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

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
• 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.

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