Southern Sun Cape Sun Floorplan
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This meeting took place in 2018
Here are the related meetings in 2020:
Microbiome: Therapeutic Implications (T1)
For a complete list of the meetings for the upcoming/current season, see our meeting list, or search for a meeting.
Role of the Genital Tract Microbiome in Sexual and Reproductive Health (S6)
Organizer(s) Janneke van de Wijgert, Jeanne Marrazzo, Douglas Kwon and Jo-Ann Passmore
December 11—15, 2018
Southern Sun Cape Sun • Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa
Discounted Abstract Deadline: Aug 28, 2018
Abstract Deadline: Sep 12, 2018
Scholarship Deadline: Aug 28, 2018
Discounted Registration Deadline: Oct 11, 2018
Part of the Keystone Symposia Global Health Series, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Summary of Meeting:
Bacteria and fungi residing in the female genital tract have been associated with elevated risks of HIV acquisition and transmission, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriage, preterm birth, and invasive maternal and neonatal infections. The increased availability of high-throughput genomic testing since the turn of the century has revealed a more detailed picture of these organisms than was possible when evaluation depended on microscopy and culture. The interrelationships between sexually transmitted infections, vaginal dysbiosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and vaginal pathobiont carriage are being elucidated, and their effects on the cervicovaginal mucosal barrier and immune system are being characterized. The mechanisms that may lead to adverse outcomes are being unraveled, and an increasing number of interventions are in clinical trials. In this meeting, the current understanding of female and male genital tract microbiology and immunology, including functional microbiology and biofilms, will be presented and knowledge gaps identified. Potential mechanisms leading to adverse outcomes, and a variety of potential prevention and/or treatment interventions, will be presented and discussed. The exponential progress made in recent years will hopefully lead to efficacious public health interventions to reduce the high prevalence of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes in women, especially in resource-poor settings.
View Scholarships/Awards
Bacteria and fungi residing in the female genital tract have been associated with elevated risks of HIV acquisition and transmission, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriage, preterm birth, and invasive maternal and neonatal infections. The increased availability of high-throughput genomic testing since the turn of the century has revealed a more detailed picture of these organisms than was possible when evaluation depended on microscopy and culture. The interrelationships between sexually transmitted infections, vaginal dysbiosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and vaginal pathobiont carriage are being elucidated, and their effects on the cervicovaginal mucosal barrier and immune system are being characterized. The mechanisms that may lead to adverse outcomes are being unraveled, and an increasing number of interventions are in clinical trials. In this meeting, the current understanding of female and male genital tract microbiology and immunology, including functional microbiology and biofilms, will be presented and knowledge gaps identified. Potential mechanisms leading to adverse outcomes, and a variety of potential prevention and/or treatment interventions, will be presented and discussed. The exponential progress made in recent years will hopefully lead to efficacious public health interventions to reduce the high prevalence of adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes in women, especially in resource-poor settings.
View Scholarships/Awards
No registration fees are used to fund entertainment or alcohol at this conference
The meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 11 with registration from 16:00 to 20:00 and a welcome mixer from 18:00 to 20:00. Conference events conclude on Saturday, December 15 with a closing plenary session from 17:00 to 19:00, followed by a social hour and entertainment. We recommend return travel on Sunday, December 16 in order to fully experience the meeting.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Conference Program Print | View meeting in 12 hr (am/pm) time
The meeting will begin on Tuesday, December 11 with registration from 16:00 to 20:00 and a welcome mixer from 18:00 to 20:00. Conference events conclude on Saturday, December 15 with a closing plenary session from 17:00 to 19:00, followed by a social hour and entertainment. We recommend return travel on Sunday, December 16 in order to fully experience the meeting.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
16:00—20:00
Arrival and Registration
3rd Floor Lobby
18:00—20:00
Welcome Mixer
No registration fees are used to fund alcohol served at this function.
