Guidance

Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing and cluster investigation

A handbook for public health staff involved in the investigation of tuberculosis clusters.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 25 February 2014
• Last updated: 5 September 2022 — See all updates

Documents

Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole-genome sequencing and cluster investigation handbook

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Details

UKHSA produced this handbook to provide:

• information to support the use of tuberculosis (TB) whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for TB diagnosis and investigation of TB clusters
• guidance for UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) staff and public health teams following the introduction of WGS into national diagnostic service as a tool for TB cluster investigation – WGS is now used routinely to identify clusters of TB and potential transmission chains to reduce the incidence of TB in the UK
• an overview of the end-to-end processes of WGS for the investigation and management of TB cases and information on good practice for public health practitioners

This is the first edition of the WGS handbook. Updates will occur to reflect current knowledge and changes in public health practice when applicable.

Information on previous typing and cluster investigation for TB were published by Public Health England at (TB strain typing and cluster investigation handbook: 3rd edition (February 2014)

Published 25 February 2014
Last updated 5 September 2022 + show all updates

1. 5 September 2022

   Replaced 'TB strain typing and cluster investigation handbook' with 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole genome sequencing and cluster investigation handbook'.

2. 25 February 2014

   First published.