For Members
Clinical Microbiology Issues Update - March 2011
PSAB ACTIVITIES- LOCS Notice: Best Practices for Health Care Professionals on the Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Diagnosing Pertussis
- LRN Partners Meeting
- ASM Action Alert on Federal Funding for Science and Public Health Programs
ASM NEWS, JOURNAL ARTICLES AND UPDATES
- ASM Clinical Microbiology Task Force Update
- ASM General Meeting – asm2011: Medical Microbiology Track
- New from ASM Press
- ASM Journal Articles of Interest
FEDERAL AGENCY UPDATES
- MMWR Articles of Interest
OTHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES
- ASCP’s 2010 Wage Survey of U.S. Clinical Laboratories Published
- New Reports from IOM
- CLSI-APHL Teleconferences
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Guidelines
- AACC Webinar
- Articles of Interest
PSAB ACTIVITIES
LOCS Notice: Best Practices for
Health Care Professionals on the Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for
Diagnosing Pertussis
The following
Health Alert Network (HAN) message was distributed on February 16, 2011 to
health care providers to improve consistency and reliability of pertussis
diagnosis (whooping cough) by nucleic acid amplification technology. This HAN
message is being shared as a LOCS advisory with the laboratory community,
including state, county and local public health laboratories, for enhancing
situational awareness and to facilitate communication across the health care
spectrum. The complete notice
is available on the CDC web page: http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/diagnostic-testing/diagnosis-pcr-bestpractices.html.
LRN Partners Meeting
Alice Weissfeld, the ASM LRN Partners alternate representative, attended the LRN Partners meeting in Atlanta in February. A major topic was bioterrorism and emerging infection laboratory readiness. At the request of the LRN Partners, a poll is being conducted among divc and clinmicronet listserve members to obtain information on current levels of sentinel lab training. Results from the poll will be used in part to determine sentinel laboratory training needs. An APHL and ASM co-sponsored webinar is planned in April for public health laboratories related to bioterrorism laboratory readiness issues and ASM will participate to answer questions about the sentinel laboratory protocols and training of lab personnel. There are several other collaborations planned with APHL, including co-sponsored sentinel laboratory training at regional meetings.
ASM Action Alert on Federal Funding for Science and Public Health Programs
On February 15, the ASM Public and
Scientific Affairs Board sent an action alert to the membership concerning
proposed cuts to the FY 2011 federal agency budgets for science and public
health programs. The alert was in response to the proposed cuts for science and
public health programs in the House of Representatives’ bill (HR 1) to provide
funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011.
It is very important that members of Congress hear from their
constituents about the adverse impacts of reducing federal funding for research
and public health programs. The ASM action alert and information about the FY
2011 and FY 2012 budgets for research and public health programs is available
on the ASM Public Affairs web site
at http://www.asm.org/index.php/policy/radfy2012.html.
ASM NEWS, JOURNAL ARTICLES AND UPDATES
ASM Clinical Microbiology Task Force Update
On March 14, 2011, David Hooper, Chair of the ASM Clinical Microbiology Task Force, sent an update to ASM’s clinical microbiology members on Task Force activities to date. To read the update, go to the ASM Web page at: http://www.asm.org/images/Academy/College/cm_task_force_update_iv.pdf.
ASM General Meeting – asm2011: Medical Microbiology Track
The redesigned format of asm2011 allows attendees to immerse themselves in their field of specialization and take forays into different disciplines. For clinically focused microbiologists, asm2011’s specialized sessions come in the form of the new asm2011 Medical Microbiology Track.
Designed by the Clinical Microbiology Taskforce (CMT), this 25 session track will occur alongside other asm2011 sessions and focus on topics related to diagnostic microbiology and epidemiology.
For Medical Microbiology Track Session details go to: http://gm.asm.org/index.php/scientific-program/sunrise-sessions
For more information on asm2011 go to: http://www.asm.org/asm2011
New from ASM Press
Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice, Second Edition
Editor in Chief: David H. Persing, Cepheid
ISBN: 978-1-55581-497-7
The second edition of Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice presents the latest molecular diagnostic techniques to support clinical care and basic and clinical research. The authors—all experienced researchers and diagnosticians—have conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of this rapidly evolving field and provide the new material in an easy-to-read summary format. Moreover, the book offers a broad range of practical advice, such as determining the appropriate type and quantity of a specimen, releasing and concentrating the targets, and eliminating inhibitors. http://estore.asm.org/viewItemDetails.asp?ItemID=971
Kucers’ The Use of Antibiotics, Sixth Edition
Lead Editor: M. Lindsay Grayson, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
ISBN: 978-0-34092-767-0
Concentrating on the treatment of infectious diseases, the content in the Sixth Edition is divided into 4 sections: antibiotics, anti-fungal drugs, anti-parasitic drugs and anti-viral drugs; and is highly structured for ease of reference. Within each section each chapter is structured to cover susceptibility, formulations and dosing (adult and pediatric), pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, toxicity and drug distribution. Detailed discussions regarding clinical uses are also incorporated—a feature unique to this title. More than doubled in length compared to the Fifth Edition, the new edition comprises 3,000 pages over two volumes in order to cover all new and existing therapies and emerging drugs not yet fully licensed. http://estore.asm.org/viewItemDetails.asp?ItemID=910
ASM Journal Articles of Interest
Researchers Model Fetal-To-Adult Hemoglobin Switching: Important Step Towards Cure For Blood Diseases
Researchers have engineered mice that model the switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin, an important step towards curing genetic blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. The research is published in the February 2011 issue of the Journal Molecular and Cellular Biology.
