Microbe Mail: A microbiology and infectious diseases podcast for clinicians and students.

Microbe Mail medical podcast is an audio-only informal educational platform, which addresses widespread topics in medical microbiology and infectious diseases (ID), with a particular focus on low- and middle-income settings. Podcasting has become a common form of informal learning in healthcare education and for continual professional development (CPD). Contribution: In this article, we discuss the development of the Microbe Mail podcast, its informal microbiology and ID education impact in the 2 years since commencement and future directions to improve uptake in Africa and low- and middle-income countries.

Systemically targeted cancer immunotherapy and gene delivery using transmorphic particles.

Immunotherapy is a powerful tool for cancer treatment, but the pleiotropic nature of cytokines and immunological agents strongly limits clinical translation and safety. To address this unmet need, we designed and characterised a systemically targeted cytokine gene delivery system through transmorphic encapsidation of human recombinant adeno-associated virus DNA using coat proteins from a tumour-targeted bacteriophage (phage). We show that Transmorphic Phage/AAV (TPA) particles provide superior delivery of transgenes over current phage-derived vectors through greater diffusion across the extracellular space and improved intracellular trafficking. We used TPA to target the delivery of cytokine-encoding transgenes for interleukin-12 (IL12), and novel isoforms of IL15 and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF α ) for tumour immunotherapy. Our results demonstrate selective and efficient gene delivery and immunotherapy against solid tumours in vivo, without harming healthy organs. Our transmorphic particle system provides a promising modality for safe and effective gene delivery, and cancer immunotherapies through cross-species complementation of two commonly used viruses.

Response to a cluster of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 cases at a diagnostic laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: We report on the first documented cluster of Coronavirus Disease 2019 cases amongst diagnostic laboratory staff and outline some of the initial and ongoing steps that are being implemented to manage and prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in our laboratory. CASE PRESENTATION: On 24 April 2020, three staff members of a tertiary diagnostic laboratory in Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Within seven days, a further nine cases were identified, which suggested an outbreak and prompted a full investigation. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME: A multifaceted strategic approach was adopted to halt the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in our laboratory. Interventions focused on simultaneously establishing appropriate risk mitigation and stratification strategies through the upscaling of infection prevention and control measures, whilst minimising disruption to service delivery. CONCLUSION: Laboratory Coronavirus Disease 2019 outbreaks have the potential to cripple a laboratory's testing capacity. Contingency planning and risk assessments should occur early, and interventions should be modified according to each laboratory's available resources and infrastructure.