PHE_Scientific - WGS services for non-culture meningococcal strains

Tender description

Public Health England (PHE) is looking for a whole genome sequencing (WGS) provider to perform enrichment and sequencing of meningococcal DNA extracted directly from clinical specimens. PHE’s Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU) carries out enhanced surveillance of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in England and Wales (E&W). This is of particular importance following the introduction of the novel, protein-based 4CMenB (Bexsero®) meningococcal vaccine into the national infant immunisation schedule in September 2015. Data from a recent study pilot study indicates that meningococcal RNA baits can be used to target and isolate meningococcal DNA from within a mixed (human and bacterial) extracts (Clark et al. 2017). As part of PHE Enhanced Surveillance activities, three years of clinical sample extracts (n=100-170, depending on available sample) are to be whole genome sequenced using this approach.