Integrating genomic laboratory data into tuberculosis surveillance: improving tracking of tuberculosis strains and cluster identification to enhance outbreak management.

Since the 1990s, healthcare professionals have used genotyping to identify specific Tuberculosis clusters and strains. Although, these data have potential to enhance outbreak investigations, they are rarely integrated into TB surveillance systems. Using a systematic approach genomic laboratory data can be integrated with traditional TB surveillance systems to improve TB control. This poster describes a pilot project; including systems architecture, messaging and data repository design, which integrates genomic and epidemiological characteristics of culture positive cases.