Medical microbiologists discuss improved diagnostic techniques

NAGPUR: Diagnosis of diseases can be improved with upgrading the techniques in the laboratories. Microbiologists can help not only track diseases but also help people in avoiding them. All this was discussed during the destination conference organized by

Vidarbha Association of Medical Microbiologists

(VAMM) recently.

Called ‘

Micromoments

’, the two-day conference that took place in Karmazari, Pench, was the first annual conference of VAMM. It was inaugurated by head of the microbiology department of Sion Hospital, Mumbai,

Dr Sujata Baweja

who is also the current president of Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists, Maharashtra chapter.

“The aim of the conference was to allow delegates to focus on academics for its entire duration. We discussed some of the latest techniques and practices in clinical microbiology,” said VAMM president Dr Harish Warbhe. Secretary of VAMM Dr Sachin Deokar added the laboratory practices needed to be updated as per the latest techniques and findings available.

On the first day, research papers were presented by junior doctors and young microbiologists. The two best presentations were awarded. Posters depicting the short research snippets were also presented. On the second day, the experts enlightened the delegates on various current topics.

Dr Navjeet Singh

from Delhi spoke on latest developments for the rapid diagnosis of infections. “Usually, one test helps determine or rule out one condition in case of acute infections. But now, doctors are using the syndromic approach wherein one test can help search for multiple diseases. This way, the patient can avoid being subjected to multiple tests and the treatment can be faster. In India, there are only six centres with such machines,” he said.

Dr Yagnesh Thakar

spoke about making better diagnosis of infectious diseases and about how the drug resistance spread among the bacteria. He said the use of same antibiotics in medicine, veterinary and poultry increased the resistance. Dr Neena Nagdeo talked about the proper and rational use of antibiotics which was the most important need of the day. She also informed about the policies of health department and government to control indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

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