Assessment and implementation of a whole genome sequencing scheme for rapid resolution of Legionella pneumophila outbreaks in Canada to better protect vulnerable populations

Funding period: 2023–2025
Lead: Jennifer Tanner
Total GRDI funding: $250,400

Legionella pneumophila (Lp) is a bacterial pathogen endemic in waterways worldwide that causes a serious form of pneumonia called legionnaires' disease. This project intends to develop and implement a workflow for high-resolution subtyping and disease cluster determination (outbreaks) of legionnaires' disease using computational analysis of whole genome sequence data that can be performed in-house by public health laboratories across Canada.

The workflow will be compatible with commonly used sequencing platforms (Illumina and Nanopore) and suitable for stakeholder training provided for implementation and multicentre validation. In addition, to support high volumes of samples, methods for automatic extraction of genomic material from Lp will be developed and validated.

The direct outputs of this project will be a validated workflow for rapidly subtyping and clustering Lp as well as methodology for high-throughput processing of Lp isolates for emergency preparedness.