04. Fundamentals of Microbiology and
Infectious Disease
A distance learning opportunity
April 16 & 23, 2026
12:00 – 3:00 PM (CDT)
Registration for the live webinar must be completed 1 business day prior to the start of the training.
Registrations received after will receive access to the recording only.
Instructor
James Klenner, MSc, MPH, MPA, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Overview
Fundamentals of Microbiology and Infectious Disease is intended for those professionals who participate in protocol review, facilities planning, and any other risk assessment activities, but are unsure as to the actual nature of the disease risks of microbiological agents. Biological safety and risk assessment will not be covered in this course. The proposed topics will cover infectious agents, virulence factors, pathogenicities, host-microbe interactions, susceptibility, modes of transmission, and the changes seen in the microbial world. If you don’t know the difference between a TCID50, PFU, or ID50; or why HBV is stable in dried blood and HIV is not; or why influenza is an inhalation hazard; or why public health officials advocate flu shots each year—then this course is for you.
Objectives
- Define different microorganisms and their pathogenicity
- Restate the various modes of transmission of microbial pathogens
- Correlate the host response to microbial infections
- Develop a basis of understanding for various environmental survival trends
Audience Level: Basic
Suggested Background: None
Who Should Attend: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.75 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 6.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.
Course Logistics: Course is two 3-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.
COURSE FEES
ABSA Members $400 USD
Nonmembers $490 USD
To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 6 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.
Group Discount:
10% off each registration for 3-4 participants from the same organization
20% off each registration for 5-9 participants from the same organization
30% off each registration for 10 or more participants from the same organization
Contact the ABSA office to register your group
Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 3/19/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 3/26/2026. No refunds after 3/26/2026.
QUESTIONS
Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org
