WCLN: Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli in Wisconsin: Past, Present and Future

Presenter: Tim Monson, M.S., Laboratory Coordinator, Foodborne Diseases, Communicable Disease Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Description: Detection of Shiga toxins and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is becoming a routine part of the stool specimen work-up in the clinical laboratory. Recent national recommendations have guided laboratories to not limit STEC diagnosis to E. coli […]

WCLN: Molecular Biology 101 for Laboratory Professionals: Part One

Presenter: Erik Munson, Ph.D., Technical Director, Wheaton Franciscan Laboratory Description: This two-part series attempts to provide a foundation in molecular biology theory and introductory techniques in preparation for the WSLH sponsored Molecular Workshop in the spring of 2011.   Materials: Webcast (Windows Media, 20 Kbps) Presentation (PDF) Handout (PDF, 1 MB)

WCLN: Update on Rotavirus and Other Viral Causes of Acute Gastroenteritis

Presenters: Pete Shult, Ph.D., Director of the Communicable Diseases Division, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Erik Reisdorf, MPH, M (ASCP) CM, Virology Laboratory-Team Leader, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene Description: This audioconference will provide updated information about rotavirus and other viral causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), the public health impact of the rotavirus vaccination program, […]

WCLN: Molecular Biology 101 for Laboratory Professionals: Part Two

Presenter: Erik Munson, Ph.D., Technical Director, Wheaton Franciscan Laboratory Description: This two-part series attempts to provide a foundation in molecular biology theory and introductory techniques in preparation for the WSLH sponsored Molecular Workshop in the spring of 2011.   Materials: Webcast (Windows Media, 20 Kbps) PowerPoint (5.19 MB) Handout (PDF, 1.23 MB)

WCLN: Clostridium difficile Infections – So many tests, which one to choose?

Presenter: Raymond Podzorski, Ph.D., D(ABMM), Clinical Microbiologist, Department of Pathology, ProHealth Care Laboratories, Waukesha Description: The basics of C. difficile and C. difficile infection will be discussed followed by an introduction to the test systems that are currently available for C. difficile toxin testing.  Various C. difficile toxin testing algorithms that have been proposed will […]

WCLN: Anaerobic Culture – When, What, How and How Far to Test?

Presenter: Carol Spiegel, MT (ASCP), Ph.D., D(ABMM), Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and Director of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at UW Hospitals and Clinics in Madison Description: This presentation will provide guidance to laboratory professionals on the following: When should anaerobic cultures be performed? What […]

WCLN: Haemophilus and the HACEK Group of Organisms – Suggestions on What to do With Tiny Gram Negative Coccobacilli

Presenter: Tom Wisniewski, M.S.RM (AAM) Microbiology Instructor, Milwaukee Area Technical College Description: This audio conference will review the clinical diseases and typical symptoms associated with infections caused by Haemophilus spp. and the other tiny gram negative coccobacilli included in the HACEK group of organisms.  The speaker will also discuss the organisms growth characteristics and offer […]

WSLH Board Presentation: What’s New in the Food and Waterborne Disease Program

Presenter: Dr. Dave Warshauer, Deputy Director, Communicable Disease Division, WSLH Description: Dr. Dave Warshauer gave a presentation about the FoodCORE Grant WSLH has received for enhanced detection of foodborne outbreaks and also presented information about 2011 foodborne outbreaks in the State of Wisconsin.   Materials: Webcast (Windows Media, 225 Kbps)

WCLN: Atypical pneumonia – Bacterial causes and their detection

Presenter: Sue Kehl, Ph.D., Associate Director of Clinical Pathology and Technical Director of Microbiology at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Associate Professor, Pathology at Medical College of Wisconsin Description: This session will present the clinical characteristics that differentiate atypical pneumonia from typical pneumonia.  The commonly encountered bacterial pathogens will be discussed as well as methods for […]

WCLN: What’s New With Bordetella?

Presenter: Dr. Dave Warshauer, Deputy Director, Communicable Disease Division, WSLH Description: This presentation will provide an overview of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of Bordetella species including B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, B. holmesii, and B. bronchiseptica.  Methods for the laboratory diagnosis of bordetellae infections including PCR, culture, and serology will be described.   Materials: Webcast […]