Education

Biofilm-Driven Infections Research and Clinical Relevance

Event Description

22 - 24 March 2023
Bucharest, Romania
Onsite

When adopting a sessile lifestyle, bacteria gain the adaptive ability to tolerate a wide range of antimicrobials, becoming increasingly resilient. In such cases, antimicrobial treatment of biofilm-driven infections may fail not necessarily due to resistance but rather through tolerance and target evasion. This course will provide up to date information on: the clinical relevance of microbial consortia; the role of quorum sensing in inter-microbial cooperation; in vitro biofilm assessment; infection prevention and control strategies for biofilm driven infections; clinical management of biofilm-associated infections. 

Intended audience: 

Medical doctors and pharmacists, nurses or other healthcare professionals with an MSc or PhD are eligible, provided they completed the basic module or have experience in IPC. 

Objectives: 

  • Understand Microbial Consortia and Biofilm Formation: 
    • Explore the significance of microbial communities and biofilms in infection persistence. 
    • Discuss how polymicrobial interactions contribute to treatment challenges. 
    • Analyze the impact of biofilms on infection progression and management. 
  • Explore Quorum Sensing and Inter-Microbial Cooperation: 
    • Examine the role of quorum sensing in microbial communication and biofilm formation. 
    • Discuss its influence on virulence and antimicrobial resistance. 
    • Consider potential therapeutic targets for quorum sensing inhibition. 
  • Perform In Vitro Biofilm Assessment: 
    • Learn techniques for assessing biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility. 
    • Interpret results to guide infection control strategies and treatment decisions. 
    • Address challenges associated with in vitro biofilm assessment. 
  • Implement Infection Prevention and Control Strategies: 
    • Explore evidence-based approaches for preventing and controlling biofilm-associated infections. 
    • Discuss the importance of environmental hygiene and antimicrobial stewardship. 
    • Develop protocols for surveillance and early intervention. 
  • Manage Biofilm-Associated Infections: 
    • Review clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches. 
    • Discuss antimicrobial therapy and adjunctive treatments for biofilm eradication. 
    • Explore surgical and non-surgical interventions for different patient populations. 
  • Stay Updated on Emerging Trends: 
    • Keep abreast of advancements in molecular and bioinformatics tools for infection control. 
    • Discuss emerging trends in biofilm research and their clinical implications. 
    • Explore the potential of novel technologies for improving diagnostics and treatment. 

Course coordinator: 

Oana Săndulescu, Romania 

Organisers: 

  • European Committee on Infection Control (EUCIC) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 
  • Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania • National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, Bucharest, Romania 
  • Society for Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS, Bucharest, Romania 
  • Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania 

Certification: 

Course organisers will monitor attendance. Only participants attending live sessions will be able to receive the certification. 

Course Venue: 

National Institute for Infectious Diseases 
“Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” – HIV/AIDS Academy 
No. 1 Dr. Calistrat Grozovici street 
Bucharest, 021105, Romania 

Accommodation: 

Accommodation is not included in the registration. 

Registration details: 

Registration fees include full access to the course, coffee breaks, lunches and dinners. Travel costs and accommodation are not included with either fee.

Deadlines

Registration

Registration was closed on 25.01.2023.

Attendance Grant application

Attendance grant application is not applicable

Registration Fees

Ticket

Fee

ESCMID Members

EUR 100

Non-ESCMID Members:

EUR 250