2026 Workshop Programme

A persistent myth in digestive care is that identifying a pathogen or pathobiont automatically warrants antimicrobial treatment. However, this overlooks the complexity of the gut ecosystem, microbe-specific behaviours, and the broader clinical context. This workshop explores an integrative, microbiome-informed approach to pathogen and pathobiont management, highlighting the value of metagenomic whole-microbiome analysis and assessment of the wider gut environment in clinical decision-making. We'll examine when antimicrobial strategies are indicated and when restoring microbial diversity and host resilience may better support outcomes.