
Welcome to Specialized Group of Biology of Pathogenic Microorganisms (GEBMP) of the Spanish Society of Microbiology.
The intention of the current Board of Directors of the GEBMP is to become a forum for interaction of all members of the Spanish Society of Microbiology interested in infectious diseases. Although the main focus is on pathogens that cause disease in humans, all those who investigate non-human pathogens are welcome to collaborate in the Group's activities. We understand that the biology of pathogenic microorganisms is a multidisciplinary field, so it must attract people with different backgrounds, such as doctors, biologists, pharmacists and veterinarians, among others. Our expectation is that the activities of the group cover the main aspects of infectious diseases, such as:
- Basic investigation of the way of life of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Interaction of microorganisms with their corresponding hosts.
- Immune response against infections.
- Research in new therapies.
- Antimicrobial resistance.
- Clinical aspects.
- Dissemination and awareness of the importance and impact of infectious diseases in our society.
We trust that the GEBMP will be a forum for interaction between all our partners, in which we invite members of other Specialized Groups with whom we share an interest in pathogenic microorganisms to participate.
The Board of Directors.


















Epidemiological surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease and factors associated with pathogenicity
Streptococcus pneumoniae it is the main bacterium responsible for community-acquired pneumonia and one of the main etiological agents of sepsis and bacterial meningitis. We participate in the characterization of the circulating strains, providing very valuable information to the National Health System on the epidemiology of pneumococcus.
Cellular immune response against Shigella flexneri
Using essays in vitro, we can investigate how Listeria escapes from this immune mechanism [septins] and if Rickettsia is or is not recognized by septinas. Understanding how cells respond to infection by these pathogenic bacteria can help develop new antimicrobial therapies.
Fungal Infections Immunology Group
The research group currently led by María Luisa Gil and Alberto Yáñez, called "Immunology of fungal infections", has focused its research, during the last fifteen years, on the study of the host's immune response against Candida albicans.
Molecular bases of antimicrobial action in streptococci
The group studies these aspects in Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae, through a combination of basic and more applied studies (molecular epidemiology, emergency in vivo resistance).
Molecular Microbiology and Antimicrobial Agents Group
The group's research focuses on the study of the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance mainly in Gram-negative bacteria and strategies to overcome it. Currently, he is dedicated to the research of new antimicrobial cationic peptides.
New members in the old family of penicillin-binding proteins
Our laboratory focuses its studies on the cell wall of Salmonella enterica when it colonizes the interior of the eukaryotic cell to establish a persistent infection. We have demonstrated structural alterations of peptidoglycan that cause a decrease in the signaling capacity mediated by the regulator NF-κB in the host cell.
Unraveling the global virome: what do we know about wild bird viruses?
Our group studies wild bird viruses, especially in hosts that have not been studied. We have designed tools to test for fowl pox or papillomavirus infections. More recently we have analyzed the cloacal viroma of passerine birds.
Study of the importance of Redox mechanisms in intracellular pathogens
In the oxidation-reduction state of cells, imbalances can occur. Faced with this imbalance, cells use their control mechanisms to reestablish the initial state. Our group studies Redox systems present in actinobacteria, having discovered mycoredoxins, essential proteins in Redox control.
Mechanisms of adaptation of pathogenic yeasts to the host and development of new antifungal therapies
The massive use of antifungals in recent decades has produced a selection of species that have reduced sensitivity or intrinsic resistance to certain antifungals. The group is interested in elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of yeast, mainly C. neoformans, as well as identifying new therapies.
Signage in Candida albicans and mechanisms of adaptation to the commensal state
Candida albicans it is a human commensal fungus that can lead to yeast infection. We have delved into the infectious process and implemented commensalism models, such as gastrointestinal colonization. We wonder why we are colonized by this yeast? What advantages does it bring us?
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Related Associations (Spain)
Spanish Association of Mycology (AEM)
Spanish Society of Virology (SEV)
Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIM)
Spanish Society of Immunology (SEI)
Spanish Society of Parasitology (SOCEPA)
Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI)
Related Associations (International)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM) & ASM contents
Argentine Association of Microbiology (AAM)
Mexican Association of Infectology and Clinical Microbiology (AMIMC)
Microbiological Society of Chile (SOMICH)
Pan American Association of Infectology (API)
SARS-CoV-2
- COVID-19 VirusMutation Tracker
Interactive map of detected variants of SARS-CoV-2.Fountain: Nature I. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 2021) - WHO Coronavirus Dashboard
(Updated data on incidence, mortality and vaccinations carried out) -
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
(Evolution of vaccinations in the EU)
Centers and organizations
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
ÓSCAR ZARAGOZA
President of the BMP Group
ozaragoza@isciii.es
ESTER FUSTÉ
BMP Group Treasurer
esterfustedominguez@ub.edu
JAVIER CHAPEL
Secretary and WebMaster of the BMP group
javier.capilla@urv.cat
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become a partner of the Spanish Society of Microbiology, you can enjoy:
- ADVICE for the organization and management of projects
- TRAINING face-to-face and virtual through courses taught by the SEM
- ASSISTANCE to congresses and activities organized by the SEM
- DISCOUNTS in events and courses
If you are already a member of the SEM, join the Specialized Group Biology of Pathogenic Microorganisms
- Dues
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