Projects / Programmes
Existence of Parasitic Relationship
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.01.00 |
Medical sciences |
Microbiology and immunology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B230 |
Biomedical sciences |
Microbiology, bacteriology, virology, mycology |
| B240 |
Biomedical sciences |
Parasitology (human and animal) |
hospital infections, bacterial resistance, EBV virus, hepatitits B and C, HIV, enteritic viruses, apoptosis, cytokines, interferones, zoonotic pathogens, molecular epidemiology, genetic variability, infection control, diagnostics, therapy of infections
Researchers (46)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Programme of the Existence of Parasitic Relationship combine different projects that are mutual connected by the the topic of investigation of the the important host-pathogen relationship. Humans, animals and potential vectors will be studied.
Significance for science
Part I: BACTERIOLOGY Results of conducted research studies from 2004 to 2008 were published in 33 articles in journals indexed by SCI. Based on the obtained results, new information and knowledge regarding the pathogenesis and epidemiology of community and hospital acquired bacteria were provided. This in turn lead to improved measures to prevent hospital infections. Gathered data of bacterial resistance was provided to several networks (HARMONY; European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System - EARSS) and compared to data of other European centers. Similar trends were noted. Furthermore, we have carefully inspected the diversity of ESBLs in Slovenia and contributed to the general knowledge on ESBLs. Among uropathogenic Escherichia coli, low prevalence of colicin K production and pColK-K235 plasmid encoding it, was determined. We were also the first who published inhibitory concentrations (0,1 to 100 µg/ml) of susceptible uropathogenic strains. Part II: IMMUNOLOGY Results of conducted research studies from 2004 to 2008 were published in 39 articles in journals indexed by SCI. In the body’s defense, immune system receives different signals and responds adequately to the potential threat. Immune responses are shifted to the appropriate effectors mechanisms to clear dangerous factors from the organism. Pathogenic microorganisms and their components and also biologically active substances from other organisms regulate the host’s defense responses in many different ways. Research of immune system and response can importantly contribute to the different treatment approaches of auto-immune diseases or cancer. And finally, category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication - cytokines are well researched but still several aspects regarding their activity and mechanisms remain unanswered. With our research, we have contributed to the specific aspects of cytokines involvement in diseases and treatment. Part III: VIROLOGY Results of conducted research studies from 2004 to 2008 were published in 55 articles in journals indexed by SCI. According to the planned program, we have successfully characterized large number of HCV, HBV and HIV isolates in Slovenia. Based on determined molecular and epidemiological characteristics of mentioned viruses we importantly contributed to the efforts of minimizing the rapid spread of these viruses in Europe. In addition, several aspects (virological, diagnostic, and clinical) of human papilloma viruses (HPV), including genomic diversity of three important HPV genotypes, HPV-6, HPV-53 and HPV-38, were systematically studied. Extended electron microscopy study was also performed in order to screen the representative stool samples for the presence of not well known viruses, like sapoviruses and aichi viruses. Simultaneously, the molecular epidemiology study on human and animal rotaviruses and noroviruses in Slovenia was performed. Part IV: ZOONOSES Results of conducted research studies from 2004 to 2008 were published in 65 articles in journals indexed by SCI. Specific goals of the zoonotic part of the research programme were to research and describe the ecology and epidemiology of zoonotic agents including bacteria, viruses and parasites. We have gathered important informations regarding the relationships between zoonotic agents, their hosts and vectors, and dead end host like humans in most cases are. Furthermore, we have detected and characterized new zoonotic microorganisms in Slovenia and described their extreme genetic diversity. Based on these results we have piloted new research studies focused on immunopathogenetic mechanisms of zoonotic agents. First results are very promising since we have shown that the viral load is a strong factor for delineating CCHF patients with fatal outcome from surviving patients. Dobrava viral load might also be associated with the severity of disease.
Significance for the country
Part I: BACTERIOLOGY Using the methods of molecular biology we have successfully elucidated different epidemics of hospital acquired infections in Slovenia. We have gathered data of bacterial resistance of bacteria circulating in community and hospitals. This in turn led to the improved measures to prevent hospital infections and to use the correct antibiotic treatment in Slovenia. Part II: IMMUNOLOGY Anticipated apoptosis research is at the moment one of the most important research topics in the field of immunology. With obtained results of our studies we have followed the world experts in the field and raised the importance of Slovenian scientific community and its reputation. Furthermore, research conducted in our laboratories provided new data which will contribute to the correct treatment of different diseases. Developed diagnostic methods for cytokines detection will also allow measuring the efficacy of such treatments. Part III: VIROLOGY By using the molecular and epidemiological methods to characterize viruses such as HCV, HBV and HIV, we importantly contributed to the efforts of minimizing the rapid spread of these viruses in Slovenia. We have introduced several molecular methods to follow up the treatment and the resistance development for several viruses. Furthermore, we have shown the importance of HPV in Slovenia and described the pathogenic genotypes circulating in Slovenia. Part IV: ZOONOSES By developing new molecular techniques to detect and describe zoonotic agents and their natural life cycles, we importantly contributed to the prevention of zoonoses especially emerging diseases in Slovenia. Description and knowing the zoonotic agents circulation in Slovenia will allow public health authorities to take correct measures to prevent the spreading of these agents. Furthermore, zoonotic agents are one of the most often used bioterroristic agents and the knowledge on these agents in Slovenia will enable us to closely cooperate with Ministry of defence of Slovenia to prevent possible bioterroristic events.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
