The Gordon Research Conference on the Biology of Spirochetes is devoted to discussions on basic research of all medically important and biologically relevant spirochetes, a unique group of Eubacteria. Many spirochetes are pathogens and cause a variety of diseases, including syphilis, Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever borreliosis, leptospirosis, periodontal disease, digital dermatitis of cattle, and swine and human dysentery. Certain nonpathogenic spirochetes are also of great interest, such as the termite gut symbionts. The purpose of this conference is to assemble the most active and productive investigators in all areas of spirochete biology to share research advances at the leading edge of the field, to develop collaborations, and to delineate common research objectives. Thus, the intention is to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among groups working on different spirochetes and an opportunity for senior graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators in the field to develop international contacts and collaborative networks. The application of genetic advancements, high throughput technology, and the availability of genomic sequences for Borrelia burgdorferi, B. garinii, Treponema pallidum, T. denticola, Leptospira spp. and other spirochetes are providing a wealth of new information. Combined, these data are being integrated into ongoing studies on the biology, physiology, structure-function, chemotaxis, pathogenesis, gene regulation, and immunobiology as well as invasion and evasion strategies of these bacteria.

If you would like to be on the mailing list for further information about this conference, please contact: Sven Bergström (sven.bergstrom@molbiol.umu.se).