- Email: [email protected]
The past and present of malaria diagnosis
S48
PATHOLOGY 2012 ABSTRACT SUPPLEMENT
from overseas. The most important of these are dengue virus infections, which have been increasing internationally in recent decades. Other arboviruses such as chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus also require consideration. Other important but rare viruses include Nipah virus, hantaviruses, rabies virus and the viruses causing viral haemorrhagic fever. Also it is important to consider new pathogens, as Asia has seen the emergence of SARS coronavirus, avian influenza virus, Nipah virus and others in recent years. This talk will focus on the exotic viruses and the diagnostic approach to potential overseas-acquired viral illnesses. THE PAST AND PRESENT OF MALARIA DIAGNOSIS John Walker Sydney, NSW, Australia Within 30 years of Laveran’s discovery of human malaria parasites in 1880, four species, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale, had been described and their morphological distinguishing features clarified. Although other diagnostic techniques have been developed, 130 years later the gold standard is still examination of thick and thin blood films. Recently a fifth species, the monkey malaria Plasmodium knowlesi, has been found to infect humans in parts of Southeast Asia. With human activities continuing to impinge on the habitats of other primates, it is possible that other malaria species may cross over to humans as well.
Pathology (2012), 44(S1)
UPDATE ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: MECHANISMS, METHODS AND PRACTICE Iain Abbott1, Brendan McMullan2, John Merlino3,4, Indy Sandaradura5, Marjoree Sehu6, Yuen Su7 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, 2Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 3Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 4Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 5Department of Microbiology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 6Microbiology, Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Herston, Qld, 7Hornsby Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem for hospitals and the community. This interactive session developed for trainees will explore current antimicrobial resistance issues pertinent to the laboratory, including detection and importance in determining mechanisms of resistance, screening, therapeutic implications and consequences for infection control. Four trainees will present illustrative cases of antimicrobial resistance (MRSA, VRE, multi-resistant Gram-negative organisms and Candida) followed by expert panel discussion. Dr John Merlino will deliver an update on hot topics in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance in a ‘show and tell session’. Finally trainees and the expert panel will have an opportunity to discuss prepared questions on antimicrobial resistance issues.
Copyright © Royal College of pathologists of Australasia. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
PATHOLOGY 2012 ABSTRACT SUPPLEMENT
from overseas. The most important of these are dengue virus infections, which have been increasing internationally in recent decades. Other arboviruses such as chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus also require consideration. Other important but rare viruses include Nipah virus, hantaviruses, rabies virus and the viruses causing viral haemorrhagic fever. Also it is important to consider new pathogens, as Asia has seen the emergence of SARS coronavirus, avian influenza virus, Nipah virus and others in recent years. This talk will focus on the exotic viruses and the diagnostic approach to potential overseas-acquired viral illnesses. THE PAST AND PRESENT OF MALARIA DIAGNOSIS John Walker Sydney, NSW, Australia Within 30 years of Laveran’s discovery of human malaria parasites in 1880, four species, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovale, had been described and their morphological distinguishing features clarified. Although other diagnostic techniques have been developed, 130 years later the gold standard is still examination of thick and thin blood films. Recently a fifth species, the monkey malaria Plasmodium knowlesi, has been found to infect humans in parts of Southeast Asia. With human activities continuing to impinge on the habitats of other primates, it is possible that other malaria species may cross over to humans as well.
Pathology (2012), 44(S1)
UPDATE ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE: MECHANISMS, METHODS AND PRACTICE Iain Abbott1, Brendan McMullan2, John Merlino3,4, Indy Sandaradura5, Marjoree Sehu6, Yuen Su7 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, 2Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 3Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Concord Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 4Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 5Department of Microbiology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 6Microbiology, Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, Herston, Qld, 7Hornsby Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia Antimicrobial resistance is a major problem for hospitals and the community. This interactive session developed for trainees will explore current antimicrobial resistance issues pertinent to the laboratory, including detection and importance in determining mechanisms of resistance, screening, therapeutic implications and consequences for infection control. Four trainees will present illustrative cases of antimicrobial resistance (MRSA, VRE, multi-resistant Gram-negative organisms and Candida) followed by expert panel discussion. Dr John Merlino will deliver an update on hot topics in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance in a ‘show and tell session’. Finally trainees and the expert panel will have an opportunity to discuss prepared questions on antimicrobial resistance issues.
Copyright © Royal College of pathologists of Australasia. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.