Objective
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). Each year 35,000 European patients suffer from bacterial meningitis, resulting in 7000 deaths and leaving 7000 disabled. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the most common causative bacteria of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria are common colonizers, but in some individuals, they are able to spread to the bloodstream, slip through the blood-brain barrier and cause meningitis, with devastating consequences. Genetics of host and pathogen are considered crucial in this host-pathogen interaction. Our objectives are to identify and characterize host genetic traits and bacterial virulence factors controlling occurrence and outcome of bacterial meningitis. In a nationwide prospective cohort study, using pathway and total exome sequencing, we will search for genetic variants in 2000 patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis and 2000 controls. On the pathogen side, using whole genome sequencing, we will systematically search for new bacterial virulence factors in the 2000 causative bacteria. Subsequently, by analyzing clinical data, serum and cerebrospinal fluid, we will examine the potential impact and functionality of these host and pathogen factors. Next, we will validate and explore our findings in an animal model of meningitis and investigate whether treatment against these specific components can improve outcome. Finally, we will initiate an open-access European database on the genetics in bacterial meningitis. In addressing our objectives, I will combine my expertise in bacterial meningitis with groundbreaking, translational approaches using clinical data, human samples, next generation sequencing, in vitro techniques, and a mouse model. The results of this project will be translated into novel therapeutic strategies to advance patient care and will also be important for the development of disease prevention and vaccines.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2011-StG_20101109
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
1105AZ Amsterdam
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.