IBMS Congress 2025

Diagnostics in the rare and imported pathogens laboratory

9am – 9.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

The pathogens that we test for in the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory, can be travel associated viruses such as Chikungunya, Lassa, and Dengue but also the rarer viruses for example Oropouche and Japanese encephalitis, so how does the laboratory have confidence in the results it is providing when, for some pathogens, there may never have been a positive case in the UK and therefore no positive clinical samples to work with?

We will discuss how, when there is no suitable commercially produced test available, we take research assays and transition them into functioning clinical diagnostic tests in an ISO15189:2022 accredited laboratory.

The Ebola pandemic – 10 year anniversay experiences and reflections from the frontline

9.30am – 10am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Speakers

Stephen Kidd

Principal Clinical Scientist, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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Respiratory pandemic preparedness

10.30am – 11am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand:

• The significant amount of work in the background that supports assay roll-out and service stand up during responses to epidemics and pandemics.
• The role of the UKHSA Diagnostic Accelerator Unit in preparedness
• The importance of pandemic preparedness building on lessons learned from previous responses 

Assessing the risk of H5N1 emergence

11am – 11.30am BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

• Understanding of  the virology of H5N1 Influenza A and strain variation
• Insight into the factors associated with pathogenesis in H5N1 infection
• Assessment of current risk to humans and animals from H5N1 influenza A

Knock on effects of the Pandemic: Influenzas and respiratory viruses

11.30am – 12pm BST, 23 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

This presentation will:

• Give an overview of the changes made to laboratory practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate testing for SARS-CoV-2
• Outline adaptations to laboratory service coming out of the initial phase of the pandemic
• Discuss how the laboratory service has responded to variations in the epidemiology/ seasonality of  other infectious diseases  which occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic

Learning outcomes

The COVID 2019 pandemic had significant and long lasting impact on a global scale. Through this discussion delegates will explore the impacts seen in a NHS virology laboratory, and considerations for the future of staff, workflow and budgets.

Green labs in virology

9am – 9.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Reducing waste and changing practices to improve the sustainability of Public Health Wales Laboratories

9.30am – 10am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Laboratories produce vast quantities of waste, with a significant proportion being single-use plastic (SUP). Eleanor Cooper and her colleagues at Public Health Wales have been working to improve the sustainability of their Microbiology labs, specifically focusing on SUP. In this presentation, we will cover the scale of the problem faced, and which key areas laboratory staff (along with other departments such as Estates and Procurement) can focus on to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve energy-efficient practices. Both short and long term actions are covered, with a strong focus on the importance of fostering a community of like-minded staff to tackle this ever more pressing issue. 

Measles – outbreak epidemiology in West Midlands

10.30am – 11am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning Outcomes

This presentation will:

• Highlight the measles outbreak activity in West Midlands during the outbreak incident 2023-24
• Highlight the collaborative nature of working between laboratories and other Public health teams and stakeholders especially field services and Health Protection teams
• Outline how biomedical scientist roles can contribute to such incidents 

Measles and Influenza - Diagnostic Assay Assurance

11am – 11.30am BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

A recent publication by the National Measles and Rubella Reference Laboratory (CNRRR, Geneva University Hospitals) in Switzerland identified measles virus mutations within the N-gene target of the CDC (USA) RT-rPCR assay that were associated with a loss of sensitivity of the test (1). Primers and probe from the CDC RT-rPCR assay are used within UKHSA laboratories, either alone or in conjunction with an H-gene target (the H gene target assay is a UKHSA in-house assay (2)). Therefore, in-silico analysis of the N- and H-gene primers and probes were carried out on outbreak data from England to assess any potential impact to diagnostic tests in the UK.  Diagnostic tests were then assessed using 4 measles strains to assess the impact of mutations present within diagnostic test target regions. This talk will discuss the finding of this measles assay assurance exercise.

The talk will also discuss the emergence and expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and how assay assurance can ensure we are prepared to detect the first few cases of avian influenza, which will support containment and understanding transmission of the virus.

1. Pérez-Rodríguez FJ, Cherpillod P, Thomasson V, Vetter P, Schibler M. Identification of a measles variant displaying mutations impacting molecular diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland, 2023. Euro Surveill. 2024 Feb;29(5):2400034. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.5.2400034. PMID: 38304951; PMCID: PMC10835752.
2. Thomas, 2007.  Development and evaluation of a real‐time PCR assay for rapid identification and semi‐quantitation of measles virus, Journal of Medical Virology - Wiley Online Library

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Understand the role and remit of PDAG
• Gain knowledge on assurance work undertaken during the measles outbreak incident 2023-24 and how that information is used
• Learn about other key areas of virology assay assurance being undertaken, including Influenza

Measles immunisation: Challenges, issues and successes

11.30am – 12pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

This presentation will provide an overview of trends in national measles vaccination coverage and the impact this has had on control of measles transmission and outbreaks. It will also highlight challenges and issues in improving coverage, as well as successful innovation during the 2024 measles outbreak in England.

