Case Studies

Combating Bacillus anthracis
Bioinformatics

Combating Bacillus anthracis

Since 2015, we have been working with a CDC client focusing on Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) genome analysis and comparative genomics studies. In collaboration with these scientists, we have characterized sequencing data from various naturally occurring and laboratory constructed isolates, identifying novel variants and multi-copy plasmids and characterizing structural changes associated with drug resistance. This includes accurately characterizing variants associated with ciprofloxacin, penicillin, and clindamycin resistance. This work resulted in several publications in reputable journals.We have also created a bioinformatics pipeline for screening genomically engineered B. anthracis isolates and are developing a report generation software specific for this system, as well as a graphical user interface that allows for non-bioinformaticians to access this complete system. As we continue to work with this CDC client, our aim is to contribute to improving bioinformatics results interpretability and, therefore, time-sensitive responses to public health emergencies involving B. anthracis.
Ensuring a Culture of Safety
Laboratory safety

Ensuring a Culture of Safety

One of our federal clients has laboratories all throughout the U.S., which include high-containment facilities. This client established a laboratory safety office to consolidate the agency’s effort in creating a safety culture and reflect the agency’s commitment to public health.IHRC subject matter experts assessed the agency’s current status with their industry hygiene program, engineering practices, and facility operations and training. Our efforts helped the agency to identify gaps against current industry standards, regulations and federal requirements. IHRC continues to work with this agency to close these gaps and will provide greater protection of agency employees and the surrounding communities.
Calculating COVID-19’s Risk
Bioinformatics

Calculating COVID-19’s Risk

There are many sites and tools that track COVID-19 infection status and trends, however there is not a tool that calculates risk factors presenting in an event of various sizes. In collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, IHRC created an online tool quantifying the risk as a pro-bono project. Soon, this project received many interests and received funding from both the government and private industry, including the Rockefeller Foundation. Released in early 2020, the site provides interactive context to assess the risk that one or more individuals infected with COVID-19 are present in an event of various sizes. These risk calculations provide support for the ongoing need for social distancing and other protective measures, which provides needed awareness for officials and the public.https://covid19risk.biosci.gatech.edu/
Limiting Influenza’s Spread in Kenya
International outbreak response

Limiting Influenza’s Spread in Kenya

Increased global connectivity means an ever-present threat of pandemic influenza. Many countries such as Kenya are increasingly monitoring the circulation of seasonal influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens to inform global and local vaccination policies. Close monitoring and timely reporting of circulating types and subtypes of influenza viruses are key to mitigating the rapid spread of a potential influenza outbreak.Working with CDC-Kenya, IHRC took action to strengthen influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance in Kenya, which gave the data needed to design public health interventions that are more likely to succeed in preventing pandemic flu outbreaks. The results we generated also provided information on circulating types and subtypes of influenza — key information needed to ensure countrywide vaccinations for targeted groups.