Better Infection Prevention with On-Demand Molecular Diagnostics

Globally, 71 million people are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but the burden of HCV continues to increase. Between 2015 and 2030, WHO targets include reducing new HCV infections by 80% and HCV deaths by 65%, and increasing HCV diagnoses from <20% to 90% and the number of eligible persons receiving HCV treatment from <10% to 80%. To achieve these targets, targeted interventions are needed to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care, and treatment (“the HCV care cascade”). This presentation reviews available evidence on strategies that have been successfully used to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care.

In this webinar, Dr. Larissa May discusses the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in the Emergency Department, the need for evidence-based medicine, and how same-visit treatment and management can be facilitated with on-demand testing for CT/NG.

This webinar discusses the importance of diligent antimicrobial stewardship and accuracy of diagnostic tests for the detection of Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis. It provides commentary on the high confidence that molecular testing affords the antibiotic steward and how technology can reduce the practice of prescribing antibiotics "just-in-case" there is an infection, especially as testing moves closer to the patient.

Among US women ages 14-49 the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection is estimated to be 2.3 million, though 85% of women found to have trichomoniasis report no symptoms. With varied complications such as increased risk of HSV-2/HIV acquisition, pelvic inflammatory disease and pre-term birth it has become increasingly important to identify and treat these patients quickly. This webinar will explore the renewed interest to screen and diagnose T. vaginalis in women. It will examine current testing methods available and provide updates regarding treatment options.