This project investigates the possibility of using microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) from blood samples as a biomarker for rapid pathogen identification in infectious endocarditis. By measuring mcfDNA, the goal is to more closely monitor therapy to prevent both over- and under-therapy.
Metabolomic analysis attempts to identify new biomarkers that differentiate between heart failure and infectious lesions of the heart valves. These biomarkers could be used in clinical practice to improve the prognosis of patients with heart failure and concurrent suspicion of endocarditis and to initiate targeted therapies.
This project compares the sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT and conventional echocardiography in the diagnosis of endocarditis. The focus is on patients with artificial heart valves or implanted medical devices, for whom conventional imaging is often insufficient. The goal is to develop a more precise algorithm for imaging in endocarditis diagnostics.
This project aims to analyse staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients with infectious endocarditis. Using nanopore sequencing, pathogen genomes will be examined to identify resistance-associated genes. Additionally, antibiotic combinations will be tested to develop effective treatment strategies, particularly targeting biofilms that complicate therapeutic responses.
Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are at high risk for driveline infections. This project aims to develop a risk score to predict such infections by analysing demographic data and microbiological outcomes. The goal is to improve preventive measures and reduce the risk of severe infections.
Staphylococcus aureus poses a therapeutic challenge in endocarditis not only due to its biofilm formation but also because of its intracellular persistence mechanisms. This project aims to investigate the effect of antibiotic combinations on intracellular persistents using an endothelial cell culture model in order to identify targeted and effective therapies.
The aim of this project is to investigate the hypothesis regarding the protective role of acquired Von Willebrand factor deficiency in patients with implanted left ventricular assist devices against the development of infectious endocarditis of native valves.
