Infection prevention
Identifying, protecting and containing infection
This April, Knowlex is hosting four essential conferences dedicated to advancing healthcare through infection prevention, patient safety, and innovation. Taking place over two days at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, these events will bring together leading experts, groundbreaking research, and the latest advancements to address key challenges in infection control, sepsis management, mental health infection prevention, and decontamination and sterilisation.
Scheduled for 29-30 April 2025, at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, Knowlex’s conferences offer a comprehensive exploration of contemporary infection prevention and patient safety issues. As healthcare systems continue to evolve in response to emerging threats, antimicrobial resistance, and lessons learned from recent global pandemics, these events will serve as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and professional development.
Infection Prevention and Control Conference (29-30 April) The Infection Prevention and Control Conference is a two-day event that delves into the latest developments in infection prevention. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise and new pathogens emerging, the need for robust infection control strategies has never been greater. This conference will explore the UK’s response to these challenges, including insights from the COVID-19 Inquiry, discussions on mutating respiratory viruses, such as H5N1, and the increasing threat posed by fungal infections. Experts will also discuss how AI-driven
technologies are transforming infection control in hospitals and healthcare settings. Additionally, practical workshops will offer guidance on selecting the most effective disinfection methods and ensuring material compatibility in healthcare environments. Among the hot topics include:
Emerging threats to UK diagnostics: Dr. Lisa Stevens, Head of Pathogen Diagnostics Assurance Group, Senior Scientific Advisor, UKHSA. Zoonotic overspill of rapidly mutating
respiratory viruses are the likeliest candidates that pose pandemic risk. They also pose a threat to existing diagnostics. In 2025, the globe has seen a rapid expansion of Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza (HPAI) with demonstrated species expansion within H5N1 strains. In the US, species expansion has been observed in H5N1 B3.13, D1.1 and D1.2 genotypes, with transmission events identified in species that are not usually hosts for H5N1, including cattle. There have also been several zoonotic
spillover events and, to date, the CDC have reported 67 human cases. HPAI are contained within Influenza A, which frontline diagnostic tests are designed to detect. However, zoonotic overspill and species expansion of the virus increases the rate of mutation to allow the virus to adapt to the host. An increase in mutation rate will increase the risk of diagnostic test failure. Correct diagnosis is critical to ensure identification of the first few cases and effective containment to prevent a pandemic. This talk will provide an overview of the risk to diagnostic tests and how we can provide ongoing assurance. Killer fungal diseases – hiding in plain sight: Prof. David Denning, Professor of Infectious
Diseases in Global Health, University of Manchester & GAFFI – Global Action for Fungal Infection. Improved diagnostics and knowledge of fungal disease shows just how common these are among diverse patient groups: COPD, intensive care, premature neonates, leukaemia, lymphoma and lung cancer patients, transplant recipients, cystic fibrosis, those with chronic chest diseases and/or taking corticosteroids. The global and UK impact of these infections will be highlighted, focusing on aspergillosis, candidiasis and pneumocystis, along with approaches to diagnosis and surveillance. How can technology aid infection prevention and control? Davide Piaggio, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, University of Warwick. Infection prevention and control (IPC) in hospital settings is critical for reducing nosocomial infections. This presentation will explore the findings of a systematic literature review investigating the use of robots and smart environments in IPC systems within healthcare
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