Responsabile: Prof.ssa Anna Maria Tortorano

 

Collaboratori:

 

Research activity

The research activity focuses mainly on the study of epidemiology of deep-seated fungal infections, such as candidosis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and fusariosis.

The group is involved in the monitoring of the above-mentioned fungal infections collaborating with several hospitals both in Italy and Europe.

The research focuses on the collection and analysis of epidemiological data as well as on the study of clinical isolates applying the most advanced molecular techniques for the identification and genotyping.

The experience gained in these fields contributed to elucidate the epidemiological picture of the main deep-seated fungal infections both in Italy and Europe, and to identify the prevalent species and genotypes.

The group is also engaged in the study of resistance to the main antifungal drugs used in therapy as well as to new experimental compounds.

 

The two current major research lines are the following:

Topic 1.

“Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis”

Monitoring of the epidemiological situation, with analysis of the main risk factors associated with the infection, identification of species and molecular types of the strains responsible for the infection, and research and identification of environmental strains.

Topic 2.

“Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus”

Monitoring of resistance to azoles in environmental strains from agriculture and farming, and in clinical isolates from patients receiving prolonged therapy and naive patients.

 

 

Recent/relevant publications

A. M. Tortorano, A. Prigitano, C. Lazzarini, M. Passera, M. L. Deiana, S. Cavinato, C. De Luca, A. Grandini, G. Lo Cascio, C. Ossi, E. Sala, M. T. Montagna. A 1-year prospective survey of candidemia in Italy and changing epidemiology over one decade. Infection 2013.

M. Cogliati, R. Zamfirova, A. M. Tortorano, M. A. Viviani, & The Fimua Cryptococcosis Network. Molecular epidemiology of Italian clinical Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii isolates. Med. Mycol 2013.

A. M. Tortorano, M.C. Esposto, A. Prigitano, A. Grancini, C. Ossi, C. Cavanna, G. Lo Cascio. Cross-reactivity of Fusarium spp. in the Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. J. Clin. Microbiol. 2012; 50: 1051-53.

M. Cogliati, F. Barchiesi, E. Spreghini, A. M. Tortorano. Heterozygosis and pathogenicity of Cryptococcus neoformans AD-hybrid isolates. Mycopathol. 2012; 173: 347-357

A.M. Tortorano, G. Dho, A. Prigitano, G. Breda, A. Grancini, et al. Invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit: a multicentre, prospective, observational study in Italy (2006–2008). Mycoses 2012; 55: 73-79.

 

Contatti

 

Dott. Massimo Cogliati,                     massimo.cogliati@unimi.it

Dott.ssa Maria Carmela Esposto,       maria.esposto@unimi.it

Dott.ssa Cristina Lazzarini,               cristina.lazzarini@unimi.it

Dott.ssa Anna Prigitano,                             anna.prigitano@unimi.it