On behalf of Dr. David Hooper and Prof Jean-Claude Pechère and the entire Programme Committee, I would like to invite you to a unique international scientific conference devoted to all aspects of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology to be held in Toronto, Canada in June 2009.

The spectre of climate change is of increasing concern. Of particular concern is the potential for climate change to impact the nature and distribution of microbial disease globally. In addition, we continue to see an evolution in antimicrobial resistance and spread of antibiotic resistant organisms. On a more positive note are tremendous technological advances in diagnostics and progress in management strategies for clinical infectious diseases.

This International Conference will focus on a wide range of topics through multiple concurrent symposia, special lectures, plenaries, debates and “meet the expert” sessions. We also encourage submission of scientific abstracts for presentation in oral sessions or as posters.

The Programme Committee is actively planning a diverse, stimulating and memorable programme to address issues such as how climate change may relate to and have an impact on microbial disease. Issues related to antimicrobials, diagnostics and the clinical practice of adult and paediatric infectious diseases will also be addressed. This meeting will attract an international audience and will address a broad spectrum of issues with a global focus. Potential topics under development include:

• Antimicrobials and Resistance: Novel Concepts in Resistance; Emerging Resistance in Gram Negative Bacteria; New Antibiotics and Antifungals; PK/PD Considerations in Optimizing Antimicrobial Use; Evolution of Community-Associated MRSA and Options for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus; Alternatives to Antibiotics; Antimicrobial Use Measurement and Stewardship
• HIV – A to Z: Several Symposia are planned to address the evolution and global epidemiology, pathogenesis, new therapies and controversies in management of HIV
• Diagnostics: A Brave New World – Molecular and Other New Strategies in Infectious Diseases Diagnostics; Closing the Gap – Laboratory Issues in Resource Limited Settings; Continuing Problems with Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
• Infection Control: Clostridium difficile – Lessons Learned; Surveillance Strategies
• Adult Infectious Diseases
• Paediatric Infectious Diseases: Perinatal Infections; Vaccine Update
• Miscellaneous: Tuberculosis; Viral Hepatitis; Endocarditis 2009; Mycology and Antifungal Therapy

Conference Objectives – Participants in this conference will:

• Learn about evolving issues in infectious diseases and understand potential impacts of climate change on the microbial world
• Update knowledge and skills in diverse areas of adult and paediatric infectious diseases practice, clinical microbiology and diagnostics
• Experience an international perspective in issues related to microbial diseases

Who Should Attend?

This scientific conference will feature a variety of sessions geared at those interested in the basic science, diagnosis and clinical management of microbial diseases including physicians, nurses, pharmacists and public health officials. Primary care providers with an interest in HIV/AIDS and anyone concerned about the impact of climate change will find this programme of particular interest.

Mark your calendars! We look forward to welcoming you to Toronto in June 2009!

A. Mark Joffe
26th ICC Programme Committee Chair

The Abstract submission page will be available September 15, 2009. Please check back for more information.