so quickly because they leveraged years of experience in using genome sequencing to track down food-borne pathogens such as salmonella, during food poisoning outbreaks, and transmission of tuberculosis.

The study is a behind the scenes look at the complex and coordinated effort by virologists, bioinformaticians and mathematical modellers alongside clinicians and public health professionals.

Dr Rocketts lab is the dedicated facility hosted by NSW Health Pathology providing genomic sequencing data to NSW Health professionals working at the frontline of managing the pandemic.

Genome sequencing is the key to unlocking the puzzle of local transmission, and its critical that we continue to invest in this research to advance our ability to contain the virus in the long-term not just to trace locally acquired cases, but also to identify new cases once border restrictions are lifted and travel resumes, says Dr Rockett.

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Genetic fingerprints of first COVID19 cases help manage pandemic - News - The University of Sydney