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.

Projects

Aquest any no hi ha projectes actius.

Publications

Inspecting the Ribozyme Region of Hepatitis Delta Virus Genotype 1: Conservation and Variability.

PMID: 35215809
Journal: Viruses-Basel
Year: 2022
Reference: Viruses. 2022 Jan 22;14(2). pii: v14020215. doi: 10.3390/v14020215.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Aldama, Unai; Buti, Maria; Casillas, Rosario; Cortese, Maria Francesca; Galan, Anna; Garcia-Garcia, Selene; Gonzalez-Aseguinolaza, Gloria; Gregori, Josep; Najarro, Adrian; Pacin-Ruiz, Beatriz et al.
DOI: 10.3390/v14020215

Detection of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus complex isolates using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

PMID: 34147673
Journal: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2022
Reference: Clin Microbiol Infect. 2022 Feb;28(2):260-266. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.005. Epub 2021 Jun 17.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Arroyo, Manuel J; Ayats, Josefina; Candela, Ana; Castello-Abietar, Cristian; Castro, Carmen; Castro, Carmen; Cobo, Fernando; Costales, Isabel; Diaz-Garcia, Judith; Echeverria, Cristina Labayru et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.005

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Young Children Presenting to Primary Care in Catalonia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PMID: 34922377
Journal: Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Year: 2022
Reference: J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc. 2022 Feb 23;11(2):69-72. doi: 10.1093/jpids/piab121.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Anton, Andres; Coma, Ermengol; Fabregas, Mireia; Fina, Francesc; Medina, Manuel; Mendez-Boo, Leonardo; Mora, Nuria; Vila, Jorgina et al.
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piab121

[Not Available].

PMID: 35185236
Journal: ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
Year: 2022
Reference: Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2022 Feb 14. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2022.01.014.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in national publication
Authors: Andres, Cristina; Angeles Dominguez, M; Anton, Andres; Ardanuy, Carmen; Calatayud, Laura; Camara, Jordi; Fernandez-Huerta, Miguel; Hernandez-Hermida, Yolanda; Niubo, Jordi; Pumarola, Tomas et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2022.01.014

Resistance-associated substitutions after sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir triple therapy failure.

PMID: 33720484
Journal: JOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS
Year: 2021
Reference: J Viral Hepat. 2021 Sep;28(9):1319-1324. doi: 10.1111/jvh.13497. Epub 2021 Mar 22.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Buti, Maria; Campos, Carolina; Canizares, Angelina; Carrion, Jose Antonio; Castro-Iglesias, Angeles; Costa, Juan Garcia; Esteban, Juan Ignacio; Garcia-Cehic, Damir; Gregori, Josep; Macenlle, Ramiro et al.
DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13497

Current epidemiological status of HIV-2 and HTLV-1 infection in Spain.

PMID: 32798034
Journal: MEDICINA CLINICA
Year: 2021
Reference: Med Clin (Barc). 2021 Mar 26;156(6):290-296. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2020.05.029. Epub 2020 Aug 11.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in national publication
Authors: Caballero, Estrella; de Mendoza, Carmen; Ramos, Jose Manuel; Soriano, Vicente et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2020.05.029

Evaluation of the performance of Loopamp Trypanosoma cruzi Detection Kit for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in a non-endemic area, Spain.

PMID: 33692137
Journal: JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Year: 2021
Reference: J Clin Microbiol. 2021 Apr 20;59(5). pii: JCM.01860-20. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01860-20. Print 2021 Apr 20.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Abras, Alba; Ballart, Cristina; Cruz, Israel; Flores-Chavez, Maria D; Gallego, Montserrat; Garcia Diez, Emilia; Ibanez Perez, Ismael; Moure, Zaira; Munoz, Carmen; Nieto, Javier et al.
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01860-20

An Immunochemical Approach to Quantify and Assess the Potential Value of the Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal as a Biomarker of Infection.

PMID: 33691411
Journal: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Year: 2021
Reference: Anal Chem. 2021 Mar 23;93(11):4859-4866. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04731. Epub 2021 Mar 11.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Marco, M Pilar; Martin-Gomez, M Teresa; Montagut, Enrique J et al.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04731

Microscopic examination after concentration techniques for Blastocystis sp. detection in serial faecal samples: How many samples are needed?

PMID: 32055721
Journal: Parasite epidemiology and control
Year: 2020
Reference: Parasite Epidemiol Control. 2020 Jan 10;9:e00137. doi: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00137. eCollection 2020 May.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Balladares, Martha; Bosch-Nicolau, Pau; Garcia, Elena; Goterris, Lidia; Lopez, Isabel; Molina, Israel; Not, Anna; Paz, Carmen; Salvador, Fernando; Sanchez-Montalva, Adrian et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00137

High Prevalence of Strongyloidiasis in Spain: A Hospital-Based Study.

PMID: 32053864
Journal: Pathogens
Year: 2020
Reference: Pathogens. 2020 Feb 11;9(2). pii: pathogens9020107. doi: 10.3390/pathogens9020107.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Arenas, Maria Del Mar; Cabezas Fernandez, Maria Teresa; Gomez-Junyent, Joan; Gonzalez-Cordon, Ana; LLaberia-Marcual, Jaume; Munoz, Carme; Munoz, Jose; Requena-Mendez, Ana; Rodriguez, Esperanza; Salas-Coronas, Joaquin et al.
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020107

Donor-derived bacterial infections in lung transplant recipients in the era of multidrug resistance: Donor-derived infections in lung transplantation.

PMID: 31843689
Journal: JOURNAL OF INFECTION
Year: 2020
Reference: J Infect. 2020 Feb;80(2):190-196. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.12.006. Epub 2019 Dec 13.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Bello, Irene; Berastegui, Cristina; Bunsow, Eleonora; Deu, Maria; Ferrer, Ricard; Gavalda, Joan; Gonzalez-Lopez, Juan Jose; Len, Oscar; Los-Arcos, Ibai; Lung, Mayli et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.12.006

The algorithm used for the interpretation of doravirine transmitted drug resistance strongly influences clinical practice and guideline recommendations.

PMID: 32030406
Journal: JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
Year: 2020
Reference: J Antimicrob Chemother. 2020 May 1;75(5):1294-1300. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkaa009.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Aguilera, Antonio; Alejos, Belen; Alvarez, Marta; Blanco, Jose Ramon; Caballero, Estrella; Espinosa, Nuria; Garcia, Federico; Garcia-Alvarez, Monica; Garcia-Bujalance, Silvia; Garcia-Fraile, Lucio Jesus et al.
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa009

Molecular epidemiology of an enterovirus A71 outbreak associated with severe neurological disease, Spain, 2016.

PMID: 30782267
Journal: Eurosurveillance
Year: 2019
Reference: Euro Surveill. 2019 Feb;24(7). doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.7.1800089.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Alonso, Mercedes; Anton, Andres; Aranzamendi, Maitane; Cabrerizo, Maria; Calvo, Cristina; Casas-Alba, Didac; Del Cuerpo, Margarita; Gonzalez-Abad, Maria Jose; Gonzalez-Praetorius, Alejandro; Gonzalez-Sanz, Ruben et al.
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.7.1800089

Complicated pneumococcal pneumonia with pleural effusion or empyema in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era.

PMID: 30784235
Journal: PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
Year: 2019
Reference: Pediatr Pulmonol. 2019 May;54(5):517-524. doi: 10.1002/ppul.24279. Epub 2019 Feb 19.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Campins, Magda; Ciruela, Pilar; Codina, Gemma; de Sevilla, Mariona F; Diaz-Conradi, Alvaro; Dominguez, Angela; Esteva, Cristina; Garcia-Garcia, Juan Jose; Gonzalez-Peris, Sebastia; Hernandez, Sergi et al.
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24279

Pregnancy outcomes after maternal Zika virus infection in a non-endemic region: prospective cohort study.

PMID: 30771526
Journal: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2019
Reference: Clin Microbiol Infect. 2019 May;25(5):633.e5-633.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.02.008. Epub 2019 Feb 14.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Anton, Andres; Arevalo, Silvia; Carreras, Elena; Frick, Antoinette; Garcia-Ruiz, Itziar; Garrido, Marta; Maiz, Nerea; Mendez, Elida Vazquez; Pumarola, Tomas; Rando, Ariadna et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.02.008

Clinical features of systemic sclerosis patients with anti-RNA polymerase III antibody in a single centre in Spain.

