Laboratory Identifcation of Emerging Pathogenic Molds: Basic Course

Course Title: Laboratory Identification of Emerging Pathogenic Molds:  Basic Course

Location: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

Faculty: Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA

• Mary E. Brandt, PhD, Chief, Mycotic Diseases Branch
• Mark Lindsley, ScD, D(ABMM), Microbiologist, Mycotic Diseases Branch
• Shawn Lockhart, PhD, D(ABMM), Chief, Mycology Service Unit
• Ana Litvintseva, PhD, Chief, Mycology Research Unit
• Elizabeth Berkow, PhD, ORISE Fellow, Mycotic Diseases Branch

Course Description: This basic-level, hands-on workshop on the identification of medically important molds includes both lectures and laboratory components. This workshop will cover a range of organisms commonly isolated from superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections of humans as well as a number of common laboratory contaminants. These organisms will include arthrospore-forming molds, aleuriosporic molds, common dermatophytes, a range of common molds that form enteroblastic and holoblastic conidia, and a range of mucoraceous molds. Methods for in-vitro susceptibility testing will also be discussed.

Course Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the classification and identification of molds based upon their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics.
• Identify the following fungi, based on macroscopic and microscopic examination: Coccidioides species, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and similar aleriosporic molds.
• Common dermatophytes.
• A range of common molds that form enteroblastic conidia, including Aspergillus, Exophiala, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phialophora, and Scedosporium spp.
• A range of common molds that form holoblastic conidia, including Bipolaris, Claophialophora, Curvularia, and Sporothrix spp.
• A range of mucoraceous molds, including Rhizopus and Mucor spp.
• Understand the basics of setting up a diagnostic mycology laboratory, including media requirements, acceptable specimens, and result reporting.

Course Organizers:

• Sponsored by the National Laboratory Training Network (NLTN) in collaboration with the Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Disease, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Absala Mengestab, Workshop Coordinator, E-mail: absala.mengestab@aphl.org or call 240.485.2784

Course Credits: The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. Participants who successfully complete this program will be awarded 21.5 contact hours. Florida continuing education units will be offered to participants requiring FL CEU. P.A.C.E. ® Course #: 588-102-16

Disclosure: Funding for this training was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The views expressed in written training materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This project is funded 100% by Federal funds.

Special Needs:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals seeking special accommodations should submit their request in writing to APHL Customer Support or phone 240.485.2746. Please allow at least three weeks prior to start date of the workshop for APHL to make arrangements.

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