AC-12. Case Studies in Anaerobic Bacteriology
Originally Presented: October 15, 2008
Speaker: Stephen Allen

Summary of Session: In this teleconference, the laboratory diagnosis of diseases involving anaerobic bacteria based on actual clinical cases and explanations of the laboratory analyses that were undertaken will provide valuable practical information for the participants. After describing the case and providing the answer, the organism and the infection or disease it represents will be discussed along with current issues and options related to its identification or diagnosis. Although the value of methods for rapid presumptive identification will be emphasized, the use of commercial kits and conventional phenotypic methods will be discussed, and the role of molecular methods, especially nucleic acid sequencing, will be considered for definitive identification

Objectives: Upon completion of this Teleconference, participants should be able to:

• Describe the isolation/detection of the pathogenic anaerobes presented in a few clinical cases;
• Interpret findings available from direct examination of the clinical specimens presented;
• Recognize relevant key morphologic features, biochemical findings or other characteristics used to identify the anaerobe(s) causing the disease in each case presentation; and
• Discuss issues related to the performance and interpretation of phenotypic- and molecular-based methods in clinical anaerobic bacteriology.

Intended Audience: Medical technologists, medical technology students, clinical microbiologists, teachers of clinical microbiology, laboratory supervisors, directors, residents, fellows, and pathologists.

CME Disclosures: The Presenter has nothing to disclose.

Termination of CME Credit: This program will not be eligible for CME/CE credit after October 15, 2009