Event Description
November 2026
Online
Online
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.
