Projects / Programmes
Existence of Parasitic Relationship
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| 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) |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
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 (57)
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
The findings of our research group bring forward new significant discoveries for a better understanding of biology, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenesis of infectious disease agents. Public healthcare services have found these new breakthroughs especially helpful, because they are applying new findings into practice and prevent the spread of diseases while broadening the area for new diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. By genetic typing bacteria we are able to explore the spread of bacterial clones, especially those with new multi-drug resistance and comparison between different countries. Typing several different drug-resistant bacterial strains, we have revealed hospital outbreaks and confirmed their origin of the outbreak together with the means of transmission of resistant clones. Furthermore by analyzing the bacterial resistance we have supported the introduction of strict measures to reduce the use of antibiotics and consequently inhibit the spread of bacteria resistance in hospitals. We have partaken in discovering new antimicrobial compounds against S. aureus, E. faecalis and E. faecium that are essential for treatment of increasing number of infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Inadequately regulated responses often lead to a pathogenesis of different infectious, autoimmune or malign diseases. For example, the immune response plays an important role in the course and treatment of infection with H. pylori, which is a serious cause of gastric cancer. We have showed that different isolates of H. pylori have a different effect on maturation of dendritic cells and their ability to present antigens, which brings new ways for treatment. We have suggested that the risk factors for the occurrence and development of pulmonary diseases, such as sarcoidosis, could be the exposure to microbial immunomodulatory components, such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide and components of fungi cell wall. Exposing the immunopathogenic involvement in the disease course question the rationality of antimycotic therapy with sarcoidosis patients. Likewise we have discovered that over stimulated cytokine response in viral hemorrhagic fevers is the key for a more severe disease course and that opened a new insight into the virus pathogenesis. Additionally, we have developed an improved approach to pre-processing environmental and clinical samples for further metagenomic analysis, which will be beneficial for research groups in Slovenia and abroad. We have significantly improved the possibilities for diagnosing sepsis, with implementing new, more sensitive methods which can detect even low concentration of the pathogen in the blood sample. Employing new molecular methods for detecting and genotyping viral respiratory infections in early childhood we have discover the first case of life endangering infection with bocavirus in the world. In addition, we have presented new data in prevalence of HPV genotypes causing the cervical cancer and successfully collaborated in implementation of the HPV vaccination in central and east Europe and developed initial guidelines for prevention of cervical cancer. We have characterized several new genotypes of HPV, by determining the nucleotide sequence of Slovenian isolates and those collected all over the world. Gathering molecular and epidemiological data for enteric viruses lead us to the conclusion inadequate sources of drinking water an important role in virus transmission. We have determined the biggest collection of hantavirus genomes in one country collected from patients and natural hosts. Above that we have performed also the most extensive study on biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors influencing the spread and incidence of TBE in Slovenia.
Significance for the country
Monitoring bacterial resistance in Slovenia is very important when planning the strategies of treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. The results of our studies indicate the need for strengthening preventive measures for the transmission of infectious agents and for planning of empirical and targeted therapy of bacterial infections. Typing of bacteria allows us to determine the prevalence of existing clones, discovering new virulence factors and compare the spread of clones among countries, and allows for proper design and implementation of preventive measures for the transmission of infections. The results of epidemiological studies of important resistant hospital bacterial strains placed Slovenia on the "European epidemiological map" of multiple-resistant bacteria, which represent a serious clinical problem. H. pylori is a major cause of gastric cancer. Since in Slovenia, more than 50% of the population is infected, the results of our studies on the pathogenesis of infection are important for indicating new possibilities for treatment and prevention of gastric cancer. The results of the research on respiratory viral pathogens enable expert and economic optimization of viral diagnostics, accurate interpretation of laboratory results and an overview of the epidemiological situation in Slovenia, which are the basis for effective preventive measures. Proper and prompt confirmation of viral respiratory infections allows for timely treatment with antiviral drugs, reduces the use of antibiotics and enables isolation of patients for the period of infectivity. Surface and ground water resources were examined for the presence of enteric viruses, where surprisingly high levels of contamination were detected. The results were presented to the officials responsible for appropriate measures in prevention of water- and food-borne infections. We proposed a method for testing drinking water for the presence of enteric viruses, as a quick way in determining potential contamination sources and preventing infections. Slovenia is a country with one of the highest incidences of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe. We examined the influence of biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors on the incidence of TBE in Slovenia, the emergence of new endemic foci and designed a first predictive map of TBE endemic areas. We have created collections of Slovenian genotypes of several bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi, which allows for comparison with other European countries. These data are helpful for public health services responsible for prevention and control of the spread of infectious diseases in the country. Results of our studies are the groundwork for the introduction and improvement of diagnostic methods of infectious diseases. Accurate and efficient diagnosis of various pathogens is needed for effective collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, in offering professional advice and action in the event of an attack with weapons or means of mass destruction. Members of our research group with their research work have a significant impact on the development of several biomedical undergraduate and postgraduate study programs taking place at different faculties of the University of Ljubljana (Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology), where we are actively involved as subject holders, lecturers and assistants. In addition, we are also the coordinators of medical and clinical microbiology specialty studies. With the publication of university textbooks, manuals for practical, various recommendations and guidelines, and professional and popular articles in the broader field of medical microbiology we contribute to information, awareness and education of both professional as well as the general public.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
