Professor of Translational Microbiology Nina van Sorge has been researching Group A Streptococcal infections (Strep A infections) for 15 years. “Everyone knows flu, but almost no one knows Strep A infections,” says Van Sorge. And despite 500,000 deaths worldwide every year, these infections are seriously underestimated. After years of fundamental research, a vaccine was finally patented that is now being developed by a biotechnology company. This vaccine is expected to be tested for the first time in a clinical trial in 2025.
Monitor bacteria
An important step for both Van Sorge and Strep A research itself was the establishing of 'laboratory-based surveillance' in Amsterdam, "in the lab, researchers look at Strep A cultures from blood or tissues of people who are seriously ill. For example, research is being conducted into whether there are certain variants that cause more disease than others. Or that there is more spread of a certain variant," says Van Sorge
Last year, this data proved to be greatly significant when a huge increase in serious infections caused by Strep A bacteria was reported. “We were able to quickly see which variant was very dominant and thus ensured that public health care adjusted its guidelines in the field of preventive antibiotic use.” says Van Sorge. People in the immediate circle of a Strep A patient can now receive preventive antibiotics thanks to this adjustment of the guidelines. An important measure that can partly prevent further spread.
Urgency and importance
The biggest challenge Van Sorge faced was convincing others of the urgency and importance of this work, both in the short and long term. Collecting financial resources for laboratory-based surveillance has not easy. “I was extremely happy with the call,” says Van Sorge, looking back on the moment she heard she had won the Stairway to Impact Award. With the cash prize of €50,000, Van Sorge wants to further fund and maintain laboratory-based surveillance.
Photography: Goldfisz
