The 5th MMTN provided a global perspective on the latest regional fungal issues
The Medical Mycology Training Network (MMTN) Conference, organized by the Asia Fungal Working Group (AFWG), is recognized as the seminal fungal disease meeting in the region and continues to be a highly successful event. On November 5-6, 2016, the 5th MMTN was held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 5th MMTN covered the key advances and challenges in the ever-changing environment of fungal disease management in the Asia Pacific. An esteemed group of international experts, as well as members of the AFWG Board, came together to produce a dynamic program of plenary presentations, interactive workshops and practical sessions. Plenary forum and topical session speakers and facilitators included Professor Bart-Jan Kullberg (The Netherlands), Professor Deborah Marriott (Australia) and Dr Sarah Kidd (Australia), and AFWG Board members Professor Arunaloke Chakrabarti (India), Dr Tan Ban Hock (Singapore), Professor Yee-Chun Chen (Taiwan), Dr Methee Chayakulkeeree (Thailand), Dr Pei-Lun Sun (Taiwan) and Professor Retno Wahyuningsih (Indonesia).
The laboratory breakout session was moderated by Dr Kidd, Professor Chakrabarti and Dr Sun; the clinical breakout session was handled by AFWG Board members Dr Mitzi Chua (Philippines), Professor Zhengyin Liu (China) and Dr Atul Patel (India).
The conference provided a truly global perspective on the latest science and evidence, with a deep dive into practical issues highly relevant to the region. Featured topics included:
- The evolving fungal landscape
- Emerging fungi
- Gaps and needs in Asia
- The value of the clinical mycology laboratory
- Hemato-oncology and transplant patients
- Improving laboratory capabilities for fungal management in Asia
- Preserving antifungal effectiveness
- Select fungal cases such as fungal sinusitis, fungal endophthalmitis and the emergence of Candida auris
The laboratory breakout session focused on laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of mycosis and optimizing fungal PCR techniques. The clinical breakout session tackled challenging cases that fueled an engaging interactive discussion.
The 5th MMTN hosted over 80 participants from China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
The MMTN series was established by the AFWG to provide essential knowledge and practical experience in medical mycoses, ultimately helping to improve patient outcomes across the Asia-Pacific region.
Stay connected with the AFWG. Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