3rd Floor Lobby
08:30—09:30
Welcome and Keynote Address
VOC North
*
Janneke van de Wijgert,
University of Liverpool and University Medical Center Utrecht, UK
*
Jo-Ann S. Passmore,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
*
Douglas S. Kwon,
Harvard Medical School, USA
Jeanne M. Marrazzo,
University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
Setting the Stage: An Overview of Advances and Controversies in Vaginal Microbiome Research
Setting the Stage: An Overview of Advances and Controversies in Vaginal Microbiome Research
09:30—12:15
Vaginal Microbiology
VOC North
*
Janneke van de Wijgert,
University of Liverpool and University Medical Center Utrecht, UK
*
Jo-Ann S. Passmore,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Jacques Ravel,
University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
Progress Toward an In-Depth Understanding of the Vaginal Microbiome
Progress Toward an In-Depth Understanding of the Vaginal Microbiome
Coffee Break
David Fredricks,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA
The Vaginal Microbiota and Bacterial Vaginosis
The Vaginal Microbiota and Bacterial Vaginosis
Mariya I. Petrova,
KU Leuven, Belgium
Role of Lactobacillus iners in the Vaginal Microbiota
Role of Lactobacillus iners in the Vaginal Microbiota
Rosanne Y. Hertzberger,
VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands
Short Talk: Lactobacillus crispatus Growth on Glycogen Is Dependent on its Type 1 Pullulanase Gene Variant
Short Talk: Lactobacillus crispatus Growth on Glycogen Is Dependent on its Type 1 Pullulanase Gene Variant
Michael France,
University of Maryland Baltimore, USA
Short Talk: Identifying Factors that Influence the Temporal Stability of the Vaginal Microbiome
Short Talk: Identifying Factors that Influence the Temporal Stability of the Vaginal Microbiome
Matthew R. Hayward,
Ragon Institute, USA
Short Talk: Cervicovaginal Microbial Strains Are Associated with Distinct Immunophenotypes
Short Talk: Cervicovaginal Microbial Strains Are Associated with Distinct Immunophenotypes
12:15—17:00
On Own for Lunch
12:15—13:00
Poster Setup
VOC South
13:00—22:00
Poster Viewing
VOC South
16:30—17:00
Coffee Available
3rd Floor Lobby
17:00—19:00
Genital Tract Microbiology and Metabolomics
VOC North
*
Sharon Hillier,
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA
*
Tania Crucitti,
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Cameroon
Caroline M. Mitchell,
Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Microbiota of the Female Upper Genital Tract
Microbiota of the Female Upper Genital Tract
Jessica L. Prodger,
Western University, Canada
Male Genital Tract Microbiota: Insights into HIV Acquisition
Male Genital Tract Microbiota: Insights into HIV Acquisition
Sujatha Srinivasan,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA
Metabolic Signatures of Bacterial Vaginosis
Metabolic Signatures of Bacterial Vaginosis
Praveen Thumbikat,
Northwestern University, USA
Short Talk: Ubiquitous Gram-Positive Bacteria in the Male Urogenital Tract Are Disease-Causing Agents in Chronic Pelvic Pain
Short Talk: Ubiquitous Gram-Positive Bacteria in the Male Urogenital Tract Are Disease-Causing Agents in Chronic Pelvic Pain
Gilda Tachedjian,
Burnet Institute, Australia
Short Talk: Immune Modulatory Effects of Vaginal Microbiota Organic Acid Metabolites on Lower Female Reproductive Tract Epithelial Cells
Short Talk: Immune Modulatory Effects of Vaginal Microbiota Organic Acid Metabolites on Lower Female Reproductive Tract Epithelial Cells
19:00—20:00
Social Hour with Lite Bites
No registration fees are used to fund alcohol served at this function.
3rd Floor Lobby
19:30—22:00
Poster Session 1
VOC South
08:30—11:45
Genital Tract Immunology
VOC North
*
Douglas S. Kwon,
Harvard Medical School, USA
*
Zenda Woodman,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Jo-Ann S. Passmore,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Interplay between Genital Immunity and Microbiota, Relevant to HIV Risk
Interplay between Genital Immunity and Microbiota, Relevant to HIV Risk
Jordan K. Kyongo,
LVCT Health, Kenya
Associations between Vaginal Microbiota and Immune Mediators in the Vaginal Biomarkers Study in Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda
Associations between Vaginal Microbiota and Immune Mediators in the Vaginal Biomarkers Study in Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda
Coffee Break
Rupert Kaul,
University of Toronto, Canada
Impact of the Genital Microbiota and Microbiome-Focused Clinical Interventions on Mucosal Immunology and HIV Susceptibility
Impact of the Genital Microbiota and Microbiome-Focused Clinical Interventions on Mucosal Immunology and HIV Susceptibility
Nollaig M. Bourke,
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
The Role of IFN-ε in the Immune Homeostasis of the Female Genital Tract
The Role of IFN-ε in the Immune Homeostasis of the Female Genital Tract
Ryan Cheu,
University of Miami, USA
Short Talk: The Impact of Vaginal Microbial Communities on Immune Cells Essential for Pathogen Protection and Epithelial Integrity
Short Talk: The Impact of Vaginal Microbial Communities on Immune Cells Essential for Pathogen Protection and Epithelial Integrity
Heleen Schuster,
Amsterdam University Medical Center, Netherlands
Short Talk: Exploring Microbe-Immune Crosstalk: Immunoglobulin Coating of Vaginal Microbiota.
Short Talk: Exploring Microbe-Immune Crosstalk: Immunoglobulin Coating of Vaginal Microbiota.
