The genus Streptococcus comprises over 100 species and strains within these species can be so diverse as to be considered species in their own rights. The relatedness of strains within the genus was never truly realized before the advent of genomic sequencing. The genetic and biochemical relatedness of these bacteria has been instrumental in bringing together microbiologists who may have once thought they were working on unique problems. This symposium has two main objectives: to provide an overview of this important research field and to re-engage microbiologists working on streptococci and related areas into a UK Streptococcus grouping (UKSTREP) for future benefit.

For a printable Session Outline click here

Monday 6 September 2010 – NT03

Chair

Human Infections
James Leigh
University of Nottingham, UK

08:30

Streptococcus pneumoniae: virulence and variation
Tim Mitchell
University of Glasgow, UK

09:00

Streptococcus agalactiae adaptation to the human lifestyle
Barbara Spellerberg
University of Ulm, Germany

09:30

Oral streptococci behaving badly
Howard Jenkinson
University of Bristol, UK

10:00

Refreshments

Chair

Tim Mitchell
University of Glasgow, UK

10:30

Genome based approaches to identify virulence factors and vaccine candidates of Streptococcus suis
Hilde Smith
Central Veterinary Inst. Lelystad, Netherlands

11:00

Streptococcus equi and strangles
Andrew Waller
Animal Health Trust, Newmarket

11:30

Streptococcus uberis a relentless, opportunistic pathogen of dairy cattle
James Leigh
University of Nottingham

13:00

Lunch

Chairs

Howard Jenkinson University of Bristol, UK
Barbara Spellerberg University of Ulm, Germany

14:00

Offered paper
Bioluminescent imaging of Streptococcus pyogenes infection
Faraz Alam
Imperial College London, UK

14:15

Offered paper
Screening of Streptococcus suis mutants duringinfection of a pig respiratory tract in vitro organ culture
Roy R. Chaudhuri
University of Cambridge, UK

14:30

Offered paper
Investigating intracellular survival mechanisms of Streptococcus agalactiae within macrophages
Nicola J. Cumley
University of Birmingham

14:45

Offered paper
Molecular basis for a new quorum sensing mechanism in streptococci
Rozenn Gardan

15:00

Offered paper
Dissecting virulence of the pneumococcus
Ashleigh Holmes
University of Glasgow

15:15

Offered paper
Role of pneumococcal virulence factors and host protection in long-term nasopharyngeal carriage and subsequent re-infection
Luke Richards
University of Leicester

15:30

Offered paper
Proteomic investigations of the Group B Streptococcus
Iain C. Sutcliffe
University of Northumbria

15:45

Refreshments

16:15

Comparative genomics workshop
Introduction
Matt Holden
Andrew Waller Animal Health Trust, UK

16:30

Offered paper
SeM variation within outbreaks.  Is there an antigenic or functional consequence?
Katy Webb
Animal Health Trust, UK

16:40

Offered paper
Diversity of the emerging pneumococcal serotype 6C in the UK
R.A.Gladstone
University of Southampton

16:50

Discussion

16:55

Physiology and communities workshop
Introduction
Nick Jakubovics University of Newcastle
Angela Nobbs University of Bristol

17:00

Offered paper
Characterization of the FeoAB iron transport system of Streptococcus thermophilus and link with oxidative stress response
Françoise Rul

17:10

Offered paper
Streptococcus pyogenes AspA (antigen I/II) polypeptide interacts differentially with salivary agglutinin (gp-340)
Sarah E. Maddocks
University of Bristol

17:20

Discussion

17:30

Drinks reception and poster viewing