NH PHL Discipline A Microbiology Analytical Track 4 - Whole Genome Sequencing

Discipline A: Microbiology Analytical Track 4: Whole Genome Sequencing To enhance the GenomeTrakr network by capturing the current and evolving genomic diversity of non-clinical pathogens across FDA-relevant areas in human or animal food, environmental, and water samples. The data generated through this analytical track, which will be housed in public databases at the National Center for Biotechnology information (NCBI), can be assessed by researchers and public health officials for real time comparison and analysis that promises to speed foodborne illness outbreak investigations and reduce foodborne illness and death. The NH PHL will sequence a variety of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Shiga toxin- producing E. coli (STEC) and other foodborne related bacterial, viral and parasite pathogen isolates, and provide any requested training and mentorship to other state laboratories. The NH PHL will maintain facilities and personnel necessary to complete the work proposed under this project. All WGS results and metadata will be shared in real-time with the NCBI-NIH curated national database for enteric pathogen genomes, in coordination with FDA CFSAN. The NH PHL will participate in the GenomeTrakr network, including meetings, conference calls, proficiency tests and other activities. The NH PHL will participate in multi-lab validation studies, as needed and have at least one key personnel attend the annual GenomeTrakr and LFFM Face-to-Face Meetings. NH PHL will participate and pass annual proficiency tests, attend monthly calls, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, maintain facilities and personnel necessary to complete the work proposed, and provide a detailed quarterly summary of all samples collected and analyzed. The NH PHL will maintain a valid 20.88 agreement with the FDA.