Highlights of the symposium: A summary

Pneumococcal transformation was the first example known of lateral gene transfer driving the evolution and diversification of streptococci. Evolution continues today as pathogens and commensals meet in hosts with a heavy burden of bacteria or bacteriophage. Antimicrobial selection is of increasing importance, and antimicrobial resistance is of increasing clinical relevance. The global burden of streptococcal disease could increase, particularly in overcrowded host populations with poor primary care. Future benefits will flow from cooperative research based on genome sequences, and on pathogenicity, vaccine and ecological studies.