There is a continuing need for research that helps protect the public against not only the traditional agents of bioterrorism, like anthrax, but also against emerging infectious diseases that hold the potential for serious human and economic harm, such as H5N1 influenza.

The purpose of this meeting is to identify existing state-of-the-art research in the biomedical sciences that can be adapted to address biodefense needs. This includes vaccine development and testing, new and faster diagnostics for biothreat agents, and new treatments for potential biowarfare agents. The meeting will also focus on better understanding of potential modes of disease transmission and factor affecting both bacterial and viral virulence.

The first day of the conference will be devoted two concurrent Focus Sessions focusing respectively on microbial forensics and the risk of biothreat agents in our drinking water. These will be followed by the Opening Session which includes a keynote address by Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

Additional presentation topics include:

• New Vaccine Strategies for Biothreat Agents
• Influenza: Planning for the Next Pandemic
• Insight into Evolution and Animal Origins of SARS

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Contact: Jim Sliwa
jsliwa@asmusa.org
202-942-9297
American Society for Microbiology
24-Jan-2006