Seth M. Bloom,
Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Short Talk: Modulation of Genital Tract CD4+ T Cell Subsets by Cervicovaginal Bacteria
Short Talk: Modulation of Genital Tract CD4+ T Cell Subsets by Cervicovaginal Bacteria
11:45—17:00
On Own for Lunch
11:45—13:00
Poster Setup
VOC South
13:00—22:00
Poster Viewing
VOC South
16:30—17:00
Coffee Available
3rd Floor Lobby
17:00—19:00
Genital Tract Mucosal Defenses and Biofilms
VOC North
*
Lindi Masson,
University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa
*
Thomas J. Hope,
Northwestern University, USA
Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz,
University of Arizona, USA
Human in vitro Systems to Study Genital Tract Mucosal Defenses
Human in vitro Systems to Study Genital Tract Mucosal Defenses
Hans Verstraelen,
Ghent University, Belgium
Study of In Vivo Biofilms of the Female Genital Tract
Study of In Vivo Biofilms of the Female Genital Tract
Tania Crucitti,
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Cameroon
Vaginal Microbiota and Biofilms in a Clinical Trial of the NuvaRing® in Rwanda
Vaginal Microbiota and Biofilms in a Clinical Trial of the NuvaRing® in Rwanda
Rémy Froissart,
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France
Short Talk: Antibiotic Resistance Versus Biofilm Production in Gardnerella vaginalis
Short Talk: Antibiotic Resistance Versus Biofilm Production in Gardnerella vaginalis
Laura K. Sycuro,
University of Calgary, Canada
Short Talk: Morphotypic Variation of Vaginal Clue Cells Broadens Understanding of Vaginal Biofilms
Short Talk: Morphotypic Variation of Vaginal Clue Cells Broadens Understanding of Vaginal Biofilms
19:00—20:00
Social Hour with Lite Bites
No registration fees are used to fund alcohol served at this function.
3rd Floor Lobby
19:30—22:00
Poster Session 2
VOC South
08:30—11:45
Genital Tract Microbiota Associations with HIV/STIs
VOC North
*
Pamela Phumelele Gumbi,
University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
*
Jorgen Skov Jensen,
Statens Serum Institut, Denmark
Douglas S. Kwon,
Harvard Medical School, USA
Genital Tract Microbiota Associations with HIV, Including Potential Mechanisms
Genital Tract Microbiota Associations with HIV, Including Potential Mechanisms
Lindi Masson,
University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa
Metaproteomics Approaches to Understand Mucosal Inflammation and Target Cell Activation Associated with HIV Acquisition in African Women
Metaproteomics Approaches to Understand Mucosal Inflammation and Target Cell Activation Associated with HIV Acquisition in African Women
Coffee Break
Nichole R. Klatt,
University of Miami, USA
The Role of Vaginal Microbiota in Antiretroviral Drug Pharmacokinetics
The Role of Vaginal Microbiota in Antiretroviral Drug Pharmacokinetics
Thomas J. Hope,
Northwestern University, USA
Using Imaging Approaches to Gain Mechanistic Insights into HIV Transmission and Prevention
Using Imaging Approaches to Gain Mechanistic Insights into HIV Transmission and Prevention
Rebecca M. Brotman,
University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
Short Talk: The Vaginal Microenvironment Prior to Incident STI
Short Talk: The Vaginal Microenvironment Prior to Incident STI
Lynette Denny,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Short Talk: Distinct Cervical Microbial Diversity and Community Structures by Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Disease Status in HIV-Positive Women in South Africa
Short Talk: Distinct Cervical Microbial Diversity and Community Structures by Human Papilloma Virus and Cervical Disease Status in HIV-Positive Women in South Africa
Erica L. Plummer,
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre/ Central Clinical School, Monash University, Australia
Short Talk: Sexual Behaviors Impact the Vaginal Microbiota of Women Who Have Sex with Women
Short Talk: Sexual Behaviors Impact the Vaginal Microbiota of Women Who Have Sex with Women
11:45—17:00
On Own for Lunch
11:45—13:00
Poster Setup
VOC South
13:00—22:00
Poster Viewing
VOC South
16:30—17:00
Coffee Available
3rd Floor Lobby
17:00—19:00
Genital Tract Microbiota Associations with Pregnancy and Neonatal Complications
VOC North
*
Hans Verstraelen,
Ghent University, Belgium
*
Caroline M. Mitchell,
Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
Gregory A. Buck,
Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
The Microbiome of the Female Reproductive Tract and Pregnancy
The Microbiome of the Female Reproductive Tract and Pregnancy
David MacIntyre,
Imperial College London, UK
The Relationship between Vaginal Microbiota Composition and Poor Pregnancy Outcomes
The Relationship between Vaginal Microbiota Composition and Poor Pregnancy Outcomes
David M. Aronoff,
Vanderbilt University, USA
Leveraging New Tissue Models to Explore Host-Microbial Interactions in Chorioamnionitis
Leveraging New Tissue Models to Explore Host-Microbial Interactions in Chorioamnionitis
Muchaneta Mugabe,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Short Talk: Vaginal Microbiome and Birth Weight in a Zimbabwean Cohort
Short Talk: Vaginal Microbiome and Birth Weight in a Zimbabwean Cohort
Anna Sandager Hansen,
Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
Short Talk: Subclinical Vaginal Infections and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
Short Talk: Subclinical Vaginal Infections and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
19:00—20:00
Social Hour with Lite Bites
No registration fees are used to fund alcohol served at this function.
