Dettaglio Progetto Finanziato

Lombardy partner:

– Davide Sassera, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico “S. Matteo” Pavia

The ability to sequence large numbers of genomes of key microbial pathogens have transformed our understanding of how dangerous strains emerge and spread and how drug resistance evolves. However, when compared to viruses and bacteria, the potential of genomics is not being realised for fungal pathogens, despite the fact that fungal infections cause 1 million deaths globally per year. This is due partly to the relative complexity of fungal genomes, although the latest developments in sequencing technology help to mitigate these challenges. Candida is an important fungal genus that causes hospital outbreaks, and includes multiple pathogenic species, including C. albicans, C. auris and C. parapsilosis. This project brings together experts in pathogen genomics to apply genome sequencing of Candida strains to address three distinct knowledge gaps that currently limit our ability to manage these pathogens. First, we will use genomics to understand how these species are transmitted in hospitals, and have adapted to the health-care environment. Secondly, we will gauge the prevalence of Candida in different environmental settings, and in human communities by detecting the presence of strains in wastewater. Finally, genome data will be used to identify protective commensal bacteria that can inhibit Candida growth in the human gut and prevent infection. These bacteria will be isolated and characterised experimentally to assess their therapeutic potential.