They also
produced for the first time a mouse that synthesizes a distinct fetal-stage
hemoglobin, which was necessary for modeling human hemoglobin disorders. These
diseases manifest as misshapen hemoglobin, causing anemia, which can be severe,
as well as other symptoms, which can range from minor to life-threatening. The
cure would lie in causing the body to revert to use of fetal hemoglobin.
(S.C. McConnell, Y. Huo, S. Liu, and T.M. Ryan, 2011. Human globin knock-in mice complete fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching in postnatal development. Mol. Cell. Biol. 31:876-883.)
Host Genetics Plays Unexpected Role in Dance with Pathogen
A new study suggests that differences in the host’s genetics can make a big difference in susceptibility bacterial infection. In a study in the February 2011 Infection and Immunity, Virginia L. Miller of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and her collaborators show that the virulence of a strain of Yersinia pestis, notable for causing bubonic plague, varies drastically among mice strains with different genetic backgrounds. These findings carry major implications for vaccine development, says Miller.
A number of earlier reports dating back 20 years had suggested that removing this bacterium’s capsule--an envelope of a loose protein gel surrounding the bacterial cell—had no effect on its virulence. Then, Miller and her collaborators performed the same experiment, with opposite results.
(E.H. Weening, J.S. Cathelyn, G. Kaufman, M.B. Lawrenz, P. Price, W.E. Goldman, and V.L. Miller, 2011. The dependence of the Yersinia pestis Infect. Immun. 79: 644-652.) capsule on pathogenesis is influenced by the mouse background.
FEDERAL AGENCY UPDATES
MMWR Articles of Interest
- Vital Signs: Central Line--Associated Blood Stream Infections --- United States, 2001, 2008, and 2009
- Fatal Laboratory-Acquired Infection with an Attenuated Yersinia pestis Strain --- Chicago, Illinois, 2009
- Notes from the Field: Two Cases of Human Plague --- Oregon, 2010
- Community Health Impact of Extended Loss of Water Service --- Alabama, January 2010
- Potential Transmission of Viral Hepatitis Through Use of Stored Blood Vessels as Conduits in Organ Transplantation --- Pennsylvania, 2009
- Update: Influenza Activity --- United States, October 3, 2010--February 5, 2011
- Notes from the Field: Deaths from Acute Hepatitis B Virus Infection Associated with Assisted Blood Glucose Monitoring in an Assisted-Living Facility --- North Carolina, August--October 2010
OTHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES
ASCP’s
2010 Wage Survey of U.S.
Clinical Laboratories Published
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) has published their
2010 Wage Survey of U.S. Clinical Laboratories.
Published in the March 2011 issue of LabMedicine, the ASCP Wage
survey provides current wage data for U.S.-based laboratory scientists. A press release with a summary of findings is
available on the ASCP web page: http://www.ascp.org/MainMenu/AboutASCP/Newsroom/NewsReleases/Survey-Finds-Certified-Medical-Laboratory-Professionals-Earn-More.aspx.
The entire survey is available here: http://labmed.ascpjournals.org/content/42/3/local/front-matter.pdf.
New Reports from IOM
In 2009, the H1N1 influenza pandemic brought to the forefront the many unknowns about the virulence, spread, and nature of the virus, as well as questions regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare personnel. In this report, the IOM assesses the progress of PPE research and identifies future directions for PPE for healthcare personnel.
With the widespread use of highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART), HIV has become a chronic, rather than a fatal, disease. But for their treatment to succeed, patients require uninterrupted care from a health care provider and uninterrupted access to anti-HIV medications. The IOM identifies federal, state, and private health insurance policies that inhibit HIV-positive individuals from initiating or continuing their care.
Clinical Data as the Basic Staple for Health Learning - Workshop Summary
Successful development of clinical data as an engine for knowledge generation has the potential to transform health and health care in America. As part of its Learning Health System Series, the Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care hosted a workshop to discuss expanding the access to and use of clinical data as a foundation for care improvement.
CLSI-APHL
Teleconferences
Molecular
Diagnostic Testing: Updated Specimen Handling Guidance (588-605-11)
March 17 • 1:00–2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
Description:
Within the last four years, European and US government agencies have
sponsored projects aimed at standardizing and improving preanalytical procedures for in
vitro diagnostics. Results of this research as it pertains to preanalytical handling
parameters affecting molecular diagnostics will be discussed.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to
- Apply relevant information from recent scientific studies to specimen handling policies and procedures.
- Explain how the new findings relate to the use of CLSI document MM13.