Opportunities and challenges of bacteriophage applications

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will gain:

• An overview of the different phage therapy approaches
• An overview of the use of phage as a diagnostic tool
• An understanding of the current legislative framework surrounding different phage applications
• An understanding of the requirements needed for the development of commercial phage-based products

Nature’s Nano-Ninjas: Bacteriophage biocontrol in veterinary medicine

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will:

• Describe key qualities of bacteriophage which are suitable for therapeutic applications.
• Discuss the current regulatory environment for bacteriophage use in veterinary medicine in the UK/EU.
• Summarise the main uses of bacteriophage biocontrol in veterinary contexts.
• Outline the main scientific and technical barriers to a wider adoption of bacteriophage biocontrol.

Clinical phage therapy in the UK

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

This presentation will cover:

• What is phage therapy?
• Introducing the UKHSA Clinical Phage Service
• Introducing clinical phage diagnostics
• The future of clinical phage therapy in biomedical science

Antimicrobial resistance is set to be responsible for ~10 million deaths by 2050. Bacteriophage therapy offers an alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies. This presentation will review how phage therapy is currently delivered in the UK, and how UKHSA is working to streamline this.

Double jaundice

4pm – 4.30pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will gain knowledge on:

• Differential diagnosis of jaundice in children.
• The use of multidisciplinary tests for diagnosis.
• Alerting external bodies with significant findings    

HSD case studies

4.30pm – 5pm BST, 24 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Metagenomics to diagnose encephalitis

9am – 9.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Speakers

Dr Julianne Brown

Principal Clinical Scientist, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

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Pathogen metagenomics for the diagnosis of respiratory infection in critical illness

9.30am – 10am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Emerging technologies

10.30am – 11am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Abstract

AI in clinical epidemiology

11am – 11.30am BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Learning outcomes

Interpretive software

11.30am – 12pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Meet the Experts: Virology

12.45pm – 2pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 1 hour 15 mins

Virology

High-risk groups & sexual health

2pm – 2.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

As the preventative measures available in GU medicine continue to expand, including pre/post exposure prophylactic drugs and vaccines, it becomes increasingly important to ensure equity of access and uptake for sexual communities that have higher risks.  This talk will explore the different interventions available, and methods for connecting interventional offers with communities.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding High-Risk Groups
• Key Prevention Strategies
• Importance of a Holistic Approach

Diagnostic dilemmas in STDs, pre-exposure prophylaxis

2.30pm – 3pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Learning outcomes

Delegates will understand the:

• Challenges in diagnosing STDs
• Role and challenges of PrEP
• Integration of diagnostics with prevention

Novel approach to offering blood-borne virus testing within community outreach

3pm – 3.30pm BST, 25 September 2025 ‐ 30 mins

Virology

Abstract

Background

England has been successful in reducing Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in line with WHO 2030 targets, with micro-elimination happening in many areas, achieved with the combination of diagnostics and treatment of direct acting antivirals (DAAs). However, challenges remain including hard-to-reach populations, re-infection and loss to follow up. Active case finding is required, with support from community clinics such as mobile unit testing. A capillary blood testing service provided by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Bristol laboratory provides a rapid bespoke testing option for all-in-one testing for rapid antibody and nucleic acid bloodborne screening without requirement for venepuncture.

Methods

A pilot study, between October 2024 and February 2025, within the South of England; combined a bespoke postal service testing to include HCV, HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV) and Treponemal (syphilis). Sampling uses a lancet and microcontainer for collection of blood. A mobile van identified 63 people at risk within hard-to-reach locations such as rural and island environments, where bespoke care pathways were initiated.  The mobile van provided screening of capillary blood samples sent to the laboratory.

Results

61 HCV RNA PCR tests were successfully with 15/61(25%) positivity and one participant with hepatitis C reinfection was identified due to a genotype change. Further, there were X patients identified which were previously lost to follow up. 11 samples requested had successful HCV genotyping within 6 days which identified genotype-specific treatment, allowing a cost-efficient HCV care cascade. 1 case of HBV was also identified. 63 patients were tested as part of this pilot project.

Discussion

This capillary blood service pilot provided broad bloodborne virus testing without requirement for venepuncture, supporting a bespoke service whilst maintaining good sensitivity. This assisted versatility of testing and support for re-engagement in a rural hard-to-reach community. Genotype testing supported genotype-specific treatment, allowing cost-effective treatment whilst providing a rapid TAT. This service supported shortened HCV pathways and future innovations will look to include FIB-4 testing within the same sample to measure liver fibrosis. 

Learning outcomes

Delegates will learn:

• Benefits of innovation and adapting services to meet patient needs
• The value of sharing learning
• The patient perspective    

Speakers

Louise Hansford

Hep C Elimination Coordinator, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

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