Isolating and identifying bacteria (animal health)

Introduction

In this course, you will learn about microbiology techniques for isolating and identifying bacteria from clinical specimens collected from farm animals, including bacteria of interest for One Health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. You will start by considering the reasons to submit specimens for bacterial isolation and identification. Then you will learn about the types of specimens submitted to diagnostic laboratories and how their characteristics may impact the reliability of the microbiological results. Basic processing methods, bacteriological media and tests routinely used in diagnostic laboratories are described, followed by newer or advanced methods requiring more expensive equipment. Finally, you will be introduced to quality control (QC) measures that should be implemented in the animal microbiology laboratory to ensure that test results are reliable and accurate. You will learn more about quality measures in the Quality Assurance and AMR surveillance course.

Basic knowledge of concepts related to bacterial infection, growth and structure is assumed. If you would like a refresher course on these concepts, you might look back at the Introducing Antimicrobial Resistance course or this Microbiology textbook [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] (OpenStax, 2021).

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• rationalise specimen collection protocols with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the bacteriology diagnostic laboratory
• evaluate how different types of specimens, and their quality and condition, may impact the performance of microbiological tests
• describe the principles of laboratory tests used to isolate and identify the bacterial pathogens on which this course focuses
• critically analyse microbiological methods used by front-line veterinary diagnostic laboratories
• know when, why and how advanced testing (e.g. by mass spectrometry, automated systems and DNA-based tests) is used
• reflect on the importance of procedures designed to ensure the quality of laboratory work relating to isolating and identifying bacteria.

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.)