Identification methods and antifungal susceptibility testing in Candida spp – 2022

Course program

After the comprehensive approach of the first online mycology course, and its positive reception, this time we are pleased to present the second mycology course, focused on the training on identification and antifungal susceptibility methods of yeasts from the genus Candida.

The emergence of new species of fungi, and of new profiles of resistance to antifungals, reaffirms the need for continuous training in standardized identification and antifungal susceptibility methods. Their correct performance not only has a direct impact on patients and on the targeted treatment of fungal infections, but also improves the quality of surveillance data in each hospital, country and region. As a result, knowledge of the circulating species and resistance profiles of each institution is expanded, helping physicians to choose the best treatment for their patients. In addition, this will determine a robust surveillance system that will provide reliable national data for public health decision making. 

Educational Approach / Teaching Strategies

The course will be conducted entirely online on the educational platform of the Virtual Campus for Public Health (VCPH) of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Presentations with images and explanatory audio will be used to develop the contents of the course. They will include demonstrative videos of the different standardized methods of identification and susceptibility to antifungals so that the student can observe the correct way to perform them. Educational resources and tools of the virtual platform will be used to promote meaningful learning that promote microbiological criteria and good professional practices.

Participants will receive the recommended bibliography that they should read to deepen the contents of each module. At the end of each module, they must pass a final exam in order to move on to the next one. The evaluations of each module will consist of 10 multiple choice questions, and 70% of correct answers must be reached to pass them and receive the certificate. 

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE 

Unify criteria for the use of standardized identification and antifungal susceptibility methods of yeasts from the genus Candida.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE 

The participants are expected to: 

Acquire the necessary knowledge to identify and carry out antifungal susceptibility tests in yeasts from the genus Candida.

Understand the importance of conducting lab tests using standardized methods. 

Recognize the scope and limitations of the proposed methods, and use this knowledge as a guide when deciding to implement it in your laboratory. 

Develop attitudes of trust in the execution and fine-tuning of reference methods in daily practice. 

Unify the design of the results report at the regional level, establishing unique interpretation criteria according to the methods used. 

Participants

Geared towards health professionals with basic knowledge of microbiology and who carry out their activity in a clinical or research microbiology laboratory: biochemists, biologists, mycologists, microbiologists, laboratory technicians, residents and attendants. 

Number of hours that the course certifies

An estimated 10 hours is required to complete the course.

Duration

As it is a self-learning course, the participant can advance through the Modules at their own pace, regulating their time and moments of dedication. There is no deadline to complete the course.