Viroscience: Clinical Virology

Biomarkers of severe disease

This work aims to improve the risk stratification of patients admitted to the emergency department, and to understand the pathogenesis of viro-sepsis leading to admission to the intensive care unit.

Viral infections in immunocompromised hosts.

A newly-recognized risk group for severe infections is the growing segment of the population with impaired immunity. Self-limiting viral infections, such as norovirus, can cause persistent and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients, but antivirals or validated treatment strategies are not yet available. This research line focuses on virus-host interactions during these (chronic) infections, and the development of treatment strategies using state-of-the art, cell-based assays. We collaborate with the treating physicians to monitor the effect of (off-label) antivirals and other types of treatment in these immunocompromised patients.

Hepatitis E viruses

Patients receiving solid-organ transplantations and patients with haematological malignancies are prone to developing chronic zoonotic HEV gt 3, with potential progression to fibrosis and even cirrhosis, which occasionally requires liver transplantation. The pathophysiological mechanisms of HEV-associated neurological injury are largely unknown and are studied in larger patient cohorts. We collaborate with national and international partners to study the early detection, disease burden and treatment outcomes of HEV infections in cohorts of immune-compromised patients and patients presenting with neurological manifestations.

Drs. J. Velzing
Consultant business management, department Clinical Virology

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  A.A. (Annemiek) van der Eijk

  researcher, medical coördinator clinical virology

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  E. (Eric) van Gorp

  university medical specialist

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  Dr. C.H. (Corine) Geurts van Kessel

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  Dr. M. (Miranda) de Graaf

  Associate professor

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  J.J.A. van Kampen

  researcher, clinical virologist

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  Prof. M. (Marion) Koopmans

  Head of the Erasmus MC department of viroscience

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  Dr. R. (Richard) Molenkamp

  clinical molecular virologist