Welcome letter from the Congress Co-Presidents

Following the successful previous meetings held in Houston, Tokyo, Rome, Atlanta and Sidney, it is our great pleasure to invite you to attend the 12th International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Disease to be held in Paris, Palais des Congrès, July 1-5, 2006.

Co-presidents of the 12th ISVHLD, Pr Pierre TIOLLAIS and I, together with the Scientific Committee are preparing a very exciting program. State of the art, controversies and original studies will be presented in plenary sessions, symposia, parallel workshops and poster sessions. Late breakers will guarantee inclusion of the latest progress and satellite symposia will complete the agenda. The final scientific program and name of the speakers will be available very soon.

We will consider as usual, all known viruses and possible new candidates involved in viral hepatitis at the basic, clinical and therapeutic levels. New data on HAV and HEV will focus on epidemiology, immunology, and vaccines. Concerning HBV and HCV, a wealth of new information from basic to clinical aspects will be presented. These will include epidemiology, virology, diagnostic tests, chronic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure and transplantation, actual and future therapies and vaccines. Pathogenesis will encompass animal models, cellular, humoral and innate immunity as well as immunotherapeutic approaches. Special consideration will be given to the fast progress of antiviral molecules and the ongoing battle against viral resistance.

Finally, the last day will be devoted to Hepatitis-HIV co-infections, in a joint venture with the French, Aids/Hepatitis research agency, ANRS.

Besides scientific matters, the social program will provide a unique discovery of “the best” of Paris, for scientists and accompanying persons who will enjoy the early summer in our lovely Paris! No effort will be spared to make it memorable.

The Organizing and Scientific Committees of ISVHLD 2006 join us in extending a cordial invitation for your participation in the scientific program and in the attendance of this exciting congress.

Pr Pierre TIOLLAIS

Pr Christian TREPO