Severe Presentation of Infectious Disease (SPID) Genomic Network of Excellence (GNoE) 

The NHS has established the NHS Genomic Networks of Excellence as part of the evolving NHS GMS Alliance infrastructure. These networks are partnerships between the NHS GMS, Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs), clinical genomic services, academia, the third sector, and industry. The goal is to generate evidence and models for adopting new technologies and testing, leading to positive impacts for current and future generations.

The Severe Presentation of Infectious Disease (SPID) Genomic Network of Excellence (GNoE) aims to transform the diagnosis and treatment of patients with life-threatening infectious diseases. By using genetic information from humans and pathogens, the project seeks to understand why some patients have more severe responses to infections. This understanding can lead to improved disease management, targeted drug therapies, and better patient outcomes.

Clinical Scenarios

1. Severe Respiratory Illness (Work Package 1): This work package involves the utilisation of rapid genomic sequencing in ICU settings to expedite pathogen identification and facilitate the development of personalised treatment plans. The initiative is currently being trialled at six additional sites across England.
2. Infections in Normally Sterile Sites (Work Package 2): This work package targets patients with infections in the central nervous system, many of whom are immunocompromised, and other normally sterile sites. The project makes use of an existing UKAS accredited metagenomics service for sterile sites being run routinely at Great Ormond Street Hospital. WP2 is developing a more sensitive, faster method than the current GOSH method. This will be trialled against the standard of care method at GOSH with a view to rolling it out to SPID centres in 2026.
3. Immune System Response (Work Package 3): This work package focuses on evaluating the immune responses of patients from the first two scenarios. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the immune mechanisms at play and to develop strategies to support individuals at heightened risk of certain infections.

Expected Benefits:

• Clinical Utility and Effectiveness: Generates evidence for the clinical utility of genomic technologies and develops best practice recommendations.
• Models of Adoption: Develops models for adopting new technologies across the NHS GMS.
• Collaboration: Strengthens collaboration between stakeholders in the genomics ecosystem.
• National Infrastructure: Creates opportunities for national pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.

Scope and Objectives

The SPID GNoE addresses clinical needs and aims to increase the number of patients accessing rapid genomic testing. The project applies and embeds tested metagenomic workflows into other Trusts, tests the clinical utility of these pathways, and develops routine service delivery models nationwide.

Key Deliverables

• Compares different metagenomic workflows.
• Develops host immune workflows.
• Works with industry partners to improve sequencing workflows.
• Establishes a National Multidisciplinary team.
• Conducts service feasibility and early clinical use case assessments.
• Conducts real-world health economic studies.
• Establishes a national infrastructure for integrated microbial and immunity genomics.

The project is making significant strides across various work packages (WPs), focusing on metagenomic and host immune workflows.

• WP1: Delivery of essential equipment and support for respiratory sample analysis.
• WP2: Development of protocols and progress in diagnostic testing.
• WP3: Ongoing ethics approval and initial multidisciplinary team meetings to develop patient pathways.

Industry Partnerships: Ongoing collaborations to enhance sequencing workflows and efforts to link research with real-world data.

National MDT: Establishing a team to develop clinical standards for integrated microbial and host immunity evaluations, with plans for early clinical use case assessments.

Infrastructure Development: Building a national infrastructure to support research collaboration with pharmaceutical and bio-diagnostic partners.

The SPID Work Package co-leads are North Thames and the South East GMSA. For more information, please follow the links below:

Home – North Thames GMS : North Thames GMS

Home – South East Genomics : South East Genomics

Within the Wessex region, a working group has been established to lead, coordinate, and deliver the Serious Presentation of Infectious Disease Genomic Network of Excellence (SPID GNoE) work packages in the region. The Wessex Infection Network for Genomics (WING) is a collaborative working group, with members including a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical experts, academics, and patient representatives, all dedicated to advancing genomic technologies and improving patient outcomes. To read more about WING, click the links below.

Wessex Infection Network for Genomics (WING)

SPID MDT Request form

The current SPID MDTs taking place across the country are as follows:

For more information, please contact: