As of Apr 1, 2023 Public Health Ontario will implement a new modified two-tier testing (MTTT) for detection of antibodies against B. burgdorferi (Lyme Disease). The MTTT algorithm has been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network (CPHLN) as an acceptable alternative method to the standard two-tier testing (STTT). Sensitivity of MTTT is higher (15-25%) than STTT in detecting antibodies during early-localized Lyme disease. This session will give an overview of the new testing method and how these changes will impact public health operations (with respect to testing and reporting) and public health unit staff. An update on the current epidemiology of Lyme disease in Ontario will also be provided.
Dr. Samir Patel, PhD FCCM (D) ABMM (lead), is a Clinical Microbiologist at Public Health Ontario (PHO) and an Assistant Professor in Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology at the University of Toronto. He has a MSc and PhD in Tropical Disease/Infectious Disease both from the University of Toronto. He also completed his fellowship in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Patel provides clinical scientific oversight for vector-borne disease testing. He oversees Lyme disease testing in Ontario and has extensive experience in diagnostic microbiology, including the processing and storage of clinical specimens. Dr. Richard Mather, MD, is a public health physician with the Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Disease team at Public Health Ontario. He is an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University in the Department of Family Medicine and has an MSc in Control of Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.
Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.
College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.
PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.
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