Dear colleagues and friends,

Welcome to the IV International Latin American Clostridioides difficile Symposium (ILACDS). This year’s event will be held virtually by the Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil. This meeting’s primary goal is to bring together researchers, clinicians, microbiologists, and students from postgraduate programs, institutes/centers, and Universities to discuss C. difficile epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. As a result, the goal is to foster a scientific environment conducive to forming and consolidating partnerships and intra and inter-institutional collaborations focused on pathogenesis, the incidence and severity of which are increasing globally.

Although C. difficile infection is understudied in Brazil and Latin America, research is being undertaken in a few locations and countries. This symposium seeks to provide a place for debate and discussion on this vital public health subject, focusing on the necessity of early detection, effective treatment, hospital infection control, and food contamination, particularly in Brazilian states and the Latin American region.

The event comprises high-level experimental research, molecular and genetic foundations, and clinical and epidemiological studies. It is also planned to inspire and motivate young academics to conduct translational research in gastrointestinal tract infection, which is prevalent in developing nations. Finally, we intend to make research findings broadly available to the general population through interviews and scientific papers, emphasizing encouraging preventive measures. This symposium strives to widen ongoing interactions and relevant results. Hence it is held biannually. Hopefully, the next ILACDS will be held in person in 2025!

We look forward to seeing you all at the IV ILACDS from November 6 to 8 th, 2023.

Dr. Eliane de Oliveira Ferreira

Dr. Renata F. de C. Leitão

Dr. Gerly Anne Brito

Dr. Rodrigo Otavio Silva

Dr. Cecilia Costa

Dr. Kelly Cristiny Borges Rainha

(Members of the Organizing Committee)