Speaker
Description
The amount of sequence data produced as part of the global pandemic response far outstrips that of previous epidemics. A key question is whether the sequencing and collaboration networks developed to combat a pandemic can be used to monitor localised outbreaks and epidemics. The disruption of typical RSV transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed interest in a genomic approach to RSV surveillance. Integrating geographical and sequence data, we describe the dynamics of RSV in the UK pre- and post- pandemic and provide suggestions for future surveillance strategies. Using community and hospital samples dating from 2008 to 2023, we assess the impact of the pandemic on RSV circulation in the UK. We analyse seasonal spread of RSV and test various future UK surveillance schemes, with the aim of optimising both routine and targeted RSV sequencing.
