Event Description
            
                
                    
                        
                            07 - 08 November 2024
                        
                    
                    
                        
                            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
 - Anca Streinu-Cercel, Romania
 - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, 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
 - National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 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  and 
and
Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB);
No. 1 Dr. Dimitrie Brândză street 
Bucharest, 060102, Romania 
Accreditation: 
The organizers of the module have applied for European CME accreditation through EACCME.
Accommodation: 
Accommodation is not included in the registration. 
Registration details: 
Registration fees include full access to the course, coffee breaks and lunches. Travel costs and accommodation are not included with either fee.