Development of custom pilot biosurveillance panels for the identification of biothreat agents combined with the detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers by using NGS technologies

This study aims to strengthen and further expand the operational capabilities of
CTMA/DLD-Bio (i.e. reach-back laboratory and deployable B-LiFE) and of its military
end-users/clients (FOL, units of MHQA, RDOIT,…) in the detection and identification of biological agents in complex environmental or clinical trace-level samples that would be released naturally, accidentally or deliberately (i.e. CBRN, diagnostic, forensic). For this purpose, a targeted NGS workflow with customised biosurveillance panels will be developed. A two-step validation will be carried out first on a NGS-specialized laboratory platform and then transferred and implemented on a field deployable NGS device. These DNA-based tools will simultaneously provide a genomic identification of wide-range biothreat agents (at least at species-level) while integrating genomic data that inform on the evolution and origin of these pathogens (microbial forensics aspect) as well as the detection of known and new antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers. A first outcome of this study is a contribution to the military and civilian bio-preparedness in terms of fast identification of pathogens close to scene of biological release or sample collection. A second outcome is a quick identification-based therapeutic response in case of an emerging public health crisis, especially in case of a bioattack incident.

RMA is in charge of administrative management and stakeholder analysis of the project.

The project tNGS - HFM/19-11 is financed under the DFR call.