THEMES OF THE CONFERENCE
The cervix and the vagina are exposed to a number of environmental factors, including infectious agents that may lead to serious diseases, such as cervical cancer. They also constitute a port of access for many potentially micro-organisms to the upper genital tract and abdominal cavity. Ascending infection can cause a number of sequelas, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Recent studies also suggest that ascending infections often plays an important role in the pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as early pregnancy loss, preterm birth, low birth weight, as well as morbid conditions of the newborn such as cerebral palsy, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis. Vaginal and cervical mucosal immunity constitutes the first line of defense against such microbial invasion. The maternal and fetal immune response to infection play a major role in the pathogenesis and the susceptibility to disease. Individual genetic variations influence host immune response and susceptibility to pathological conditions.

The aim of this conference is to facilitate sharing of information on the cervicovaginal ecology which involves the interaction between the microorganism colonizing the lower genital tract and the mucosal immune response. Ecological alterations associated with diseases of the female reproductive tract and human pregnancy will be discussed. The influence of exogenous and endogenous factors such as variation in host genome will be highlighted. The role of microbial invasion and host immune response in the pathogenesis of related diseases will be investigated. Recent discoveries of novel vaginal microbial species will be covered. Diagnostic methods to identify disturbed ecology and cervicovaginal infection/inflammation will be presented and vaginocervical biomarkers in relation to ultrasonographic examination of the cervix to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes will be discussed. Therapeutic interventions to restore physiologic milieu by use of local and systemic antibiotics as well as probiotics will be reviewed. Other interventions to prevent preterm birth such as placement of cervical cerclage and progesterone treatment in relation to cervicovaginal ecology will be presented. Recent discoveries or in the prevention of vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, human papilloma virus and group beta streptococci will be presented. Cervical cancer epidemiology, genetic predisposition and recent therapeutic progress are other topics on the agenda. Preventive measures such as vaccination against human papilloma virus will also be presented.

Why did we choose December 12-14^th and Lund for the conference?
In Lund, which is a town with a 1000-year-history, there are a number of special events taking place just during these days, which will offer the conference participants a cultural “experience of lifetime”.

During these dark days of the season, we celebrate St. Lucia with a wish to be able to return to the Nordic light summer nights. For this tradition, a girl is elected as Lucia to lead a parade of students all dressed in white and with the Lucia with candles on her head.

We have made arrangements so the conference delegates with be able to take part in the celebrations, to listen to a Lucia concert at the old University building and a Christmas concert at Lund medieval Cathedral.

On the 14^th in the evening, we will visit Copenhagen where the Christmas decorations compete in beauty with those in the biggest cities in Europe and in the US. These cultural events will frame the conference, which we have all reasons to believe will be of highest scientific standard.