The clinical symptoms of severe pneumococcal pneumonia and Legionnaires' disease (pneumonia caused by Legionella) are similar, and it is not possible to distinguish between the two diseases by symptoms alone. However, the treatment of the two infections is very different, so fast and correct treatment of the patient is essential for proper treatment.

This recorded webinar will provide a deeper understanding of Pneumococcus, also known as S. pneumoniae, and Legionella, including their diseases, diagnosis, and surveillance. A significant concern in the diagnosis of Pneumococcus and Legionella across methods is test sensitivity and whether cases are being missed.

This recorded webinar will:

Describe the evolution of S. pneumoniae from bacteria to disease and recognize the important role of vaccines.

Examine the importance of properly diagnosing Legionella and its surveillance .

Identify the advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic methods for S. pneumoniae and Legionella.

PRESENTER

Pernille L. Elverdal, M.Sc.Eng. Biotechnology, Ph.D.,
Senior Vice President, New Product Development and Group Clinical Evidence SSI Diagnostica A/S

Pernille L. Elverdal has 20 years’ experience with Legionella and Pneumococcus microbiology and diagnostics since she started her career in 2005 at the Statens Serum Institut (the Danish National Reference laboratory), later earning a PhD and developing the first urine-based assay for Legionella. Currently, Pernille is the Senior Vice President of New Product Development and Group Clinical Evidence at SSI Diagnostica. She is responsible for the development of diagnostic products for Legionella, Pneumococcus, and other respiratory diseases.