The Mount Sinai Pathogen Surveillance Program (PSP) is leading efforts to track the evolution of infectious diseases by sequencing over 25,000 bacteria and viruses isolated from patients within the health system. Led by Harm van Bakel, PhD, the PSP uses advanced whole-genome sequencing to monitor pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, allowing real-time surveillance of viral variants and their mutations.

Dr. van Bakel's team focuses on understanding how pathogens, including COVID-19 variants and hospital-acquired infections, evolve and adapt. Their research on persistent infections in immunocompromised patients has revealed how variants can rapidly mutate within a single host, leading to new strains that may evade the immune system. The PSP also investigates the genetic mechanisms behind hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA, to uncover how these bacteria adapt to healthcare environments. This work offers critical insights into improving treatment strategies and managing pathogen resistance.