PMID: 30767873
Journal: CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RHEUMATOLOGY
Year: 2019
Reference: Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2019 Jul-Aug;37 Suppl 119(4):41-48. Epub 2019 Feb 11.
Impact factor:
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Balada, Eva; Callejas-Moraga, Eduardo Luis; Fonollosa-Pla, Vicente; Guillen-Del-Castillo, Alfredo; Marin-Sanchez, Ana Maria; Roca-Herrera, Maria; Simeon-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Tolosa-Vilella, Carles et al.
DOI:

The challenge of discordant serology in Chagas Disease: The role of two confirmatory techniques in inconclusive cases.

PMID: 29775566
Journal: ACTA TROPICA
Year: 2018
Reference: Acta Trop. 2018 Sep;185:144-148. doi: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.010. Epub 2018 May 15.
Impact factor: 2.509
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Moure, Zaira, Sulleiro, Elena, Iniesta, Laura, Guillen, Carmen, Molina, Israel, Alcover, M Magdalena, Riera, Cristina, Pumarola, Tomas, Fisa, Roser et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.05.010

Evaluation of the novel DiaSorin LIAISON(R)Campylobacter assay for the rapid detection of Campylobacter spp.

PMID: 28465051
Journal: ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
Year: 2018
Reference: Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2018 May;36(5):293-295. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2017.03.009. Epub 2017 Apr 29.
Impact factor: 1.707
Publication type: Paper in national publication
Authors: Moure, Zaira, Rando-Segura, Ariadna, Gimferrer, Laura, Roig, Gloria, Pumarola, Tomas, Rodriguez-Garrido, Virginia et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2017.03.009

In utero negativization of Zika virus in a case with serious Central Nervous System abnormalities.

PMID: 29030170
Journal: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2018
Reference: Clin Microbiol Infect. 2018 May;24(5):549.e1-549.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.09.022. Epub 2017 Oct 10.
Impact factor: 5.394
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Suy, Anna, Rodo, Carlota, Anton, Andres, Garcia, Itziar, Arevalo, Silvia, Vazquez, Elida, Vazquez, Ana, Ory, Fernando de, Sanchez-Seco, M Paz, Rodrigo, Carlos et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.09.022

Sub-inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin modify the expression of agr locus in Staphylococcus aureus clinical strains belonging to different clonal complexes.

PMID: 29661157
Journal: BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Year: 2018
Reference: BMC Infect Dis. 2018 Apr 16;18(1):177. doi: 10.1186/s12879-018-3088-7.
Impact factor: 2.62
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Gavalda, Joan, Almirante, Benito, Chaves, Fernando, Fernandez-Hidalgo, Nuria, Larrosa, Nieves, Villa, Jennifer, Viedma, Esther, Perez-Montarelo, Dafne, Munoz-Gallego, Irene et al.
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3088-7

Novel human metapneumovirus with a 180-nucleotide duplication in the G gene.

PMID: 28604069
Journal: Future Microbiology
Year: 2017
Reference: Future Microbiol. 2017 Jun;12:565-571. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0211. Epub 2017 Jun 12.
Impact factor: 3.374
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Anton, Andres, Pumarola, Tomas, Rodrigo, Carlos, Vila, Jorgina, Gimferrer, Laura, Valls, Maria, Andres, Cristina, Codina, Maria Gema, Ramon, Javier, Martin, Maria Carmen et al.
DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0211

Epidemiology and Immediate Indirect Effects of Respiratory Viruses in Lung Transplant Recipients: A 5-Year Prospective Study.

PMID: 27615811
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
Year: 2017
Reference: Am J Transplant. 2017 May;17(5):1304-1312. doi: 10.1111/ajt.14042. Epub 2016 Oct 14.
Impact factor: 6.165
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Roman, A, Peghin, M, Hirsch, H H, Len, O, Codina, G, Berastegui, C, Saez, B, Sole, J, Cabral, E, Sole, A et al.
DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14042

Pathogenic Characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus Endovascular Infection Isolates from Different Clonal Complexes.

