Diagnostic microbiology reveals key infectious diseases in Indigenous populations, indicating significant service delivery challenges.
Introduction: Diagnostic microbiology service provision in Greater Western New South Wales is extremely challenging, due to extensive geographical area. Only few regional microbiology laboratories exist, and samples travel over long distances to reach testing laboratories. Key infectious disease problems include Staphylococcus aureus including community MRSA, pneumococcal disease, pertussis, group A streptococcal disease and influenza A. Furthermore, infectious disease specialist services are extremely limited in these areas. Provision of services to the Indigenous population, accounting for up to 35%, also poses significant challenges.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Harsha Samarasekara (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: