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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

Miguel Angel Martinez Lopez

Miguel Angel Martinez Lopez

Predoctoral 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

Microbiology
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Tomàs Pumarola Suñé

Tomàs Pumarola Suñé

Main researcher
Microbiology
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Virginia Rodríguez Garrido

Virginia Rodríguez Garrido

Predoctoral researcher
Microbiology
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Yannick Hoyos Mallecot

Yannick Hoyos Mallecot

Postdoctoral researcher
Microbiology
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Miguel Angel Martinez Lopez

Miguel Angel Martinez Lopez

Predoctoral researcher
Microbiology
Read more
Olaya López  Perez

Olaya López Perez

Administration and Management
Microbiology
Read more
Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Rosa María Bartolomé Comas

Microbiology
Read more
Tomàs Pumarola Suñé

Tomàs Pumarola Suñé

Main researcher
Microbiology
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Virginia Rodríguez Garrido

Virginia Rodríguez Garrido

Predoctoral researcher
Microbiology
Read more
Yannick Hoyos Mallecot

Yannick Hoyos Mallecot

Postdoctoral researcher
Microbiology
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Projects

Dispositivo cuantitativo y estable para el diagnótico point-of-care. EuroNanoMed Call 2021 (VHIR coordinator)

IP: Eva Baldrich Rubio
Collaborators: Israel Molina Romero, Adrián Sánchez Montalvá, Elena Sulleiro Igual, Judit Prat Trunas, Menyar Ben Jaballah
Funding agency: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Funding: 214333.35
Reference: AC21_2/00021
Duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2024

Publications

Pralsetinib in Patients with Advanced/metastatic RET-altered Thyroid Cancer: Updated Efficacy and Safety Data from the ARROW Study.

PMID: 38009200
Journal: THYROID
Year: 2023
Reference: Thyroid. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1089/thy.2023.0363.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Adkins, Douglas R; Ahn, Myung-Ju; Alonso, Guzman; Barata, Teresa; Bordogna, Walter; Brose, Marcia; Cassier, Philippe A; Chul Cho, Byoung; Curigliano, Giuseppe; Gainor, Justin F et al.
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0363

Standardising personalised diabetes care across European health settings: A person-centred outcome set agreed in a multinational Delphi study.

PMID: 38017616
Journal: DIABETIC MEDICINE
Year: 2023
Reference: Diabet Med. 2023 Nov 28:e15259. doi: 10.1111/dme.15259.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Aanstoot, Henk-Jan; Aguilera, Antonio; Benard, Angele Helene Marie; Benito, Rafael; de-Mendoza, Carmen; Del Pozo, Carmen Hurtado; Delbecque, Laure; Due-Christensen, Mette; Eeg-Olofsson, Katarina; Eiros, Jose Maria et al.
DOI: 10.1111/dme.15259

iMAGING: a novel automated system for malaria diagnosis by using artificial intelligence tools and a universal low-cost robotized microscope.

PMID: 38075929
Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2023
Reference: Front Microbiol. 2023 Nov 24;14:1240936. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1240936. eCollection 2023.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Abello, Alberto; Bilalli, Besim; Clols, Elisa Sayrol; de Oliveira, Allisson Dantas; Espasa, Mateu; Joseph-Munne, Joan; Lopez-Codina, Daniel; Maturana, Carles Rubio; Nadal, Sergi; Ruiz, Edurne et al.
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1240936

Etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns in chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia: an 11-year clinical experience.

PMID: 38133804
Journal: ARCHIVES OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY
Year: 2023
Reference: Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023 Dec 22. doi: 10.1007/s00402-023-05095-3.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Carbonell-Rosell, Carla; Corona, Pablo S; Lakhani, Kushal; Lung, Mayli; Nadal, Patricia; Rodriguez-Pardo, Dolors et al.
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-05095-3

Standardized Hepatitis B Virus RNA Quantification in Untreated and Treated Chronic Patients: a Promising Marker of Infection Follow-Up.

PMID: 35377229
Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
Year: 2022
Reference: Microbiol Spectr. 2022 Apr 27;10(2):e0214921. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.02149-21. Epub 2022 Apr 4.
Impact factor: 7.171
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Rodriguez-Frias, Francisco, Buti, Maria, Pumarola, Tomas, Garcia-Garcia, Selene, Cortese, Maria Francesca, Riveiro-Barciela, Mar, Tabernero, David, Rodriguez-Algarra, Francisco, Palom, Adriana, Sopena, Sara et al.
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02149-21

Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-CoV-2 in a Candidate Does Not Always Preclude Liver Transplantation: Case Report and Literature Review.

