Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference (AIBBC 2020) Workshop
In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Africa International Biotechnology and Biomedical Conference (AIBBC) adapted to the times by hosting its 2020 workshop virtually on November 5th. The online event brought together a distinguished lineup of instructors and experts, providing an enriching experience for participants keen on exploring the intersection of diagnostics, cytometry, and the impact of COVID-19 on various viral infections.
COURSE 1: DIAGNOSTIC CYTOMETRY
Session C1-1: Introduction to Flow Cytometry
Dr. Heather, from Agilent Technologies, Inc., set the tone with a comprehensive overview of flow cytometry. The session delved into the technology’s capabilities, highlighting its role in single-cell analysis and its applications in basic analysis, image-flow, and cell sorting.
Session C1-2: Principles of Technology
Led by Prof. J. Paul Robinson of Purdue University, this session delved into the core components of flow cytometry, from sample preparation to the intricacies of fluorescence. Heather followed up with insights into the application of fluorescence, including antibody conjugation and practical applications.
Session C1-5: Compensation
Prof. Paul addressed a critical issue in flow cytometry—spectral overlap. The session elucidated the process of compensating for fluorescence bands’ spectral overlap, crucial for accurate results.
Session C1-6: High Parameter and Spectral Flow
Expanding the discussion, Prof. Paul explained the difference between polychromatic and spectral data, showcasing advanced analytical approaches for high-content data.
Session C1-7: Really Complex Data
In this session, Dr. El-ad David provided participants with tools to manage and manipulate complex data effectively, unlocking valuable insights from condensed datasets.
COURSE 2: IMMUNOLOGY AND VIRAL INFECTION
Session C2-1: Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Patients
Prof. Cristina shed light on the overshadowed impact of COVID-19 on other viral infections, particularly HIV, ensuring a holistic view of the viral landscape.
Session C2-2: Issues Related to Methods of SARS-CoV-2 Isolation and Titration of Viral Stocks
Ms. Isabel discussed critical issues related to SARS-CoV-2 isolation and titration, emphasizing methods to study viral replication and drug repurposing.
Session C2-3: Flow Cytometry for Immunology in the COVID Era
Dr. Lucy and Dr. P. Ogongo explored the application of flow cytometry in analyzing immune responses during the COVID-19 era.
Session C2-4: Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
Andrea delved into the mechanisms of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in the first part of this two-part session.
Session C2-5: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Dr. Lucy and Dr. P. Ogongo focused on tuberculosis, a major infectious disease in Africa, and its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Session C2-6: Part 2: Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2
Andrea continued the exploration of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in the second part of this insightful session.
Session C2-7: HIV and SARS-CoV-2
Dr. Lucy and Dr. P. Ogongo wrapped up the course by presenting practical applications of flow cytometry in immunology during the COVID-19 era.
COURSE 3: MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
Session C3-1: Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics in Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases
Prof. Collins unraveled the mysteries of molecular diagnostics, focusing on techniques applicable to infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Session C3-3: Molecular and Genomic Surveillance During COVID-19 Pandemic
Steven provided valuable insights into the molecular and genomic surveillance techniques used during the COVID-19 pandemic, informing transmission dynamics studies.
Session C3-4: Proximity Ligation on Liquid Samples – Practical Tutorial
This hands-on session, led by Prof. Masood and Dr. Radiosa, delved into the practical aspects of Proximity Ligation Assay on liquid samples.
Session C3-7: Practical Application of Label-Free Diagnostics
Mr. Martin showcased the practical application of electrical impedance spectroscopy as a label-free approach in monitoring and preventing thrombogenesis.
COURSE 4: DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS DEVELOPMENT
Session C4-1: Introduction to Point-of-Care Diagnostics
The impact of COVID-19 on diagnostics took center stage as this session provided an overview of various point-of-care diagnostic methods.
Session C4-2: Developing Design Specifications and Designing for the End-User
This session, in two parts, explored the critical aspects of developing design specifications for diagnostic tools, emphasizing robustness and user-friendliness.
Session C4-5: Part 1: CD Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
The integration of mobile devices for diagnostics in resource-limited settings was demonstrated, highlighting the potential of CD microfluidics.
Session C4-6: Part 2: POC COVID Test on Platform Specifically Designed for Resource-Limited Settings
This session demonstrated a low-cost, robust, and user-friendly platform for a point-of-care COVID test, catering to resource-limited settings.
Session C4-7: Part 1: “Valley of Death” in the Development of Diagnostic Tools
Dr. Eddy engaged participants in an interactive session, exploring the challenges faced by researchers and innovators in transitioning ideas from labs to practical use.
As the AIBBC 2020 Online Workshop drew to a close with a ceremony, the knowledge shared and discussions held illuminated the path forward in the dynamic landscape of biomedical sciences. The event stood as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the scientific community, even in the face of unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.