PMID: 28579985
Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology
Year: 2017
Reference: Front Microbiol. 2017 May 19;8:917. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00917. eCollection 2017.
Impact factor: 4.076
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Perez-Montarelo, Dafne, Viedma, Esther, Murcia, Mercedes, Munoz-Gallego, Irene, Larrosa, Nieves, Branas, Patricia, Fernandez-Hidalgo, Nuria, Gavalda, Joan, Almirante, Benito, Chaves, Fernando et al.
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00917

The changing epidemiology of spinal tuberculosis: the influence of international immigration in Catalonia, 1993-2014.

PMID: 28516818
Journal: EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2017
Reference: Epidemiol Infect. 2017 Jul;145(10):2152-2160. doi: 10.1017/S0950268817000863. Epub 2017 May 18.
Impact factor: 2.075
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Peghin, M, Rodriguez-Pardo, D, Sanchez-Montalva, A, Pellise, F, Rivas, A, Tortola, T, Aguilar, J, Almirante, B, Pigrau, C et al.
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268817000863

Vaccine Failures in Patients Properly Vaccinated with 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in Catalonia, a Region with Low Vaccination Coverage.

PMID: 26658626
Journal: PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
Year: 2016
Reference: Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2016 Apr;35(4):460-463.
Impact factor: 2.587
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: de Sevilla, Mariona Fernandez, Moraga-Llop, Fernando, Garcia-Garcia, Juan-Jose, Diaz-Conradi, Alvaro, Ciruela, Pilar, Martinez-Osorio, Johanna, Gonzalez-Peris, Sebastia, Hernandez, Sergi, Selva, Laura, Campins, Magda et al.
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001041

Discordances Between Serology and Culture for Strongyloides in an Ethiopian Adopted Child With Multiple Parasitic Infections: A Case Report.

PMID: 26962825
Journal: MEDICINE
Year: 2016
Reference: Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Mar;95(10):e3040.
Impact factor: 1.206
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Espasa, Mateu, Soriano-Arandes, Antoni, Sulleiro, Elena, Zarzuela, Francesc, Ruiz, Edurne, Claveria, Isabel et al.
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000003040

Virological surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses during six consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2012 in Catalonia, Spain.

PMID: 26939538
Journal: CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
Year: 2016
Reference: Clin Microbiol Infect. 2016 Jun;22(6):564.e1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.02.007. Epub 2016 Mar 2.
Impact factor: 4.575
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: Torner, Nuria, Isanta, Ricard, Camps, Marta, Martinez, Ana, Dominguez, Angela, Jane, Mireia, Jimenez de Anta, Maria Teresa, Pumarola, Tomas, Marcos, Maria Angeles, Anton, Andres et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.02.007

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

Risk factors for respiratory failure in pneumococcal pneumonia. The importance of pneumococcal serotypes.

PMID: 23845720
Journal: EUR RESPIR J
Year: 2014
Reference: Eur Respir J. 2014 Feb;43(2):545-53. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00050413. Epub 2013 Jul 11.
Impact factor: 7.125
Publication type: Paper in international publication
Authors: M Planes, Ana, Puig, Mireia, Rello, Jordi, Falco, Vicenc, Pahissa, Albert, Bermudo, Guadalupe, Fontanals, Dionisia, Lujan, Manel, Burgos, Joaquin, Larrosa, M Nieves et al.
DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00050413

Long-term follow-up of jaw osteomyelitis associated with bisphosphonate use in a tertiary-care center.

PMID: 23473675
Journal: ENFERM INFEC MICR CL
Year: 2014
Reference: Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2014 Jan;32(1):18-22. doi: 10.1016/j.eimc.2013.01.007. Epub 2013 Mar 6.
Impact factor: 1.881
Publication type: Paper in national publication
Authors: Pigrau-Serrallach, Carlos, Cabral-Galeano, Evelyn, Almirante-Gragera, Benito, Sorde-Masip, Roger, Rodriguez-Pardo, Dolors, Fernandez-Hidalgo, Nuria, Larrosa-Escartin, Nieves, Bescos-Atin, Socorro, Pahissa-Berga, Albert et al.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2013.01.007

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Dra. Nieves Larrosa i Dr. Juanjo González-López