Feasibility, acceptability and ethics of using near real-time whole genome sequencing (WGS) to guide clinical decision-making

We explored the feasibility and acceptability of using near real-time WGS to guide clinical decision-making and individualised interventions for STI/blood-borne viruses (BBV). Using N. gonorrhoeae as an example, we will investigate the sensitivity and specificity of WGS to target heterosexual-identifying men who should be offered enhanced HIV/BBV prevention, and assess the acceptability of this approach to patients/providers.

Findings will be used to:

• update guidance on clinical management, STI/BBV outbreak and incident management and testing/ vaccination policy;
• support the development of risk profile tools; and
• parameterise epidemic prediction models and design and evaluate interventions.