In this episode of Transmission Interrupted, Lauren Sauer, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and director of the Special Pathogens Research Network with NETEC, dives deep into the current state of H5N1 wastewater testing and surveillance with Dr. Jana Broadhurst. 

Dr. Broadhurst, an associate professor in the UNMC College of Medicine and medical director at the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit Clinical Laboratory, shares her expertise on the complexities of monitoring H5N1, specifically focusing on the efficacy and significance of wastewater surveillance. They explore how wastewater monitoring has evolved, its role in early detection, and its integration with clinical testing strategies. Additionally, the conversation covers the challenges faced in clinical settings when diagnosing H5N1 and the innovative approaches being developed to enhance surveillance and detection.

Join us for an insightful discussion on the future of H5N1 surveillance, the importance of community-based monitoring, and the next steps needed to improve diagnostic capabilities to safeguard public health.

Questions or comments for NETEC? Contact us at [email protected].

Visit Transmission Interrupted on the web at netec.org/podcast.

GuestJana Broadhurst, Md, PhD, DTM&H

Jana Broadhurst, MD, PhD, DTM&H, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she directs the Infectious Diseases Diagnostics and Biopreparedness Council, Emerging Pathogens Laboratory, and U.S. Region 7 Special Pathogens Treatment Center clinical laboratory. As a clinical pathologist, microbiologist, and immunologist with expertise in emerging and high-consequence infectious disease research and response, Dr. Broadhurst works to develop and implement innovative tools to improve patient- and community-centered outcomes during infectious disease emergencies.

HostLauren Sauer, PhD, MSc

Lauren is an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Core Faculty of the UNMC Global Center for Health Security. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and the director of the Special Pathogens Research Network.

She previously served as Director of Operations for the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness. Lauren’s research focuses on human subjects research in bio-emergencies and disasters, in particular, ethical implementation of research and navigating the regulatory environment. The goal of her research is to provide health care facilities with the tools needed to conduct a clinical and operational research response in emergencies.

Resources

• NETEC Influenza A (H5N1) Resources: https://repository.netecweb.org/exhibits/show/influenza/h5n1
• NETEC Resource Library: https://repository.netecweb.org

About NETECA Partnership for Preparedness

The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center’s mission is to set the gold standard for special pathogen preparedness and response across health systems in the U.S. with the goals of driving best practices, closing knowledge gaps, and developing innovative resources.

Our vision is a sustainable infrastructure and culture of readiness for managing suspected and confirmed special pathogen incidents across the United States public health and health care delivery systems.

For more information visit NETEC on the web at www.netec.org.

NETEC Consultation Services

Assess and Advance Your Readiness for Special Pathogens with Free, Expert Consulting.

NETEC offers free virtual and onsite readiness consulting to help health care facilities and EMS agencies prepare for special pathogen events. Our targeted support services are delivered by experts selected and assigned to each inquiry based on the unique needs of your organization. Have a question? Ask a NETEC expert.

For more information visit: netec.org/consulting-services.