Feb. 25 – An international multicenter research, with contributions from researchers of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia’s Complex Hematology Structure and directed by Professor Mario Luppi, has found a place in the prestigious journal “New England Journal of Medicine.” The study identifies for the first time a genetic alteration, a PTX 3 gene polymorphism, capable of making cellular defenses less efficient against infection, in particular against filamentous fungi, including various Aspergillus species. “Receiving a bone marrow / peripheral stem from a donor that is an asymptomatic carrier of this genetic polymorphism – says Prof. Luppi – gives the transplant recipient an increased risk of developing invasive aspergillosis, especially in the lungs. Being able to recognize such characteristics in transplanted patients allows us to prevent or treat in a more timely manner the infectious complications in immunologically fragile patients.”
