Projects
Experimental evolution in Candida biofilms: does drug tolerance facilitate drug resistance development in fungi?Experimental evolution in Candida biofilms: does drug tolerance facilitate drug resistance development in fungi? KU Leuven
Invasive fungal infections pose a profound and growing public health threat with treatment failure and mortality estimates often surpassing 50%. Only three major antifungal drug classes are available to treat lethal fungemia and the incidence of resistance to these drugs has risen significantly in recent years. Moreover, multidrug resistant (MDR) ‘superbugs’ like Candida auris have emerged. Despite these alarming concerns, fungal infections ...
A fluorescence-based tool for protein-protein interactions analysis and identification of novel processes of fluconazole susceptibility in Candida species KU Leuven
Candida species at the same time represent the predominant commensal fungi in the human gut microbiome and are among top 6 most common causes of serious fungal infections worldwide. Our research imperatives are better understanding the biology of these opportunistic pathogens that drives their dual lifestyle as well as finding effective treatments for the eradication of Candida infections.
Mapping the complex ...
Next generation diagnostics and susceptibility testing in biofilm-related prosthetic joint infections based on a better understanding of biofilm biology – an innovative translational approach KU Leuven
Foodborne illnesses remain a significant global public health problem with large economic consequences, despite the strict regulations regarding food safety. Salmonella represents the most common cause of bacterial foodborne outbreaks. We hypothesize that the publicly available exopolymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm matrix made by this pathogen play an important role in gut colonization and invasion. EPS are therefore considered as ...
Unraveling the susceptibility and pathogenesis of viral infections using zebrafish KU Leuven
‘Bisceps’ Biofilm susceptibility sensors for in situ biofilm monitoring. KU Leuven
Biofilms are-surface associated microbial communities that are highly tolerant against antimicrobials and therefore cause persistent contaminations and infections in industrial and medical sectors. In particular, biofilms formed on medical implants often lead to chronic infection and implant replacement, whereas biofilms in food and other industries can lead to product contamination. This project aims at the development of a novel sensor ...
Identifying Genetic Correlates of HIV-1 Drug Resistance Using a Multifaceted Approach: Genotype-Treatment, Genotype-Phenotype, and Genotype-Clinical Outcome Correlations KU Leuven
HIV-1 drug-resistance knowledge is critical for antiretroviral (ARV) drug design, the management of HIV-1 infected patients, and estimating transmitted drug resistance (TDR). However, understanding the genetic basis of HIV-1 drug resistance is hindered by the high levels of naturally occurring polymorphisms and large numbers of mutation patterns associated with cross-resistance within each antiretroviral drug class.
I studied three ...
New mechanisms of drug resistance in malaria parasites: a molecular, epidemiological and social study Institute of Tropical Medicine
Molecular epidemiological approach to understand the emergence and spread of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Peru Institute of Tropical Medicine
Data integration to close the gap on Prediction of MTB Drug Resistance Mutations Institute of Tropical Medicine
Especially for new anti-tuberculosis drugs, known genetic mutations poorly predict phenotypic resistance testing, yet real-time resistance testing is ...