Biofilm-driven infections: clinical relevance and targeted infection prevention and control

Event Description

Biofilms are increasingly recognized as key contributors to healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and the persistence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). This interactive course provides an overview of biofilm biology and its relevance to infection prevention and control (IPC), covering biofilm formation, microbial communication, antimicrobial tolerance, and resistance dissemination. Participants will explore clinically relevant biofilm-associated infections involving cardiovascular devices, urinary catheters, and orthopedic prostheses, alongside evidence-based prevention and management strategies. The course will also address environmental biofilms in healthcare settings, focusing on water systems, sinks, drains, and plumbing networks as reservoirs of MDROs. Through case-based discussions and interactive workshops, participants will develop practical approaches for integrating biofilm-focused interventions into IPC programmes and reducing the burden of biofilm-related 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: 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the biological principles of biofilm formation, maturation, and persistence, including microbial communication, cooperation, and antimicrobial tolerance.
2. Describe the role of biofilms in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, including their function as reservoirs of MDROs and hotspots for horizontal gene transfer.
3. Recognize the clinical relevance of biofilm-associated infections involving medical devices and implanted materials.
4. Identify evidence-based IPC measures to prevent and manage biofilm-related infections associated with cardiovascular devices, urinary catheters, and orthopedic prostheses.
5. Assess the contribution of environmental biofilms in healthcare water systems and plumbing infrastructure to pathogen persistence and transmission.
6. Design targeted interventions within their own healthcare settings to reduce the risk of biofilm-associated healthcare-associated infections.

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 Research and Innovation in Infectious Diseases, Romania
• European Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections (EU-JAMRAI 2)

Accreditation: 

ESCMID office will apply for EACCME accreditation. 

Certification: 

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

Course Time Zone: 

All ESCMID online courses are based on Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST).

Downloads

• Preliminary Programme

Registration Fees