Integration of epidemiological and genetic data to reconstruct disease outbreaks in host-viral systems. (360G-Wellcome-102427_Z_13_Z)

£160,309

The recent history of a virus epidemic can be more accurately reconstructed when genetic and epidemiological data are integrated, compared to focusing on either data type alone. However, current reconstructive approaches are limited, being designed for outbreaks where most cases are identified. We lack a framework capable of powerful inference when more detailed epidemiological and viral genetic data are available, but when a smaller proportion of cases is sampled. I intend to resolve this by developing general Bayesian statistical methods and applying them to host-virus systems for which both viral genetic and host behavioural data are available: hepatitis C virus (HCV) in humans, and influenza in wild birds.Accessing data obtained from collaborators from four cohorts of HCV patients, I will apply improved methods to determine factors associated with increased risk of transmitting HCV. In tandem, I will study longitudinal viral genetic diversity in a resident mute swan colony (Abbotsbury, Dorset). This will test hypotheses that influenza dynamics in long-lived birds are unlike that in the short-lived species on which almost all research focuses. Combining epidemiological and genetic sequence data will increase understanding of the dynamic behaviour of these viruses, which can be translated to improving control and surveillance measures.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 160309
Applicant Surname Hill
Approval Committee PhD Studentships
Award Date 2013-06-24T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2012/13
Grant Programme: Title PhD Studentship (Basic)
Internal ID 102427/Z/13/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Sarah Hill
Partnership Value 160309
Planned Dates: End Date 2018-01-12T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2013-10-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East
Sponsor(s) Prof Jonathan Flint