This seminar will highlight recent advances in our understanding of polymicrobial infections, synergies between microbes and relevant aspects of symbiosis.

Twelve scientists at the international forefront will give presentations and contribute to the discussions. Also, there will be posters presented by meeting participants. The presentations will cover the entire field from molecules to medicine.

Simultaneous infection of a host by multiple and synergistic pathogens, incremental infections arising by initial infection followed by superinfection and simultaneous coinfection of a single cell occur where one otherwise minor organism unleashes the full pathogenic potential of an established pathogen. When pathogens enforce each other synergistically, disease transmission and progression are enhanced, in syndemism. One prime example of such a globally common coinfection to be highlighted at the meeting involves both tuberculosis and HIV, where one is exacerbating the other in the pandemic.

Coinfections arise with representatives of all classes of microbes, bacteria, viruses, yeast/fungi and parasites as well as combinations of these. Coinfections can also affect each other negatively in microbial interference where one bacterial species suppresses the virulence or colonization of the bacteria, alleviating the pathogenic pressure. One example of the latter is when Pseudomonas aeruginos suppresses pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus colony formation.

The global prevalence of coinfections is commonplace, but the impact of co-infections is greatly underestimated and the actual numbers are currently non-available. We will therefore also elucidate some of the societal impact of coinfections and disease and discuss controversies in regard to pathogenesis, diagnostics and treatment. The multifaceted approach to the emerging field of coinfections makes this conference a “must” for students and researchers in the infection biology sciences.

Deadline for registration is: May 21, 2012

For further information and to register please visit: http://coinfections2012.com/