Event Details

This PHO Microbiology Rounds will introduce a new methodology at Public Health Ontario (PHO) for the clinical diagnosis of enteric protozoal infections, polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Presenters will explain how this new methodology will replace routine microscopy for the diagnosis of the five most encountered protozoans in Ontario: Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Dientamoeba, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia. This session will outline the routine indications for testing of these protozoans, explain the methodologies that will be used and summarize the new algorithmic criteria for testing.

Intended audience: Microbiologists, laboratory scientists, public health clinicians, public health professionals with interest in enteric diseases.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the risk factors and routine indications for testing of enteric parasites.
• Describe the differences between microscopy and PCR methodologies for identification of clinically important enteric protozoa.
• Summarize the new algorithm at PHO for testing of enteric parasites.

Dr. Antoine Corbeil, MD, FRCPC, DTM&H, is a Medical Microbiologist at Public Health Ontario. He leads the parasitology, enteric bacteriology, point-of-care testing, and laboratory medical education portfolios.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

Other colleges, including the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, may accept RCPSC accredited events on a per-hour basis. Please contact your relevant college should you have any questions.

In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check "Yes" beside the question "Do you require CME credits?" on the registration form.

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.