From the laboratory to the bedside: a multidisciplinary program to reduce the impact of cardio-respiratory diseases /
Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis

Acute infectious lung diseases and chronic respiratory diseases:
Primary focus of the laboratory's research is the study of microbial communities, for the analysis of respiratory and fecal microbiota but also to identify various pathogenic microorganisms such as those responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, and whooping cough. The study of microbiota, in particular, is conducted entirely in the laboratory, from experimental design to sample collection and processing to bioinformatic analysis of the data, constituting a flagship of the research activity. The laboratory is also involved in the study of viral respiratory infections by conducting epidemiological surveillance aimed at monitoring the spread of influenza and para-influenza viruses.

In addition, a biobank is active with the aim of collecting samples from patients with Cystic Fibrosis, COPD, Asthma and bronchiectasis. This is a starting point for the study and investigation of biological mechanisms of diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), interstitial fibrosis, bronchiectasis, acute and chronic respiratory failure, sleep disorders (sleep apnea, OSAS - Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome), and lung transplantation. The aim of the research is to improve the quality of clinical performance and arrive at personalized therapy of patients with these conditions. The research team is engaged in several studies on COPD, asthma, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, Adult Cystic Fibrosis, and lung transplantation.