Economic evaluations of whole-genome sequencing for pathogen identification in public health surveillance and health-care-associated infections: a systematic review

Abstract

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has resulted in improvements to pathogen characterisation for the rapid investigation and management of disease outbreaks and surveillance. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the economic evidence of WGS implementation for pathogen identification and surveillance. Of the 2285 unique publications identified through online database searches, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The economic evidence to support the broader application of WGS as a front-line pathogen characterisation and surveillance tool is insufficient and of low quality. WGS has been evaluated in various clinical settings, but these evaluations are predominantly investigations of a single pathogen. There are also considerable variations in the evaluation approach. Economic evaluations of costs, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness are needed to support the implementation of WGS in public health settings.