3rd Floor Lobby
19:30—22:00
Poster Session 3
VOC South
08:30—11:45
Vaginal Dysbiosis Prevention and Treatment Interventions I
VOC North
*
Jeanne M. Marrazzo,
University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
*
Lenka A. Vodstrcil,
Monash University, Australia
Jennifer E. Balkus,
University of Washington, USA
Overview of Antibiotic and Antifungal Interventions
Overview of Antibiotic and Antifungal Interventions
Janneke van de Wijgert,
University of Liverpool and University Medical Center Utrecht, UK
Vaginal Probiotics: Results of a Randomized Pilot Trial and Systematic Review
Vaginal Probiotics: Results of a Randomized Pilot Trial and Systematic Review
Coffee Break
Craig R. Cohen,
University of California, San Francisco, USA
Update on Live Biotherapeutic Trials to Prevent Vaginal Dysbiosis and HIV
Update on Live Biotherapeutic Trials to Prevent Vaginal Dysbiosis and HIV
Catriona S. Bradshaw,
Monash University, Australia
Partner Treatment Studies
Partner Treatment Studies
Florencia A.T. Boshier,
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA
Short Talk: Complementing 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing with Estimates of Total Bacterial Load Can Infer Absolute Bacterial Species Concentrations as Measured by Targeted Assays in the Vaginal Microbiome
Short Talk: Complementing 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing with Estimates of Total Bacterial Load Can Infer Absolute Bacterial Species Concentrations as Measured by Targeted Assays in the Vaginal Microbiome
Jeanne Tamarelle,
Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
Short Talk: Long-Lasting Impact of Antibiotic Treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis on the Vaginal Microbiome in Young Women
Short Talk: Long-Lasting Impact of Antibiotic Treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis on the Vaginal Microbiome in Young Women
Kelly Li,
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., USA
Short Talk: Developing A Large Collection of Vaginal Microbiota Assays Using TaqManTM Chemistry on High-Throughput Nano-Microfluidic OpenArrayTM
Short Talk: Developing A Large Collection of Vaginal Microbiota Assays Using TaqManTM Chemistry on High-Throughput Nano-Microfluidic OpenArrayTM
11:45—17:00
On Own for Lunch
16:30—17:00
Coffee Available
3rd Floor Lobby
17:00—18:45
Vaginal Dysbiosis Prevention and Treatment Interventions II
VOC North
*
Jo-Ann S. Passmore,
University of Cape Town, South Africa
*
Jennifer E. Balkus,
University of Washington, USA
Sharon Hillier,
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA
Effect of Sex Hormones on the Vaginal Microbiota and Multipurpose Prevention Technologies
Effect of Sex Hormones on the Vaginal Microbiota and Multipurpose Prevention Technologies
Lenka A. Vodstrcil,
Monash University, Australia
The Oral Contraceptive Pill Favorably Influences the Vaginal Microbiota but Sexual Activity Drives BV Recurrence
The Oral Contraceptive Pill Favorably Influences the Vaginal Microbiota but Sexual Activity Drives BV Recurrence
Adam J. Ratner,
New York University School of Medicine, USA
Targeting Perinatal Pathogens in the Vaginal Microbiome
Targeting Perinatal Pathogens in the Vaginal Microbiome
Gregor Reid,
Lawson Health Research Institute, Canada
Short Talk: Probiotic Fermented Food for Africa
Short Talk: Probiotic Fermented Food for Africa
18:45—19:00
Meeting Wrap-Up: Outcomes and Future Directions
VOC North
*
Janneke van de Wijgert,
University of Liverpool and University Medical Center Utrecht, UK
19:00—20:00
Social Hour with Lite Bites
No registration fees are used to fund alcohol served at this function.
3rd Floor Lobby
20:00—23:00
Entertainment
Entertainment is not subsidized by conference registration fees nor any U.S. federal government grants. Funding for this expense is provided by other revenue sources.
VOC South
Departure
*Session Chair †Invited, not yet responded.
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