Deciphering Present Pathogens to Protect the Future.

At the PAFZP group, we are dedicated to investigating how relevant pathogenic microorganisms in aquaculture and human health adapt, survive, and evolve on a warming planet. Our mission is to understand the biological mechanisms that allow these pathogens to persist in water, infect different hosts, and cause serious diseases, such as sepsis, in both fish and humans.

To achieve this, we combine microbiology, immunology, and genetics with tools from genomics, phylogenomics, and proteomics, in an integrative approach that connects basic research with real-world applications.

Emerging Pathogens in a Changing World

Our model species is Vibrio vulnificus, a lethal zoonotic pathogen whose incidence is alarmingly increasing with climate change. This microorganism can cause fulminant sepsis in humans and fish, and represents a growing risk in temperate waters and aquaculture production systems.

Our studies have allowed us to:

• Discover a new biological mechanism related to its MARTX toxin, capable of inducing host death without direct cellular destruction.
• Develop specific molecular methods to identify the most dangerous variants for fish and humans.
• Create innovative biosensors and isothermal amplification (RPA) methods combined with paper chromatography, which allow the pathogen to be detected in environmental samples in just a few hours.

Beyond Vibrio vulnificus

We extend our methodologies to other emerging pathogens in aquaculture, such as Vibrio harveyi and Lactococcus sp., expanding species also linked to global warming. This work allows us to contribute to food safety, public health, and the sustainability of aquaculture.

Science with Impact

At PAFZP, we believe that understanding how pathogens evolve in the context of climate change is not only scientifically fascinating but also essential for anticipating risks and designing solutions.

Research to understand. Understand to protect.