Two lives at risk: Navigating infectious diseases in pregnancy

Event Description

This international postgraduate course brings together global experts in maternal–foetal medicine, microbiology, infectious diseases, virology, and immunology to address infections in pregnancy. Over three intensive days, participants will explore current evidence, real-life case discussions, and global perspectives on pathogens that affect maternal and foetal outcomes, including TORCH infections, viral hepatitis, vector-borne, and respiratory diseases. The programme emphasizes clinically relevant diagnostics, treatment, prevention, vaccination, and antimicrobial stewardship, with interactive sessions, expert roundtables, and site visits. Designed for clinicians, microbiologists, and public health professionals, the course provides practical tools to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.

Intended audience: 

This course is designed for healthcare professionals and specialists involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases during pregnancy. The target audience includes: Infectious disease specialists, Clinical microbiologists and virologists, Obstetricians and gynecologists, Maternal-fetal medicine physicians, Clinical laboratory professionals, Public health experts and epidemiologists, Medical trainees and residents in relevant specialties

Objectives:

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

• Understand physiological and immunological changes in pregnancy and how they affect susceptibility to, and progression of, infectious diseases.
• Identify key pathogens that pose a risk to maternal and fetal health, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and vector-borne agents.
• Describe mechanisms of vertical transmission, including placental barrier dynamics and gestational timing of infection.
• Interpret diagnostic strategies for congenital and perinatal infections, including the use of serology, molecular tests, and prenatal imaging.
• Evaluate current guidelines for screening, prophylaxis, and vaccination during pregnancy, with a focus on high-risk populations and LMIC settings.
• Analyze clinical cases involving common and emerging infectious threats during pregnancy, incorporating evidence-based management and multidisciplinary perspectives.
• Assess the impact of maternal infections on neonatal outcomes, including congenital anomalies, preterm birth, and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
• Apply principles of antibiotic and antiviral stewardship in the context of pregnancy to balance maternal benefit and fetal safety.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines—including infectious diseases, obstetrics, microbiology, and public health—for optimal maternal-fetal care.
• Reflect on regional and global challenges in managing infectious diseases in pregnancy and explore solutions tailored to diverse healthcare settings.

Course coordinator:

Gülşen Özkaya Şahin, Lund, Sweden

Organisers: 

ESGVH
ESTISG
Swedish Society of Clinical Microbiology(FKM)
Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology andInfectious Diseases (KLIMIK)
Romanian Society for Microbiology

Accreditation:

ESCMID office will apply for EACCME accreditation. 
Each participant can only receive the number of credits according to actual participation in the event and upon completion of the feedback survey.

Certification:

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

Course Venue:

Lund University, Forum Medicum, Sölvegatan 19, 223 62, Lund, Sweden

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.  
 

Downloads

• Programme