Publications by authors named "Neil Bray"
Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is the gold standard diagnostic tool to identify and genetically characterise emerging pathogen mutations (variants), but cost, capacity, and timeliness limit its use when large populations need rapidly assessing. We assessed the potential of genotyping assays to provide accurate and timely variant information at scale by retrospectively examining surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 variants in England between March and September, 2021, when genotyping assays were used widely for variant detection.
Methods: We chose a panel of four RT-PCR genotyping assays to detect circulating variants of SARS-COV-2 in England and developed a decision algorithm to assign a probable SARS-CoV-2 variant to samples using the assay results.
Background: Between May 6, 2022, and Jan 16, 2023, 3555 mpox cases were reported in England, predominantly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Initially, the UK Health Security agency administered questionnaires to laboratory-detected cases via telephone calls. From June, 2022, cases were requested by text or email to complete the questionnaire online, with optional anonymous completion.
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- The emergence of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 allowed for differentiation from the Delta variant through S gene target failure.
- In England, an established S gene target surveillance (SGTS) system enabled swift identification of potential Omicron cases, typically within three days of sample collection.
- SGTS played a crucial role in public health responses, including case tracking and management, highlighting its importance and providing insights for effective use.