PMID: 35352636
Journal: Experimental and Clinical Transplantation
Year: 2022
Reference: Exp Clin Transplant. 2022 Mar;20(3):321-324. doi: 10.6002/ect.2021.0387.
Impact factor: 0.945
Publication type: Letter or abstract
Authors: Len, Oscar, Castells, Lluis, Nuvials, Xavier, Sellares-Nadal, Julia, Esperalba, Juliana, Marquez-Algaba, Ester, Los-Arcos, Ibai, Anton, Andres et al.
DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0387

COVID-19: an opportunity of systematic integration for Chagas disease. Example of a community-based approach within the Bolivian population in Barcelona.

PMID: 35346096
Journal: BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Year: 2022
Reference: BMC Infect Dis. 2022 Mar 28;22(1):298. doi: 10.1186/s12879-022-07305-6.
Impact factor: 3.09
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Gomez I Prat, Jordi, Essadek, Hakima Ouaarab, Esperalba, Juliana, Serrat, Francesc Zarzuela, Guiu, Isabel Claveria, Goterris, Lidia, Zules-Ona, Ricardo, Choque, Estefa, Pastoret, Conxita, Ponces, Natalia Casamitjana et al.
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07305-6

Next-Generation Sequencing for Confronting Virus Pandemics.

PMID: 35337007
Journal: Viruses-Basel
Year: 2022
Reference: Viruses. 2022 Mar 14;14(3). pii: v14030600. doi: 10.3390/v14030600.
Impact factor: 5.048
Publication type: Review in international publication
Authors: Anton, Andres, Quer, Josep, Colomer-Castell, Sergi, Campos, Carolina, Andres, Cristina, Pinana, Maria, Cortese, Maria Francesca, Gonzalez-Sanchez, Alejandra, Garcia-Cehic, Damir, Ibanez, Marta et al.
DOI: 10.3390/v14030600

Enterovirus-A71 Rhombencephalitis Outbreak in Catalonia: Characteristics, Management and Outcome.

PMID: 34097655
Journal: PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
Year: 2021
Reference: Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Jul 1;40(7):628-633. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003114.
Impact factor: 2.129
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Anton, Andres, Castellarnau, Ester, Delgado, Ignacio, Vazquez, Elida, Gonzalez, Sebastia, Mayol, Lluis, Mendez, Maria, Sole, Eduard, Rosal, Jaume, Andres, Cristina et al.
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003114

Intra-Discrete Typing Unit TcV Genetic Variability of Trypanosoma cruzi in Chronic Chagas' Disease Bolivian Immigrant Patients in Barcelona, Spain.

PMID: 34095255
Journal: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Year: 2021
Reference: Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 May 20;8:665624. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.665624. eCollection 2021.
Impact factor: 6.05
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: de Oliveira, Maykon Tavares, Sulleiro, Elena, da Silva, Maria Claudia, Silgado, Aroa, de Lana, Marta, da Silva, Joao Santana, Molina, Israel, Marin-Neto, J Antonio et al.
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.665624

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Previously Infected and Non-Infected Cohorts of Health Workers at High Risk of Exposure.

PMID: 34064314
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Year: 2021
Reference: J Clin Med. 2021 May 4;10(9). pii: jcm10091968. doi: 10.3390/jcm10091968.
Impact factor: 4.242
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Sanchez-Montalva, Adrian, Fernandez-Naval, Candela, Anton, Andres, Dura, Xavier, Vimes, Alba, Silgado, Aroa, Velasquez-Orozco, Fernando, Espinosa-Pereiro, Juan, Salvador, Fernando, Pumarola, Tomas et al.
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091968

Nasal high flow oxygen therapy in COVID-19 patients does not cause environmental surface contamination.

PMID: 34082060
Journal: JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
Year: 2021
Reference: J Hosp Infect. 2021 Oct;116:103-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.034. Epub 2021 May 31.
Impact factor: 3.926
Publication type: Letter or abstract
Authors: Armadans, Lluis, Segales, Joaquim, Pumarola, Tomas, Campins, Magda, Ferrer, Ricard, Rodriguez-Garrido, Virginia, Vergara-Alert, Julia, Anton, Andres, Rodon, Jordi, Pacheco, Andres et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.04.034

Conservation and variability of hepatitis B core at different chronic hepatitis stages.

PMID: 32523313
Journal: WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
Year: 2020
Reference: World J Gastroenterol. 2020 May 28;26(20):2584-2598. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i20.2584.
Impact factor: 3.665
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Rodriguez-Frias, Francisco, Buti, Maria, Esteban, Rafael, Yll, Marcal, Cortese, Maria Francesca, Guerrero-Murillo, Mercedes, Orriols, Gerard, Gregori, Josep, Casillas, Rosario, Gonzalez, Carolina et al.
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i20.2584

Quantification of parasite burden of Trypanosoma cruzi and identification of Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) in blood samples of Latin American immigrants residing in Barcelona, Spain.

