Testing for mechanisms of resistance
Introduction
In this module you will learn about phenotypic and genotypic laboratory techniques that are used to test for common mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). World Health Organization (
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
Basic knowledge of concepts such as the emergence and spread of ‘
By the end of this module 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.
Activity 1 Assessing your skills and knowledge
Before you begin this module, think about your current level of knowledge and skills in the areas covered in this module. You will have an opportunity to repeat this activity when you have completed the module. Do not worry if you lack confidence in some areas, they may be knowledge areas and skills that you are hoping to develop by studying this module. For areas where you feel fully confident, it is always a good idea to refresh and update knowledge and skills.
Use the interactive tool to rate your confidence in these areas using the following scale:
- 5 Very confident
- 4 Confident
- 3 Neither confident nor not confident
- 2 Not very confident
- 1 Not at all confident
This is for you to reflect on your own knowledge and skills you already have.