Advances and Trends in Clinical Microbiology: The Next 20 Years, An Issue of the Clinics in Laboratory Medicine

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, guest edited by James E. Kirby, will focus on Advances and Trends in Clinical Microbiology and take a look at the next 20 years. Topics include rapid susceptibility testing methods, synergy testing, serology testing re-imagined, total laboratory automation, MALDI-TOF, superbugs of the future, the antimicrobial laboratory resistance network, partnerships between public health and the clinical microbiology laboratory, next-generation sequencing, distributed microbiology testing, direct from sample identification, biomarkers, PK/PD in the era of emerging multidrug-resistance, training the next generation of clinical microbiologists, and pictorial illustration of debate, developments, and controversy in clinical microbiology.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 09 August 2019
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

The upcoming issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, guest edited by James E. Kirby, will delve into the realm of Advances and Trends in Clinical Microbiology, offering a glimpse into the future of this field over the next two decades. This comprehensive publication will explore a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

Rapid susceptibility testing methods: These innovative techniques have revolutionized the speed and accuracy of diagnosing infectious diseases, enabling healthcare providers to make timely and informed treatment decisions.

Synergy testing: This approach combines multiple testing methods to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing infections, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

Serology testing re-imagined: With advancements in technology, serology testing is being transformed to provide more accurate and timely results, aiding in the identification of infectious agents and the monitoring of immune responses.

Total Laboratory Automation in Clinical Microbiology: The integration of automated systems and technologies in clinical microbiology laboratories is streamlining processes, reducing errors, and improving efficiency, ultimately enhancing patient care.

MALDI-TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight): This powerful technology is used for rapid identification and characterization of microorganisms, playing a crucial role in infectious disease diagnosis and outbreak investigations.

Superbugs of the Future: The emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. This issue will examine the threat posed by these "superbugs" and explore strategies for combating their resistance.

Antimicrobial Laboratory Resistance Network: Collaboration between public health agencies and clinical microbiology laboratories is essential in combating antimicrobial resistance. This issue will explore partnerships, data sharing, and best practices for preventing and managing antimicrobial resistance.

Next generation sequencing: This cutting-edge technology enables the rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms, providing valuable insights into their genetic makeup and susceptibility to antibiotics.

Distributed microbiology testing: The decentralization of microbiology testing is enabling faster and more efficient processing of samples, reducing turnaround times and improving access to healthcare services.

Direct from Sample Identification: This approach involves direct testing of samples without the need for culture, providing rapid and accurate results for diagnosing infections.

Biomarkers - predicting viral versus bacterial infection: Biomarkers are emerging as powerful tools for predicting the type of infection, aiding in the selection of appropriate treatments and reducing the risk of antibiotic misuse.

PK/PD in the era of emerging multidrug-resistance: The development of multidrug-resistant bacteria requires a better understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibiotics. This issue will explore the challenges and opportunities in developing effective antibiotic therapies.

Training the next generation of clinical microbiologists: The field of clinical microbiology is rapidly evolving, and training the next generation of microbiologists is crucial for ensuring the continued advancement of this field. This issue will discuss strategies for educating and training clinical microbiologists.

Pictorial illustration of debate, developments, and controversy in clinical microbiology: Clinical microbiology is a dynamic and complex field, and this issue will provide a visual representation of the ongoing debates, developments, and controversies within the field.

This issue of Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, guest edited by James E. Kirby, is a must-read for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students interested in advancing their knowledge and expertise in clinical microbiology. By exploring these cutting-edge topics and trends, we can better prepare ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of infectious diseases.

Weight: 500g
ISBN-13: 9780323682237