Event Description

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.

Registration Fees