Research on the genome of microorganisms: ethical considerations and recommendations regarding the incidental bystander sequencing of human genetic material

In genomic research primarily targeting microorganisms (or pathogens), a substantial risk exists that the presence of human genetic bycatch is not sufficiently recognised, and that the potential harm of unwarranted analysis, access, or sharing of human genetic bystander data is also insufficiently acknowledged or mitigated. In this Personal View, we contend that mandatory risk mitigation measures are necessary, more so in view of the likely increase of sharing of materials and pathogen sequence information under the WHO Pandemic Agreement and the related Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing framework. Based on a joint reflection of the Institutional Review Board and individual researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, we propose a four-step approach to mitigate such risks: prevention or early removal of human genetic sequences, secure storage of samples and data, adaptation of informed consent, and targeted ethics review. This approach should contribute to maintaining ethical integrity, protect the rights of individuals and communities, and bolster public trust in the expanding use of untargeted sequencing in global health research.