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Microbiology

The Microbiology research group of the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) focuses on the study of microbiological aspects —in basic, translational and clinical research— that could improve the outcome of patients with infectious diseases.

Our priority research areas are:

  • Microbiological surveillance of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
    • Diseases due to viral infections of the respiratory tract
    • Microorganisms that cause vaccine-preventable diseases
    • Infectious diseases of sexual transmission
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Sepsis
  • Development and validation of rapid microbiological diagnostic devices.
  • International Health
  • Hepatitis 

We actively collaborate with other microbiology laboratories, health services, national and international centres and organizations, as well as with the different research networks of the Carlos III Health Institute in Spain.

In addition, we carry out an important activity in the surveillance of the genotypic and phenotypic evolution of microorganisms present in the community in terms of their virulence, transmissibility, antigenic escape and antimicrobial resistance, in collaboration with public administrations, both at the national and international level.
 

Team

Maria Francesca Cortese

Maria Francesca Cortese

Main researcher
Microbiology
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Maria Pilar Redondo Gonzalez

Maria Pilar Redondo Gonzalez

Research assistant
Microbiology
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Marta Vila Salvador

Marta Vila Salvador

Research technician
Microbiology
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Mayli Lung Suarez

Mayli Lung Suarez

Senior researcher
Microbiology
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Olaya López  Perez

Olaya López Perez

Administration and Management
Microbiology
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Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Senior researcher
Microbiology
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Maria Francesca Cortese

Maria Francesca Cortese

Main researcher
Microbiology
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Maria Pilar Redondo Gonzalez

Maria Pilar Redondo Gonzalez

Research assistant
Microbiology
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Marta Vila Salvador

Marta Vila Salvador

Research technician
Microbiology
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Mayli Lung Suarez

Mayli Lung Suarez

Senior researcher
Microbiology
Read more
Olaya López  Perez

Olaya López Perez

Administration and Management
Microbiology
Read more
Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Senior researcher
Microbiology
Read more

Projects

Estudio de comorbilidad y de inmunogenicidad vacunal en una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con primeros brotes sugestivos de Esclerosis Múltiple

IP: Susana Otero Romero
Collaborators: Juliana Esperalba Esquerra, Estudio de comorbilidad y de inmunogenicidad vacunal en una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con primeros brotes sugestivos de E, Laia Pinos Tella, Luciana Midaglia Fernandez, Sonia Maria Uriona Tuma, Sonia Maria Uriona Tuma
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 105270
Reference: PI19/01606
Duration: 01/01/2020 - 30/06/2024

Multicentre Controlled Open Randomized Clinical Trial to assess efficacy and safety of an anti-TB drug combination based on high dose Rifampicin, high dose Moxifloxacin and Linezolid for DS smear positive pulmonary TB during the first 8weeks of treatmen

IP: Adrián Sánchez Montalvá
Collaborators: Maria Luisa Aznar Ruiz de Alegria, Mª Teresa Tórtola Fernández, Juan Espinosa Pereiro
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 187550
Reference: PI20/01378
Duration: 01/01/2021 - 30/06/2025

Pre-clinical evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of recombinant BCG expressing SIV:consv in Cynomolgus macaques. A new platform for a bivalent HIV/TB vaccine development

IP: Joan Joseph Munné
Collaborators: Vicente Descalzo Jorro
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 147620
Reference: PI20/00217
Duration: 01/01/2021 - 30/06/2025

Pesquisa operativa contra a desnutrição crônica infantil em Angola (Projeto CRESCER)

IP: Israel Molina Romero
Collaborators: Maria Luisa Aznar Ruiz de Alegria, Elena del Carmen Trigo Esteban, Bibiana Planas Ribas, Marta Sanchiz Cruz, Marc Molins Masdefiol, Esperanza Esteban Serna, Josep Roca Grande, Jose Cabral Jamba , Tayná Marques Torres Barboza
Funding agency: EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Funding: 3004510.89
Reference: CRESCER_EUROPEAID2019_
Duration: 15/02/2021 - 15/07/2026

Blog

News

The technology could help make stool sample screening more comprehensive and facilitate the identification of parasitic findings for subsequent expert review.

The initiative focuses on awareness, prevention, and the normalization of sexual health check-ups among young people.

All patients showed a favorable clinical course and responded well to antibiotic treatment, without complications.