New ASM Cumitechs
Cumitech 43: Cystic Fibrosis Microbiology
Cumitech 43 presents the current recommended microbiological procedures for specimens collected from cystic fibrosis patients. The organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobes, viruses, and several others, are covered in order of their clinical importance and provide information on clinical significance, detection, identification, and antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility testing. Cumitech 43also discusses laboratory aspects of lung transplantation and provides a practical guide to the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the management of cystic fibrosis patients.
Cumitech 44: Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Cumitech 44 covers all aspects of the testing process for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, two of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens. Beginning with the biology and epidemiology of both organisms, this Cumitech covers all aspects of the testing process, reviews specimen types and specimen collection, and provides information on assays that are commercially available. An important feature is the review of current nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. This Cumitech is intended to be a guide for those clinicians introducing amplified testing for these organisms into their laboratories for the first time and will assist clinicians who are working to improve existing testing processes for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae.
To purchase the Cumitechs, go to the ASM E-Store and click on ASM Press.
New Academy Report
Report and Recommendations
The American Academy of Microbiology recently released a new report, Probiotic Microbes: The Scientific Basis,which is the outcome of a colloquium convened by the Academy in November 2005 to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding probiotics. The report provides an overview of the current state of and potential for probiotic research and also offers specific recommendations to help advance the field. Potential future applications of probiotics identified in the report include treating antibiotic-resistant infections, encouraging weight gain in newborns and children with AIDS, reducing the incidence of kidney stones, and reducing the recurrence of bladder tumors.
ASM Journal Articles of Interest
New Non-Invasive Vaccine Strategy May Offer Protections Against Tetanus and Anthrax
Read the Article
A new vaccine strategy using genetically engineered bacteria topically applied to the skin elicits an immune response to both tetanus and anthrax in animals say researchers from Vaxin Inc., Birmingham, Alabama. They report their findings in the June 2006 issue of the journal Infection and Immunity.
The new vaccine strategy described in this study consists of a topically applied vaccine containing live Escherichia coli bacteria that are genetically engineered to produce proteins associated with the bacteria that cause anthrax and tetanus. These compounds can be administered by nonmedical personnel. Past studies have shown the outer layer of the skin to be more immunocompetent than deep tissue and experts believe that self-applied painless vaccines will further increase the compliance rate.
Houseflies Collected in Restaurants Found to Carry Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Read the Article
Houseflies in food-handling and serving facilities carry and may have the capacity to transfer antibiotic-resistant and potentially virulent bacteria say researchers Kansas State University. They report their findings in the June 2006 issue of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Although it is not yet well understood, preliminary research has indicated a connection between antibiotic resistance and food of animal origin. Experts are now examining the role insects that develop in decaying organic material (specifically manure) may play in transmitting antibiotic resistant bacteria to residential settings.