PMID: 32497037
Journal: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
Year: 2020
Reference: PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2020 Jun 4;14(6):e0008311. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008311. eCollection 2020 Jun.
Impact factor: 3.885
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Tavares de Oliveira, Maykon, Sulleiro, Elena, Silgado Gimenez, Aroa, de Lana, Marta, Zingales, Bianca, Santana da Silva, Joao, Marin-Neto, J Antonio, Molina, Israel et al.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008311

Clinical evaluation of the ResistancePlus MG FleXible test on the GeneXpert Infinity-48s instrument: a near-patient assay for simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma genitalium and macrolide resistance.

PMID: 32451118
Journal: DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Year: 2020
Reference: Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2020 Aug;97(4):115062. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.115062. Epub 2020 Apr 17.
Impact factor: 2.499
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Tulsiani-Drud, Suhella, Barbera, Maria-Jesus, Hoyos-Mallecot, Yannick, Serra-Pladevall, Judit, Pumarola, Tomas, Espasa, Mateu, Silgado, Aroa, Salmeron, Paula, Fernandez-Huerta, Miguel et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.115062

Leishmania infantum asymptomatic infection in inflammatory bowel disease patients under anti-TNF therapy.

PMID: 32420499
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2020
Reference: Heliyon. 2020 May 8;6(5):e03940. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03940. eCollection 2020 May.
Impact factor: 0
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Guillen, M Carmen, Alcover, M Magdalena, Borruel, Natalia, Sulleiro, Elena, Salvador, Fernando, Berenguer, Diana, Herrera-de Guise, Claudia, Rodriguez, Veronica, Moure, Zaira, Sanchez-Montalva, Adrian et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03940

Invasive pneumococcal disease and influenza activity in pediatric population. Impact of PCV13 vaccination in pandemic and non-pandemic influenza periods.

PMID: 31189583
Journal: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Year: 2019
Reference: J Clin Microbiol. 2019 Jul 26;57(8). pii: JCM.00363-19. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00363-19. Print 2019 Aug.
Impact factor: 4.959
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Munoz-Almagro, Carmen, Ciruela, Pilar, Soldevila, Nuria, Izquierdo, Conchita, Codina, Maria Gemma, Diaz, Alvaro, Moraga-Llop, Fernando, Garcia-Garcia, Juan Jose, Dominguez, Angela, Hernandez, Sergi et al.
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00363-19

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Tertiary Care Center in Spain: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

PMID: 31162731
Journal: MYCOSES
Year: 2019
Reference: Mycoses. 2019 Sep;62(9):765-772. doi: 10.1111/myc.12950. Epub 2019 Jun 25.
Impact factor: 3.065
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Ruiz-Camps, Isabel, Roldan, Elisa, Sampol, Julia, Martinez-Marti, Alex, Goterris-Bonet, Lidia, Martin, Maria Teresa, Aguilar-Company, Juan, Almirante, Benito et al.
DOI: 10.1111/myc.12950

Impact of antibiotic resistance on outcomes of neutropenic cancer patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia (IRONIC study): study protocol of a retrospective multicentre international study.

PMID: 31129580
Journal: BMJ Open
Year: 2019
Reference: BMJ Open. 2019 May 24;9(5):e025744. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025744.
Impact factor: 2.376
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Bassetti, Matteo, Albasanz-Puig, Adaia, Gudiol, Carlota, Parody, Rocio, Tebe, Cristian, Akova, Murat, Araos, Rafael, Bote, Anna, Brunel, Anne-Sophie, Calik, Sebnem et al.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025744

A retrospective study on the influence of siblings' relatedness in Bolivian patients with chronic Chagas disease.

PMID: 31126327
Journal: Parasites & Vectors
Year: 2019
Reference: Parasit Vectors. 2019 May 24;12(1):260. doi: 10.1186/s13071-019-3518-4.
Impact factor: 3.031
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Espinosa-Pereiro, Juan, Sanchez-Montalva, Adrian, Salvador, Fernando, Sao-Aviles, Augusto, Sulleiro, Elena, Molina, Israel et al.
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3518-4

Preservation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: should swabs be refrigerated or not?: Neisseria gonorrhoeae preservation.

PMID: 29292202
Journal: JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS
Year: 2018
Reference: J Microbiol Methods. 2018 Feb;145:37-39. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.12.012. Epub 2017 Dec 29.
Impact factor: 1.701
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Serra-Pladevall, Judit, Gulin Blanco, Carlos, Vila Olmo, Neus, Arjona Camacho, Pilar, Andreu Domingo, Antonia et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.12.012

Prevalence of Chagas Disease among Solid Organ-Transplanted Patients in a Nonendemic Country.

