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DiagHub Online Academic Platform
The fifth session on Microbiology Concludes Successfully – Highlights Recap

August 29, 2025 Zybio News

The fifth session of DiagHub focused on microbiology as a vital clinical diagnostic tool, convening global experts to discuss advancements and clinical applications in the field. Moderated by Dr. Truong Thien Phu from Vietnam, a Consultant in Microbiology at Cho Ray Hospital, the session featured two distinguished speakers: Prof. Carmen Paz Oplustil from Brazil, Director of Formato Clinico Brasil and Chile, and Dr. Weiyi Wang, Deputy Director of Xiamen Research Institute at Zybio.

In this session of DiagHub, we were honored to welcome Prof. Carmen Paz Oplustil from Brazil, a distinguished medical technologist and microbiologist with over 35 years of experience in clinical microbiology.Prof. Oplustil shared her extensive expertise in advancing microbiology practices, particularly highlighting how innovations such as MALDI-TOF, automation, multiplex PCR, and next-generation sequencing are reshaping the diagnostic landscape. Drawing from her leadership experience at renowned institutions in Brazil, she emphasized how integrating new technologies with laboratory information systems and Lean management principles can dramatically improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.

She also underscored the pressing challenges facing the field, from antimicrobial resistance to cost-effectiveness and training, reminding us that true innovation requires not only technology but also thoughtful implementation and collaboration.Prof. Oplustil’s insights provided both practical strategies and inspiration, reminding us that microbiology is no longer a background discipline—it is at the very heart of modern diagnostics.

The next lecture from Dr. Weiyi Wang, who serves as Deputy Director of Xiamen Research Institute at Zybio and leads the Microbial Database Project.

Dr. Wang’s lecture focused on the development of a genome-based MALDI-TOF MS identification system, designed to overcome the limitations of conventional database-driven approaches. He explained how genomic information can be used to predict proteomic markers—such as ribosomal proteins—and build a more robust and comprehensive reference framework beyond traditional spectral libraries.

By drawing on over 174,000 genomes and 12,800 species, the first version of this genome-based database has already demonstrated clear improvements in species- and genus-level accuracy, robustness, and even subspecies-level identification. He emphasized that this is not just a technological innovation, but also a practical step toward faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive microbial diagnostics. His insights showcased how genomics and mass spectrometry can converge to redefine the future of clinical microbiology.

The session also featured an engaging Q&A segment where key challenges in clinical microbiology were discussed. Prof. Carmen Paz Oplustil addressed strategies for overcoming MALDI-TOF MS database limitations and integrating complementary technologies to enhance microbial identification, while Dr. Weiyi Wang elaborated on genomic database updates and the balance between database size and identification accuracy.

This dialogue offered practical insights for optimizing microbiology workflows, reinforcing the role of advanced technologies in evidence-based diagnostics. Stay tuned for upcoming DiagHub events as we continue to connect innovation with clinical excellence!