Genomics and Clinical Microbiology (Virtual)
General Information
The future of microbiological diagnostics and infection epidemiology is increasingly centred on rapid and point of care molecular testing, including the application of nucleotide sequencing technologies. Consequently, practitioners in clinical microbiology and related areas have to process and interpret molecular data, which are very different from the information generated by familiar culture-based and serological microbiology techniques. The importance of these technologies was dramatically highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To demystify this crucial, exciting, and expanding area, the Genomics and Clinical Microbiology Advanced Course, presented by leaders in the field, combines laboratory and bioinformatics training, faculty lectures, and small-group discussions. The course aims to equip consultants, clinical scientists, and specialist registrars, in infection disciplines with sufficient understanding of these areas to meet these challenges. There is an emphasis on the application of molecular and genomic techniques that are currently being implemented, but the course also explores approaches that are likely to enter practice in the near future.
The virtual course programme will cover sample collection and preparation; characterization of specimens with a variety of molecular techniques; and data interpretation and dissemination. Sessions will examine the application of molecular, specifically genomic, techniques to three clinical scenarios:
(i) tuberculosis
(ii) healthcare associated infections
(iii) encapsulated bacteria
The programme will cover the uses of different approaches in these clinical areas. Participants will analyse data to make clinical and infection control decisions.
