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CURRENT AND EMERGING MOLECULAR APPROACHES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBES AND PATHOGENS IN FOOD.

DATE: 15 ^th -19^th APRIL 2024
REGISTRATION DATE :9^th April 2024
VENUE : WEST KENYA CANCER CARE RESEARCH CENTRE (WKCCRC) -KISUMU

COURSE OVERVIEW
This course covers theoretical and practical aspects of various molecular techniques used for detecting,speciating,typing,classifying and/or characterizing microbes and pathogens of great significance to humans.

SUITABILITY
This course is suitable for researchers, scientists, laboratory analysts, people working in the water and food industry who require knowledge on techniques for the microbiological analysis of water and food as well as the interpretation of results,graduate students and postgraduate students who have a background in molecular biology,microbiology or biochemistry.

IMPORTANCE OF MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES

• Fast and Reliable: Molecular methods provide rapid results.
• Sensitive and Reproducible: They detect low quantities of DNA and yield consistent outcomes.
• Application in Health, Agriculture, and Food Industries: Understanding microbial roles is crucial for these sectors.

OBJECTECTIVES OF CONDUCTING HANDS-ON TRAINING ON CURRENT AND EMERGING MOLECULAR APPROACHES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROBES AND PATHOGENS IN FOOD 

• To Enhance Detection and Identification

Trainees will learn how to use advanced molecular techniques to detect and identify specific microorganisms and pathogens in food samples.

•  To gain knowledge on characterization of Strains and Variants:

Participants will gain insights into the genetic diversity within microbial populations.

• To understand virulence and pathogenicity:

Trainees will explore how molecular approaches reveal information about the virulence factors and pathogenic potential of different microbes.This knowledge is crucial for assessing food safety risks.

• To monitor Foodborne Outbreaks:

The training aims to equip professionals with tools to rapidly respond to foodborne outbreaks.By analyzing DNA or RNA, they can trace the source of contamination and prevent further spread

• Quality Control and Assurance

Molecular methods play a role in ensuring food quality and safety.
Trainees will learn how to implement these techniques in routine food testing.

• To keep pace with technological advances:

The training emphasizes staying updated with emerging technologies.
Participants will explore recent developments in the field, such as metagenomics and nanopore sequencing.

NOTE : These objectives empower professionals to safeguard public health by ensuring the safety of our food supply.

COURSE DURATION
The course will run over a period of five days. Specific requirements of the laboratory with regards to selection of methods to be demonstrated will be in