My research focuses on the role of sequencing technologies in diagnostic microbiology and public health. This follows a study demonstrating for the first time that whole genome sequencing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) could define transmission pathways at both global and local levels. A UKCRC Translational Infection Research Initiative grant of 3.2M has funded the development of a Cambridge UKCRC Consortium to develop tools that interpret genome sequence and provide user-friendly web-based platforms for use by public health organizations, diagnostic laboratories and healthcare workers. This will be developed to study global, national and regional transmission pathways of major drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Harris SR, Cartwright EJP, Török ME, Holden MTG, Brown NM, Ogilvy-Stuart AL, Ellington MJ, Quail MA, Bentley SD, Parkhill J, Peacock SJ. Using Whole-Genome Sequencing to Dissect the Cause and Effect of an MRSA Outbreak. Lancet Infect Dis. In press.

Köser CU, Holden MTG, Ellington MJ, D.Phil., Cartwright EJP, Brown NM, Ogilvy-Stuart AL, Hsu LY, Chewapreecha C, Croucher NJ, Harris SR, Sanders M, Enright MC, Dougan G, Bentley SD, Parkhill J, Fraser LJ, Betley JR, Schulz-Trieglaff OB, Smith GP, Peacock SJ. A neonatal MRSA outbreak investigation using rapid whole genome sequencing. New Engl J Med. 2012;363:2267-2275.

Wiersinga WJ, Currie BJ, Peacock SJ. Melioidosis. New Engl J Med. 2012;367:1035-44. [Read More...]