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ESCMID supports studies on genetic evolution of HPV, antifungal resistance
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The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases has highlighted in a press release the recent outcomes of two studies it had funded in previous years: one on the genetic evolution of the human papillomavirus genotype 16, the cause of most HPV related anogenital cancers, and another on resistance after treating patients with antifungal drugs.
ESCMID annually reserves about 330,000 euros to support innovative research projects in the field of infectious disease through its grant program. According to the release, the society highlighted these two studies to show how its grants have helped young investigators pursue new research. These grants were awarded to Ville N. Pimenoff, PhD, MSc, from the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, and Rasmus Hare Jensen, PhD, MSc, from the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen.
Pimenoff and colleagues compared the evolutionary histories of HPV genotype 16 and discovered that one of the viral lineages that can cause anogenital cancers could have evolved among Neanderthals and passed on to modern humans. Through his research, Pimenoff aimed to raise awareness of HPV and HPV-related cancer prevention, such as vaccination and cervical cancer screening.
In their 1-year, nationwide study in Denmark, Jensen and colleagues examined the prevalence of intrinsic and acquired drug resistance of Candida among patients treated for a fatal bloodstream infection called candidemia. By isolating resistant yeasts in patients who had received an antifungal therapy with azoles, they found that the colonizing mucosal microbiota may be an unrecognized reservoir of resistant Candida species following candidemia treatment. Jensen and colleagues concluded that the resistance rates were high, eliciting concern for patients exposed to antifungal drugs.
“ESCMID grants allow young investigators to explore his/her own projects with autonomy and room for experimentation,” Pimenoff said in the release. “Without the ESCMID grant I could not have accomplished this project. Therefore, I would like to encourage young investigators to make use of this great opportunity.” – by Savannah Demko
References:
Jensen RH, et al. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2015;doi:10.1128/AAC.01763-15.
Pimenoff VN, et al. Mol Biol Evol. 2016;doi:10.1093/molbev/msw214.
Disclosure: ESCMID is a non-profit organization that supports and promotes research, education and training in infection-related disciplines.