MICROBIOLOGY ARTICLES

Pneumococcal disease, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a serious health issue. Here, Carolyn Moonen and Markus Meyer examine how recent technological advances in identification of bacterial isolates and their serotypes are improving disease surveillance and treatment.

In May, the British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference returned to the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London. This 41st iteration since the BSMT was launched in 1985 offered delegates an eclectic scientific programme together with access to many of the leading microbiology companies. Here, members of the committee report.

The integration of molecular pathology into routine diagnostic practice has transformed the classification, diagnosis and management of neoplastic disease, a prime example of which can be found in neuropathology. Here, Eleanor Crossland explores the biological complexity of the glioma tumour microenvironment and examines the role of immune cells, molecular biomarkers and genetic testing in neuropathology.

The spread of diseases from one natural habitat to another, less-conducive environment is one result of climate change, facilitated by the ease with which individuals can now move around the world. Here, Mike Wren provides a background to the likely impact on microbiological services.

How R-Biopharm is redefining the fight against tuberculosis with IP-10-based diagnostics.

Mark Reed explores the evolving science of storage, archiving and retrieval of bacteria and fungi, examining how culture collections, regulatory frameworks and technological innovation have shaped contemporary practice and highlighting the operational, ethical and quality considerations that now define effective biobanking.

Biobanking has become a cornerstone of modern biomedical science, underpinning advances in diagnostics, epidemiology and personalised medicine.

bioMérieux recently hosted an educational symposium on ‘the critical intersection between antimicrobial stewardship and sepsis’. The event provided a thought-provoking exploration of these intrinsically linked healthcare challenges.

In May, at the RAF Museum in Hendon, North London, the British Society for Microbial Technology celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Annual Microbiology Conference. Here, members of the BSMT committee report on yet another highly successful event.

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a key contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Here, Lynden Rooms examines the advantages offered by novel molecular diagnostics over current options, including improvements in antimicrobial stewardship.

Following on from his recent article on Escherichia coli, Dr Neil Bentley looks at Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), considering the multiple challenges posed by this pathogen and recent diagnostic advances.

While most strains of Escherichia coli are harmless and can even be beneficial, others are extensively pathogenic and pose serious health risks. Dr Neil Bentley examines the role of E. coli in human health and disease, looking at how the global health challenges it presents can be tackled.

Recently The Royal College of Pathologists’ virtual conference on antimicrobial resistance brought together leading experts from around the world to discuss the urgent need for solutions to this global health crisis. Here, Carmel Aldridge presents key takeaways from the conference, shedding light on the essential roles of accurate diagnostics and effective antimicrobial stewardship.

To mark its 40th anniversary, Dr Jim Cooper, the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures’ Operational Lead, looks back at the department’s fascinating history, the collection’s achievements and impact on the scientific community and public health.

In this second report from this year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks and colleagues look at three further presentations, all of which focus on and illustrate issues related to antimicrobial resistance.

In this first of two reports from this year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks and colleagues look at three presentations from the morning session. Two demonstrate the efforts being made at the cutting edge of practice, while the third what can be achieved with limited resources.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of a number of pathogens with increased abilities to evade the effects of antimicrobial agents, with MRSA continuing to evolve. New technology is now allowing quicker identification of infection-causing pathogens, allowing earlier treatment and adoption of other measures to limit spread, explains Camila Onyekwere.

Microbiologists from the Don Whitley Scientific microbiology laboratory led by Charlotte Austin, recently carried out a performance validation of the Whitley A135 GMP laminar flow anaerobic workstation using Bacillus atrophaeus spore suspension. Pathology in Practice reproduces their report here, which was previously presented in the form of a poster at the 10th European Spores Conference.

This year’s British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference will be held on
2 May at the UKHSA, Colindale, North London.
Here, BSMT Chair Dr Mark Wilks continues his preview of the meeting focusing on antimicrobial resistance, the UK government’s ambitious programme to control it, and how likely it is to succeed.

This year’s Annual Microbiology Conference of the British Society for Microbial Technology will be held at UKHSA in Colindale, North London, on 2 May. As usual, it will cover a range of different topics but this year there is a particular focus on the use of rapid testing in the diagnosis of infectious disease and the detection of antibiotic resistance.