Clinical whole genome sequencing as a first-tier test at a resource-limited dysmorphology clinic in Mexico

Patients with rare, undiagnosed, or genetic disease (RUGD) often undergo years of serial testing, commonly referred to as the “diagnostic odyssey”. Patients in resource-limited areas face even greater challenges—a definitive diagnosis may never be reached due to difficulties in gaining access to clinicians, appropriate specialists, and diagnostic testing. Here, we report on a collaboration of the Illumina iHope Program with the Foundation for the Children of the Californias and Hospital Infantil de Las Californias, to enable deployment of clinical whole genome sequencing (cWGS) as first-tier test in a resource-limited dysmorphology clinic in northern Mexico. A total of 60 probands who were followed for a suspected genetic diagnosis and clinically unresolved after expert examination were tested with cWGS, and the ordering clinicians completed a semi-structured survey to investigate change in clinical management resulting from cWGS findings. Clinically significant genomic findings were identified in 68.3% ( n = 41) of probands. No recurrent molecular diagnoses were observed. Copy number variants or gross chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 48.8% ( n = 20) of the diagnosed cases, including a mosaic trisomy and suspected derivative chromosomes. A qualitative assessment of clinical management revealed 48.8% ( n = 20) of those diagnosed had a change in clinical course based on their cWGS results, despite resource limitations. These data suggest that a cWGS first-tier testing approach can benefit patients with suspected genetic disorders. Pediatrics: Philanthropic clinical whole-genome sequencing program helps children in Mexico Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides a valuable first-tier diagnostic test at pediatric clinics in resource-limited parts of the world, according to a study of children with suspected genetic disease treated in northern Mexico. A team led by Marilyn Jones from the Rady Children’s Hospital and Ryan Taft from Illumina Inc., both in San Diego, California, USA, describe a collaboration with a volunteer-led clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, where they offered genome sequencing for children with suspected genetic conditions—philanthropically through the iHope Program. Among the 60 families that participated, the clinical laboratory team identified genomic variants with diagnostic relevance in 41 (68%) cases. The genomic information contributed to changes in clinical management for 20 of these children, demonstrating the impact of WGS in place