SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

We focus on the study of preventive strategies that prevent new infections and we pursue better treatments, either by looking for new drugs or using existing ones.

THE CHALLENGE

The WHO estimates that one in twenty-five people in the world suffers from at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Antimicrobial resistance in some of these infections is a major public health problem. The population most at risk are young people, men who have sex with men and sex workers.

HIV control has contributed in part to the resurgence of other known STIs, such as syphilis, or emerging infections, such as lymphogranuloma venereum. In the case of syphilis, its worldwide prevalence has been increasing since 2000 to about 36 million cases today, and more than 11 million new infections per year. More than 90% of new syphilis cases occur in developing countries.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?

2015 →

We offered routine check-ups for the detection, diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of lesions caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

2019 →

We have promoted research to clinically validate PreP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

2021 →

We have created the Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit.

LINES OF ACTION

Syphilis →

With the TREP-AB project, we are trying to find an alternative treatment to penicillin in order to offer an optimal approach to the disease that causes syphilis, and especially congenital syphilis, which requires a specific line of treatment. We are carrying out this project by recruiting in Catalonia, London and Papua New Guinea.

Human Papilloma Virus →

We study the prevalence of this coinfection to determine the appropriate care protocols.

PREP →

In close collaboration with the BCN Checkpoint – Prep·Point community centre, we promote its administration among the groups at highest risk to prevent HIV transmission.

MPOX →

The REMAIN study wants to establish the degree of protection conferred by the vaccine against the acquisition of monkeypox infection that is currently being administered, in addition to learning more about the factors that facilitate the transmission of the disease. This is of particular relevance given the increasing spread of infection around the world. We are recruiting volunteers in Catalonia and Madrid, and in Peru. Recruitment is expected to start soon in Chile, Panama and Ecuador.

LATEST NEWS

FEATURED PROJECTS

MEET THE TEAM OF THIS AREA OF KNOWLEDGE

Oriol Mitjà

Head of Community infection control strategies

Laia Bertran

Knowledge translation coordinator

Roser Escrig

Biochemistry

Olga García

Doctor and Researcher

Sergi Gavilán

Project Assistant

Adrià Mendoza

Doctor and Researcher

Víctor Morillas

Doctor and Researcher

Susana Muñoz

Doctor and Researcher

Miquel Àngel Rodríguez

Project Manager

HELP US FIGHT THIS AND OTHER INFECTIONS!

We need your support to continue conducting independent clinical research with the aim of treating and curing people with an infectious disease.