Learning Level: Intermediate
Speaker:
Lynne Rainen, PhD
Sr. Mgr., Scientific Affairs, BD Diagnostics, Preanalytical Systems
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, United States
To register: http://www.clsi.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Education/Teleconferences/Mar_17_2011.htm
Susceptibility
Testing of Mycobacteria: Why, How, and What to Report
(588-610-11)
April 21 • 1:00–2:00 PM Eastern (US) Time
Description:
With the increased incidence of mycobacterial and nocardial infections, and
the growing concern of drug-resistant tuberculosis worldwide, laboratory aids
to help guide the selection of antimicrobial therapy have become more
important. During this session, Dr. Woods will focus on CLSI document (M24-A2).
This standard provides guidance on methods recommended for susceptibility
testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, the more commonly
encountered nontuberculous mycobacteria, and aerobic actinomycetes.
Participants will also get detailed information on interpreting and reporting
test results and understanding the purpose and implementation of quality
control procedures.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program, the participant will be able to:
- Discuss
the indications and methods recommended for susceptibility testing of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and aerobic actinomycetes. - Restate how to accurately interpret and report results.
- Develop a plan to establish and implement a quality control program.
Learning Level: Intermediate
Speaker:
Gail L. Woods, MD
Central Arkansas Healthcare System
Little Rock, Arkansas
To register: http://www.clsi.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Education/Teleconferences/Apr_21_2011.htm
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Guidelines
Quality Assurance for Design Control and Implementation of Immunohistochemistry Assays; Approved Guideline—Second Edition (I/LA28-A2)
This document provides guidelines for the development of validated diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive immunohistochemical assays, and is a revision of the previous CLSI document MM04.
The focus of this guideline is the application of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry (ICC) for the study of human tumor specimens. This guideline presents information on the total product life cycle of the discovery, design, development, verification, and analytical and clinical validation of IHC and ICC reagents, kits, and systems, while emphasizing that accurate and reliable IHC and ICC results require attention to the total test.
AACC Webinars and Audioconferences
Integrating Mass in the Clinical Lab: What you need to know.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Lab professionals often describe “mass spec” as a complimentary method to immunoassay, but no one doubts it has technological advantages over immunoassay for certain applications. Attend this audioconference to find out if mass spec has a place in your lab, and learn how best to navigate the economic and operational decision points of installing this technology.
http://www.aacc.org/events/meetings/Pages/6280.aspx
Articles of Interest
Strain Of Probiotic May
Help Treat Ulcers Caused By Helicobacter Pylori
Medical
News Today
February 26, 2011
A strain of probiotic bacteria that may help treat ulcers caused by
Helicobacter pylori has been identified by Spanish scientists, according to an
article published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Meningitis: Neisseria
Meningitidis Disseminates Itself by Sending out 'Scouts'
ScienceDaily
February 28, 2011
The seriousness of meningitis or septicaemia infections is driving researchers
from around the world to improve their understanding of the mode of operation
of this bacterium, which, once it leaves its favourite location (the throat)
becomes extremely dangerous.
Four New Species of Zombifying Ant
Fungus Found
Wired
March 3, 2011
Four new species of brain-manipulating fungi that turn ants into
"zombies" have been discovered in the Brazilian rain forest.
Lab-Engineered Organism Fights Malaria
US News & World Report
February 28, 2011
Strains of a common fungus engineered by a U.S.-British team can eliminate more
than 90 percent of malaria parasites deep within the insects that carry them.
Chemical Compounds in Trees Can Fight
Deadly Staph Infections in Humans
ScienceDaily
February 25, 2011
A University of Missouri researcher has found an antibiotic in the Eastern Red
Cedar tree that is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus.
Half of men may have HPV infections:
study
Reuters
February 28, 2011
Half of men in the general population may be infected with human papillomavirus
or HPV, the human wart virus that causes cervical and other cancers.
Gut bacteria can control organ functions
ScienceBlog
February 28, 2011
Bacteria in the human gut may not just be helping digest food but also could be
exerting some level of control over the metabolic functions of other organs,
like the liver, according to research published this week in the online journal
mBio®.
Bacteria as live cargo shuttles for
nanofabrication
NanoWerk
March 1, 2011
Scientists at Johns
Hopkins University
have now demonstrated a strategy to autonomously move nanostructures in well
defined paths by enabling individual bacteria-cargo conjugates.
New Pathogen Connected to Severe Early
Childhood Caries Identified
ScienceDaily
February 28, 2011
Researchers have identified a new pathogen connected to severe early childhood
caries (cavities).
Deepwater Horizon’s Impacts Found in
Bacteria
Wired
March 4, 2011
By cross-referencing DNA to microbe gene databases, they identified populations
of bacteria and how they changed following the BP oil spill.
Bacteria Can Communicate With Each Other
Through Nanotubes
ScienceDaily
March 2, 2011
A pathway whereby bacteria communicate with each other has been discovered by
researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
For additional information about any items in this newsletter, please contact the Office of Public Affairs publicaffairs@asmusa.org.