AI support against deadly fungus

SHAFAQNA Türkiye – The project, which will be implemented in collaboration with researchers from the Near East University, Cyprus International University and Gazi University, will determine antifungal susceptibility to Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that causes widespread nosocomial infections. using artificial intelligence.

Following the presentations made by Near East University researchers at the Turkish Microbiological Congress held in Antalya in November 2022, the research, which has been transformed into a joint project supported by universities in Turkey and the TRNC, will be supported under Gazi. University Research Projects (BAP). As part of the project, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, will provide the necessary infrastructure such as a protective cabinet, thermoblocks, a DNA/RNA measurement device, and a DNA and RNA extraction spectrophotometer. The creation of the decision tree and the machine learning phase with the support of artificial intelligence will be carried out by researchers from the Center for Health Management of the Near East University and Cyprus International University.

Candida auris drug resistant fungus

The fungus Candida auris, which causes fatal infections in humans, was first discovered in the US in 2009. This type of drug-resistant fungus has become one of the most dangerous sources of nosocomial infection in recent years. Candida auris, a type of fungus that grows as a yeast, can affect the circulation, nervous system, and many internal organs when ingested. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the death rate from infections caused by drug-resistant Candida auris is between 30 and 60 percent.

Through a collaborative project involving researchers from Near East University, Candida auris, which is very difficult to diagnose and treat, will be AI-assisted in antifungal drug susceptibility, and the creation of a treatment plan will be facilitated. The project aims to achieve significant results in fighting infections, using the right disinfectants, and preventing antimicrobial resistance.

Third joint project in 2022-2023

The Candida auris project, carried out by Near East University in cooperation with Cyprus International University and Gazi University, is the third joint project launched in the period 2022-2023. Near East University has started working with Celal Bayar University to set up a laboratory for the production of PCR kits. A project initiated by Istanbul University will produce diagnostic kits to identify the genetic causes of rare metabolic diseases in children.

Emphasizing the importance of the implementation of the project for the effective fight against infections caused by Candida auris fungi, which have recently become a serious problem around the world, the rector of the Near East University prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlidag said: “As a Near East University, we consider it an important part of our vision to participate in projects that will benefit humanity through the international cooperation we have established.”

Recalling that they had previously collaborated with Celal Bayar University and Istanbul University on two very important projects, Prof. Dr. Şanlydag said: “We consider the transformation of acquired scientific knowledge into projects for the benefit of mankind one of the most important components of a university qualification. For this reason, we will continue to develop projects in various fields, collaborating with various universities both from Turkey and from many countries around the world.