The Gordon Research Conference on the Biology of Spirochetes is devoted to discussions of leading edge fundamental research of all medically important and biologically relevant spirochetes, a unique group of Eubacteria. Many spirochetes are pathogens and cause a variety of diseases, including syphilis, Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever borreliosis, leptospirosis, periodontal disease, digital dermatitis of cattle, and swine and human dysentery. Certain nonpathogenic spirochetes are also of great interest, such as the termite gut symbionts. The purpose of this conference is to assemble the most active and productive investigators in all areas of spirochete biology to share research advances at the frontier of the field, to develop collaborations, and to delineate common research objectives. The intention is to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among groups working on different spirochetes and an opportunity for senior graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators in the field to develop international contacts and collaborative networks. Indeed, this conference has a proactive program to promote active participation by graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and new investigators, especially women and other underrepresented minorities.

The conference embraces progress at the leading edge of infection and immunity as well as contemplation of theoretical biology. The application of genetic advancements, high throughput technology, and the availability of genomic sequences for Borrelia burgdorferi, B. garinii, Treponema pallidum, T. denticola, Leptospira spp. and other spirochetes are providing a wealth of new information. This progress is being integrated into ongoing studies on the biology, physiology, structure-function relationships, chemotaxis, pathogenesis, gene regulation, and immunobiology as well as tissue invasion and evasion strategies of these bacteria. For the 2010 GRC, we have increased the number of oral presentations of late-breaking research that will be selected from the abstracts submitted by new investigators. We also encourage new investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and senior graduate students in related fields such as vector-borne infections, sexually transmitted infections, and mixed anaerobic infections to consider this GRC program and to submit an application and research abstract.