Location

Rochester, Minnesota Clinical Profile

SUMMARY

Nancy L. Wengenack, Ph.D., works to develop novel, rapid molecular methods for the diagnosis of infections caused by mycobacteria and fungi.

Her team makes use of molecular techniques, such as rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, nucleic acid hybridization probes and mass spectrometry. They also develop methods for the detection of drug resistance markers in mycobacteria and fungi.

Dr. Wengenack's work has been funded by the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, Trek Diagnostics, bioMerieux, Advanced Analytical, and Siemens Healthcare.

Focus areas

Dr. Wengenack is focused on developing novel, rapid molecular methods for diagnosing infections caused by:

  • Mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Fungi, such as Pneumocystis jiroveci, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis

Significance to patient care

The work conducted by Dr. Wengenack's team improves care for patients by significantly reducing the time required for the accurate identification and drug susceptibility testing of mycobacteria and fungi.

Rapid identification allows the physician to select the most effective drug with which to treat the infection, leading to reduced hospital stays and improved outcomes for patients.

PROFESSIONAL DETAILS

Primary Appointment

  1. Consultant, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
  2. Interim Vice Chair, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

Academic Rank

  1. Professor of Microbiology
  2. Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology

EDUCATION

  1. Post-doctoral Fellowship - Clinical Microbiology Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  2. Resident Clinical Microbiology-PhD, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  3. PhD Biochemistry Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Programs, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  4. Predoctoral Student Biochemistry Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Programs, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  5. MS - Chemistry Rochester Institute of Technology
  6. BS - Chemistry Hartwick College

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BIO-00086317

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