Parasitologist from the Slovak Academy of Sciences Published in The Lancet and Joined a European Reference Center
A researcher from the Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS), MVDr. Daniela Antolová, DrSc., is a co-author of a study published in the prestigious scientific journal The Lancet and has become a member of the European Reference Network for Rare Liver Diseases.
Despite the fact that the current situation (not only) in Slovakia is unfavorable for science and scientists, we are very proud that our colleague Dr. Daniela Antolová is a co-author of a study published in the renowned journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The study addresses the occurrence of alveolar echinococcosis – a serious parasitic disease in humans caused by the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) – in Europe over the past 25 years. Unfortunately, Slovakia, along with Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Lithuania, is among the countries in Europe where 90% of all cases of this disease have been documented.
The seriousness of alveolar echinococcosis as a current and very significant issue in human medicine is also reflected in the recent establishment of a working group on hepatic alveolar echinococcosis. This group was formed at the end of last year within the European Reference Network for Rare Liver Diseases. MVDr. Daniela Antolová, DrSc., together with MUDr. Róbert Rosoľanko, PhD. (University Hospital Martin; Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin), are the only experts from Slovakia to become members of this team.
The objectives of the working group include improving clinical diagnosis and treatment of alveolar echinococcosis, which – if left untreated or treated incorrectly – can be fatal within a few years of diagnosis. The group will develop practical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of echinococcosis, which will be made available to the broader professional community in all participating countries. They will also organize training and workshops to present the latest findings and recommendations for clinicians in practice. The group also aims to prepare and participate in international and multicenter projects focused mainly on improving therapeutic approaches and enhancing the quality and longevity of life for patients suffering from this severe disease.
Dr. Daniela Antolová currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Slovak Academy of Sciences for Division 2 (Biological and Medical Sciences).
Compiled by: MVDr. Martina Miterpáková, DrSc.; Institute of Parasitology, SAS, Košice
Photo: Institute of Parasitology, SAS, Katarína Gáliková