Webinar - Trojan Horse in Plain Sight: the Nasal Microbiome and HCAIs
Despite sustained investment in surface cleaning, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a persistent challenge globally. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous microbial reservoirs - particularly the nasal microbiome - act as a “Trojan horse”, quietly harbouring pathogens that can seed infections and undermine prevention efforts from within.
This session, led by Professor Michael Wilson and Dr Nicolas Loebel will explore the clinical importance of the nasal vestibule as a hidden reservoir for pathogenic organisms and consider its implications for infection prevention strategies in healthcare settings, including surgical pathways and hospital environments.
Date: Tuesday 31 March, 2026
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Joining link: Teams Link
The webinar will examine:
- The microbial ecology of the nasal vestibule and its role as a habitat for Staphylococcus aureus and other microorganisms implicated in HCAIs
- Molecular insights into microbial communities and colonisation within the nasal microbiome
- The implications of nasal colonisation for healthcare-associated infections and surgical site infections
- Emerging approaches to nasal decolonisation as part of infection prevention strategies
- An overview of light-activated antimicrobial technology (photodisinfection) and its potential clinical applications
Recommended attendees:
- Infection prevention and control specialists
- Surgeons and surgical teams
- Perioperative and theatre nurses
- Infection control nurses and practitioners
- Operating theatre and clinical support teams
- Trainee healthcare professionals
CPD accreditation
CPD accreditation will be applied for retrospectively following the webinar. Participants who attend the session will be able to claim a certificate of attendance, which may be used as evidence towards continuing professional development requirements.
This webinar will be recorded and available on-demand afterwards via the joining link above.
Speakers
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Professor Michael Wilson, GRSC, MSc, PhD, FRCPath, DSc
Professor Michael Wilson is Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at University College London and one of the leading researchers in photodisinfection. Over four decades at UCL, his research has focused on the human microbiota, microbial biofilms, bacterial pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.
A pioneer in translational microbiology, he has filed 13 patents for innovations including light-activated antimicrobial technologies and water purification systems. Professor Wilson has published 338 peer-reviewed papers and 11 books, supervised over 80 postgraduate researchers, and received several international honours for his contributions to microbiology and global health innovation. -
Dr Nicolas Loebel, PhD
Dr Nicolas Loebel is President and Chief Technology Officer at Ondine Biomedical, where he leads research and development of light-activated antimicrobial technologies. With extensive experience in medical device innovation and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, he has authored numerous publications and patents and lectures internationally on the clinical applications of photodisinfection.