In the field of Medicine there are numerous diseases whose causes, despite having been studied in depth, have not been established yet. Under the title ‘Studies of the infectious agents associated with clinical processes for unknown reasons’, a research group of the Universidad de Granada (CTS-521), supervised by professor José Gutiérrez Fernández, of the department of Microbiology, has carried out an analysis of the possible relation between two of these pathologies (multiple arteriosclerosis and sclerosis) and microbes.
The results of the study are determinant: they do not discount that in some subjects with these diseases, the markers which show the microbial presence are higher than in the rest of the population. The researchers are also establishing the basis to analyse subjects with schizophrenia and bladder cancer. The main social contribution of the study, according to professor Gutiérrez, lies in the fact that they can outline the population capable of being treated with antimicrobials, improving the patients´ quality of life.
The researchers of the Universidad de Granada have also analysed the appearance of resistance in bacteria with special clinical repercussion, such as those due to the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactam and changes in the antibiotics´ action places. Getting to know them will redound to a better treatment of patients with antibiotics, the reduction of emerging resistances and a higher control on bacteria and infections.
The group supervised by professor Gutiérrez is made up by the staff of the Pharmacy, Neurology, Vascular Surgery and Microbiology Services of the University Hospital San Cecilio of Granada, the Vircell S.L. Company and the department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Medicine. Their research activity has been developed both at the Vircell Company’s laboratories and the University, with resources from the Health Institute Carlos III, the Andalusian Council and the private laboratories Vircell, Serono, Biogen, MSD, Pfizer and Wyeth. In addition, the research work intends to make the research access by the staff of the Andalusia’s Public Health System easier.
Reference: Prof José Gutiérrez. Department of Microbiology of the Universidad de Granada. Phone number: 958 242 071 / 243 547. E-mail: josegf@ugr.es