PMID: 29405102
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
Year: 2018
Reference: Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Mar;98(3):742-746. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0735. Epub 2018 Feb 1.
Impact factor: 2.564
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Salvador, Fernando, Sanchez-Montalva, Adrian, Sulleiro, Elena, Moreso, Francesc, Berastegui, Cristina, Caralt, Mireia, Pinazo, Maria-Jesus, Moure, Zaira, Los-Arcos, Ibai, Len, Oscar et al.
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0735

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Strongyloides stercoralis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Blastocystis spp. isolates in school children in Cubal, Western Angola.

PMID: 29378626
Journal: Parasites & Vectors
Year: 2018
Reference: Parasit Vectors. 2018 Jan 29;11(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s13071-018-2640-z.
Impact factor: 3.163
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Aznar-Ruiz-de-Alegria, Maria L, Espasa, Mateu, Ninda, Arlette, Gandasegui, Javier, Sulleiro, Elena, Moreno, Milagros, Salvador, Fernando, Molina, Israel, Rodriguez, Esperanza, Carmena, David et al.
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2640-z

Health Status of Asylum Seekers, Spain.

PMID: 29165223
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
Year: 2018
Reference: Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2018 Jan;98(1):300-307. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0438. Epub 2018 Jan 1.
Impact factor: 2.564
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Romero, Israel Molina, Serre-Delcor, Nuria, Ascaso, Carlos, Soriano-Arandes, Antoni, Sanchez, Francisco Collazos, Maruri, Begona Trevino, Sulleiro, Elena, Ciruelo, Diana Pou, Garcia, Cristina Bocanegra et al.
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0438

Differences in Neisseria gonorrhoeae population structure and antimicrobial resistance pattern between men who have sex with men and heterosexuals.

PMID: 27758727
Journal: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2017
Reference: Epidemiol Infect. 2017 Jan;145(2):379-385. Epub 2016 Oct 19.
Impact factor: 2.075
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Bartolome-Comas, R, Andreu, A, Callarisa, A E, Barbera, M J, Serra-Pladevall, J et al.
DOI: 10.1017/S095026881600234X

Infections in intensive care unit adult patients harboring multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: implications for prevention and therapy.

PMID: 28093651
Journal: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Year: 2017
Reference: Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2017 Jul;36(7):1097-1104. doi: 10.1007/s10096-016-2894-3. Epub 2017 Jan 16.
Impact factor: 2.727
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Borgatta, B, Lagunes, L, Imbiscuso, A T, Larrosa, M N, Lujan, M, Rello, J et al.
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2894-3

Centrality in the host-pathogen interactome is associated with pathogen fitness during infection.

PMID: 28090086
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2017
Reference: Nat Commun. 2017 Jan 16;8:14092. doi: 10.1038/ncomms14092.
Impact factor: 12.124
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Crua Asensio, Nuria, Munoz Giner, Elisabet, de Groot, Natalia Sanchez, Torrent Burgas, Marc et al.
DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14092

Sentinel surveillance of imported dengue via travellers to Europe 2012 to 2014: TropNet data from the DengueTools Research Initiative.

PMID: 28080959
Journal: Eurosurveillance
Year: 2017
Reference: Euro Surveill. 2017 Jan 5;22(1). pii: 30433. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2017.22.1.30433.
Impact factor: 7.202
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Castelli, Francesco, Van Esbroeck, Marjan, Matteelli, Alberto, Rochat, Laurence, Sulleiro, Elena, Kurth, Florian, Gobbi, Federico, Norman, Francesca, Torta, Ilaria, Clerinx, Jan et al.
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2017.22.1.30433

Evaluation of the usefulness of a quantitative blood culture in the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection: Comparative analysis of two periods (2002 and 2012).

PMID: 26778796
Journal: ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
Year: 2016
Reference: Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2016 Oct;34(8):484-9. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.11.007. Epub 2016 Jan 9.
Impact factor: 1.53
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Planes, Anna Maria, Calleja, Raquel, Bernet, Albert, Campins-Marti, Magda, Almirante, Benito, Pumarola, Tomas, Fernandez-Hidalgo, Nuria et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2015.11.007

Blog

News

On European Antibiotic Awareness Day, we highlight the importance of using these medications responsibly and finding innovative solutions to combat this issue.

The new diagnostic method, designed for use in endemic regions, combines a mobile application with a low-cost robotic microscope.

The European network EUPertStrain celebrates its annual meeting, focused on the study of the evolution of Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium responsible for this disease that can be very serious in children under one year.