Epidemiological and genomic investigations of infectious diseases
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of epidemiological and pathogenic factors associated with infectious diseases
IRAS ID
279677
Contact name
Frances Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 1 months, 4 days
Research summary
Infectious diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses, also known as pathogens, and new species can emerge over time (for example SARS CoV2 which causes COVID-19). They can occur in patients in the community or in hospitals.
Certain infectious diseases, particularly those associated with antimicrobial resistance, are rising year on year. New infections can arise, and existing infections spread from person to person both in the community and hospitals. It is unclear why these infections continue to increase, and bacterial infections such as E. coli are an NHS priority for reduction. Healthcare associated infections (HCAI) include blood stream and other infections which occur after admission to hospital, such as surgical site infections and colonisation or infection with antibiotic resistant bacteria, including MRSA and carbapenem resistant organisms (CRO). HCAI cause an increase in length of hospital stay and associated organisational costs. In order to reduce their impact, there is a need to better understand which patients are acquiring infections and why.
To gain an accurate picture, both pathogen and patient factors need to be investigated, but previous studies have tended to investigate these in isolation, not together. This research project aims to investigate what factors influence the emergence, spread and persistence of infectious diseases, including the risk factors (pathogen, patient or organisational) that have led to patients acquiring infections. The information will be used to identify clusters of outbreaks and predict which patients are at increased risk of acquiring infections. In this research project we will explore patient and pathogen factors using data routinely collected as part of patient care, and analysis of pathogens by whole genome sequencing, to identify factors that influence transmission, outbreaks and the risk of acquiring HCAIs.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0170
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion