Basic Biological Insights Driving Control of Staphylococcal Infections

Staphylococci represent an important group of bacterial colonizers and pathogens of humans and animals. In particular, Staphylococcus aureus remains a common cause of human infections, some of which are life-threatening. In most parts of the world, many clinical S. aureus are resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics isolates (methicllin-resistant S. aureus; MRSA), and are therefore difficult to treat. Alternative antibiotics are limited, a protective vaccine has proved elusive, and new epidemic clones with different combinations of virulence and resistance determinants continue to emerge and spread around the globe. S. aureus has become a model organism for the study of the basic principles of bacterial adaptation and host-pathogen interactions. However, many aspects of S. aureus physiology, virulence, and immune evasion remain to be elucidated and improved biological understanding may lead to new preventive or therapeutic strategies. Of note, we are just beginning to understand why only a subpopulation of the human race is colonized with S. aureus, how this facultative pathogen switches between commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, and what mechanisms govern the success of S. aureus in competition with other members of the microbiome.

The 2019 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Staphylococcal Diseases and its associated Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) will bring together leading established and junior scientists in the field of staphylococcal diseases from all over the world. Cutting-edge research will be discussed in an interdisciplinary, informal environment to foster collaboration on the major challenge of staphylococcal infections, which can only be tackled appropriately in comprehensive, collaborative research efforts. The GRC will combine expertise in molecular microbiology, pathogen evolution and epidemiology, infection immunology, clinical infectious diseases, dermatology, and antimicrobial compound development with the joint vision of understanding and targeting S. aureus pathogenicity and of inspiring the next generation of young investigators.