The STROBE statement, which Epidemiology and Infection supported when it first appeared in Lancet Infectious Diseases [Reference von Elm1], has been expanded to include guidelines on the reporting of molecular epidemiology for infectious diseases and is available free online as STROME-ID [Reference Field2] at http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(13)70324-4/fulltext

The abstract is reproduced below. Authors intending to submit relevant papers to Epidemiology and Infection are asked to follow these guidelines, and to state that they have done so in their covering letter to the Editor when they submit a paper.

First Author: Nigel Field, PhD

Order of Authors: Nigel Field, PhD; Ted Cohen, DPH; Marc J Streulens, PhD; Daniel Palm, PhD; Barry Cookson, MSc; Judith R Glynn, PhD; Valentina Gallo, PhD; Mary Ramsay, MRCP; Pam Sonnenberg, PhD; Duncan MacCannell, PhD; Andre Charlett, PhD; Matthias Egger, MD; Jonathan Green, PhD; Paolo Vineis, PhD; Ibrahim Abubakar, FRCP (Corresponding Author)

Abstract: Molecular data are now widely used in epidemiological studies to investigate the transmission, distribution, biology, and diversity of pathogens. Our objective was to establish recommendations to support good scientific reporting of molecular epidemiological studies to encourage authors to consider specific threats to valid inference. The statement Strengthening the Reporting of Molecular Epidemiology for Infectious Diseases (STROME-ID) builds upon the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) initiative. The STROME-ID statement was developed by a working group of epidemiologists, statisticians, bioinformaticians, virologists, and microbiologists with expertise in control of infection and communicable diseases. The statement focuses on issues relating to the reporting of epidemiological studies of infectious diseases using molecular data that were not addressed by STROBE. STROME-ID addresses terminology, measures of genetic diversity within pathogen populations, laboratory methods, sample collection, use of molecular markers, molecular clocks, timeframe, multiple-strain infections, non-independence of infectious-disease data, missing data, ascertainment bias, consistency between molecular and epidemiological data, and ethical considerations with respect to infectious-disease research. In total, 20 items were added to the 22 item STROBE checklist. When used, the STROME-ID recommendations should advance the quality and transparency of scientific reporting, with clear benefits for evidence reviews and health-policy decision making.