Testing for mechanisms of resistance

Introduction

In this course you will learn about phenotypic and genotypic laboratory techniques that are used to test for common mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens for surveillance in human health, and pathogens subject to surveillance and monitoring as described by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations (FAO) are considered in some detail. You were introduced to these pathogens in the Isolating and identifying bacteria course.

You will start by looking at resistance patterns of global concern in human and animal health, and the importance of knowing the underlying resistance mechanism involved. You will further learn how data derived from screening for specific resistance mechanisms and confirmatory testing, differs from antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) data, and the role it plays in AMR surveillance. At a more practical level you will study the principles and applications of relevant laboratory techniques using well-characterised examples, such as carbapenemase-producers, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producers. Examples of resistance mechanisms directly relevant to your work and quality control (QC) measures related to these techniques will also be raised.

Basic knowledge of concepts such as the emergence and spread of ‘resistance genes’ will be assumed. If you are unfamiliar with these concepts or would like a refresher course, you might want to look back at the Introducing antimicrobial resistance course or these free online courses: Understanding antibiotic resistance and Inheritance of characters

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• give examples of the resistance patterns/resistant organisms causing global concern
• give examples of the resistance patterns/resistant organisms encountered in your work
• understand the difference between screening and confirmatory testing
• describe some of the phenotypic methods commonly used for screening and confirmation of resistance mechanisms
• understand how genotypic methods can be used, and the advantages/disadvantages of genotypic versus phenotypic methods
• understand how more data from detailed testing for resistance mechanisms/genes contributes to AMR surveillance
• apply your knowledge of these laboratory tests to interpret data relevant to your work
• know the importance of procedures designed to ensure the quality of these laboratory tests in your workplace.

In order to achieve your digital badge and Statement of Participation for this course, you must:

• click on every page of the course
• pass the end-of-course quiz
• complete the course satisfaction survey.

The quiz allows up to three attempts at each question. A passing grade is 50% or more.

When you have successfully achieved the completion criteria listed above you will receive an email notification that your badge and Statement of Participation have been awarded. (Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for these to be issued.)