This module will consider the role of infectious agents in human disease and the diagnostic algorithms used in the laboratory investigation of common infectious agents. The module will explore key concepts in the principles of conventional culture-based and contemporary molecular diagnostics, and will review the applications and interpretation of these detection strategies in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of clinical infection.
Lecture Programme
Review common infectious disease; acute and chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, blood-stream and sexually-transmitted infection, under the following headings:
1. Epidemiology & Clinical significance
2. Conventional laboratory processing and culture-based procedures for pathogen isolation and identification
3. Principle and application of current and emerging molecular detection methods- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test systems, Qualitative and Quantitative analysis, Dye-Chemistries, Analytical Platforms , Real-time PCR, Array, NGS
4. Evaluation of diagnostic parameters and key performance indicators- sensitivity, specificity, Positive predictive value, negative predictive value
Practical Programme:
Case-based laboratory investigation of respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, central nervous system and blood stream infection with the isolation and identification of significant bacterial pathogens
Commercial Real Time PCR assay for the detection of common bacterial pathogens
Interpretation and communication of microbial diagnostics in the clinical assessment, monitoring and treatment of clinical infection
The CORU Standards of Proficiency covered in this module include:
Domain 5. Professional knowledge and skills: P6 , P15, P16 & P23
Lectures 18hr, Tutorials 4hr, Laboratory teaching sessions 20 hr
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |