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Joana Castro is a researcher at Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research I. P. (INIAV), the national reference laboratory for Food Safety and Animal Health. She graduated in Biomedical Engineering by University of Minho (UM) in 2012. Some years later, she completed her Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Sciences (November 2018), University of Porto, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (UP-ICBAS), which resulted from a collaboration with CEB-UM and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA. During her career, she has already established collaborations with Researchers who have been working in the field, in world-renowned institutions, University of Alabama (USA), University of Ghent (Belgium), and University of Helsinki (Finland). J. Castro published 39 papers (18 as the first author) in peer-reviewed international journals, 3 book chapters, and has done 10 oral and 36 poster communications at scientific events. She has an H-index of 17 and over 1000 citations (Scopus data). Additionally, Joana Castro co-supervised 2 M.Sc, 4 B.Sc and is currently co-supervising 1 Ph.D., 2 MSc., and 1 BSc students. In 2020, she lectured a course (Heat and Mass Transfer) in the MSc in Biomedical Engineering at UM. In addition, she has been involved as a team member in 11 funded research projects to date, 2 of which as co-PI. In addition, she became a member of Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES). Aside from being a reviewer in prestigious scientific journals, she also belongs to the Editorial Board of BMC Women's Health, and Frontiers, and is a Topic Editor in Antibiotics., The excellence of her research led her to win the prestigious FEMS Early Career Researchers Grants. Lastly, in 2022, she was awarded the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus - 5th Edition (CEEC individual, Reference: 2022.06886.CEECIND) at INIAV.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Joana Isabel Reis Castro
Date of birth
1989/10/11
Gender
Female

Citation names

  • Castro, J
  • Castro, Joana

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
7019-D76E-F15A
ORCID iD
0000-0003-3221-1681
Google Scholar ID
zxJ25roAAAAJ
Researcher Id
AAA-7600-2020
Scopus Author Id
55746935000

Email addresses

  • joana.castro@iniav.pt (Professional)
  • castro.jreis@gmail.com (Personal)

Addresses

  • Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterianária (INIAV - Pólo de Vairão), 4485-655, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal (Professional)

Websites

Knowledge fields

  • Natural sciences - Biological Sciences - Microbiology
  • Medical and Health Sciences - Medical Biotechnology - Health-Related Biotechnology
  • Agrarian Sciences - Veterinary Sciences
  • Agrarian Sciences - Agrarian and Food Biotechnology

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
English Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
Education
Degree Classification
2022/03 - 2023/03
Concluded
 Online Training Course on "Transversal Skills in Scientific Research: Food, Innovation, Sustainability (Curso de Especialização Tecnológica)
Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Portugal
2014/11/14 - 2018/11/28
Concluded
 PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Doutoramento)
Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Portugal
"Determining the pathogenic potential of commensal and clinical Gardnerella vaginalis isolates" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 Approved by unanimity
2012
Concluded
 Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Biomédica (Mestrado)
Universidade do Minho Escola de Engenharia, Portugal
"Adhesion of vaginal microorganisms to epithelial cells and its association with Bacterial Vaginosis " (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
 16/20
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2023/04/01 - Current Contracted Researcher (Research) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2022/03/14 - 2023/03/31 Researcher (Research) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2019/02/15 - 2021/08/14 Contracted Researcher (Research) Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal

Others

Category
Host institution 		Employer
2021/08/15 - Current External collaborator Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2020/04 - 2020/07 Volunteer: SARS-CoV-2/ COVID19 testing Universidade do Minho Instituto de Investigação em Ciências da Vida e Saúde, Portugal
2014/12/01 - 2018/12/01 PhD student Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2015/08 - 2015/10 PhD Research internship Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
2014/01/01 - 2014/11/30 Research internship & Frilabo SA Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2013/02/01 - 2013/08/31 Research fellowship Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2012/09/01 - 2012/12/31 Research fellowship Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2012/02/01 - 2012/05/31 Undergraduate research fellowship Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2022/07/26 - 2023/03/31 FLUDS - Development of systems based on fluorescence spectroscopy for microbial detection
NORTE-01-0247-FEDER-046970
Research Fellow
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
 Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER)
Concluded
2022/03 - 2022/07/25 NAM4toxins- De novo selection of toxin-specific aptamers using nucleic acid mimics
POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028659
Research Fellow
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2014/12 - 2018/12 Determining the pathogenic potential of commensal and clinical Gardnerella vaginalis isolates
SFRH/BD/93963/2013
PhD Student Fellow
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2013/02/01 - 2013/08/31 The role of Gardnerella vaginalis in mixed species biofilms occurrence in Bacterial Vaginosis
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/5876-PPCDTI/98228/PT
Research Fellow
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2012/09/01 - 2012/12/31 The role of Gardnerella vaginalis in mixed species biofilms occurrence in Bacterial Vaginosis
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/5876-PPCDTI/98228/PT
Research Fellow
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2012/02/01 - 2012/05/31 The role of Gardnerella vaginalis in mixed species biofilms occurrence in Bacterial Vaginosis
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/5876-PPCDTI/98228/PT
Scientific Initiation Fellow
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Contract

Designation Funders
2023/12 - Current NAMSal- Nucleic acid mimics as a new tool against salmonellosis in the poultry industry
2022.07654.PTDC
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal

Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2022 - 2022 Deciphering the transciptome of mixed BV biofilms during antimicrobial therapy in order to better understand recurrence
EXPL/SAU-INF/1000/2021
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Other

Designation Funders
2024 - Current CA22109 - Medicinal plants for animal health care: Translating tradition into modern veterinary medicine (MedPlants4Vet)
CA22109
Researcher
European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Belgium
 European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Ongoing
2023 - Current NAM-aptamers for blocking enterotoxins in pig colibacillosis
PTDC/CVT-CVT/4620/2021
Researcher
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2023 - Current PRR Pacto da Bioeconomia Azul – PBA
C644915664-00000026
Researcher
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
 PRR- Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência
Ongoing
2023 - Current BioFago - New strategies in the control of Fire Blight
PRR-C05-i03-I-000179
Researcher
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
 PRR- Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência
Ongoing
2022 - Current COST Action ENOVAT (CA18217) European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment CA18217
CA18217
Researcher
European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Belgium
 European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Ongoing
2022 - Current COST Action EURESTOP (CA21145) European Network for diagnosis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections CA21145
CA21145
Researcher
European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Belgium
 European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Ongoing
2019/02/15 - 2021/08/14 Targeting bacterial vaginosis multi-species biofilms through a Thymbra capitata based therapy
POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028271
Researcher
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
Outputs

Publications

Book chapter
  1. Araujo, D; Silva, AR; Oliveira, R; Campos, AM; Barros, MM; Rosca, A; Mira, NP; et al. Corresponding author: Castro, J. "Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics as Antimicrobials: One-Health Perspective". In Advances in Health and Disease., edited by Lowell T. Duncan. United States: Nova Science Publishers, 2024.
    Published
  2. Castro, J; Salgueiro, L; Cerca, N. "Essential oils as potential antibiofilm agents: insights into the key role of Thymbra capitata to fight biofilm-associated infections". In Volatile Oils: Production, Composition and Uses. Nova Science Publisher’s., 2021.
    Published • https://doi.org/10.52305/IZIM9776
  3. Sousa, LGV; Castro, J; Cerca, N. "The utilization of essential oils to treat biofilm-associated vaginal infections". In Microbial biofilms: properties and applications in the environment, agriculture and medicine, edited by Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed, 395-420. CRC Press, 2020.
    Published
  4. Castro, J; Machado, D; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella vaginalis gene expression in biofilms". In Impact of Biofilms in Health – a Transcriptomic Perspective, 227-244. Braga, Portugal: Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Universidade do Minho, 2015.
    Published
Conference poster
  1. Castro, J; Oliveira, H; Oliveira, R; Fernandes, L; Carvalho, I; Brinks, E; Cho, GS; et al. "Virulence Traits and Molecular Typing of Klebsiella spp. Isolates from Companion Animals in Portugal". Paper presented in Alfândega do Porto Congress Center, 3rd-5th July (*presenting author), 2024.
  2. Barros, MM*; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Oliveira, R; Campos, AM; Silva, S; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Application of DNA aptamers to block enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli toxicity in a Galleria mellonella larval model.". Paper presented in Alfândega do Porto Congress Center, 3rd-5th July (*presenting author), 2024.
  3. Campos, AM*; Barros, MM; Oliveira, R; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Aptamers as Novel Therapeutics Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli: Targeting Fimbrial Adhesion". Paper presented in Alfândega do Porto Congress Center, 3rd-5th July (*presenting author), 2024.
  4. Araújo, D*; Silva, AR; Oliveira, A; Mira, NP; Silva, S; Almeida , C; Castro, J. "Assessing the Efficacy of Lactic Acid-Producing Bacteria Against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Infections Using the Galleria mellonella Model.". Paper presented in Alfândega do Porto Congress Center, 3rd-5th July (*presenting author)., 2024.
  5. Araújo, D*; Ribeiro, T; Serra, P; Castro, J; Henriques, M; Silva, S. "Antisense oligonucleotides: targeting transcriptional factors to control Candida glabrata biofilm formation". Paper presented in Alfândega do Porto Congress Center, 3rd-5th July (*presenting author), 2024.
  6. Sousa, M*; Silva, S; Araújo, D; Castro, J; Almeida, G; Ventura, C; Magalhães, R; Ferreira, V; Teixeira, P. "Assessing the virulence potential of different Listeria monocytogenes Clonal Complexes with Galleria mellonella larvae model.". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  7. Barros, MM; Oliveira, R*; Castro, J; Campos, A; Almeida, GN; Araújo, D; Silva, S; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Detecting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in animal production: method development and validation.". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  8. Oliveira, R*; Araújo, D; Loureiro, B; Castro, J; Silva, S; Almeida, C. "ST8475: a new sequence type identified in methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in Portugal.". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  9. Barros, MM*; Oliveira, R; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Silva, S; Campos, AM; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Aptamers for blocking enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  10. Araújo, D*; Castro, J; Oliveira, R; Oliveira, H; Fernandes, L; Carvalho, I; Cho, G-S; et al. "Characterization of molecular features and virulence profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolates from companion animals in Portugal". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  11. Araújo, D*; Ribeiro, T; Castro, J; Henriques, M; Silva, S. "Use of antisense oligomers for the control of transcription factors involved in biofilm formation of Candida glabrata". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  12. Araújo, D; Silva, AR; Oliveira, A; Mira, NP; Silva, S; Almeida, C; Castro, J. "Lactobacillus strains to counteract Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infection by using a Galleria mellonella in vivo model". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  13. Castro, J*; Araújo, D; Oliveira, H; Fernandes, L; Oliveira, R; Cho, G-S; Franz, C; et al. "Genomic and Phenotypic Profiling of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella variicola isolated from Northern Portuguese Hospitals". Paper presented in Microbiotec'23 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Covilhã, 7-9th December (*presenting author)., 2023.
  14. Azevedo, MM*; Silva, S; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Almeida, C; Saraiva, E. "The role of Research Centres to improve student's science education and assistance in selecting a career". Paper presented in Symposium on Pedagogical Innovation in Biosciences, Aveiro (*presenting author), 2023.
  15. Vilaca, T*; Araújo, D; Castro, J; Rodrigues, ME; Silva, S; Henriques, M; Ribeiro, A. "Targeting candidiasis with protein-based therapeutic systems". Paper presented in IV International Meeting of the Portuguese Society of Genetics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, 19-20th October (*presenting author)., 2023.
  16. Fokt, H; Cleto, S; Oliveira, H; Araújo, D; Castro, J; Cerca, N; Vieira, MJ; Almeida, C. Corresponding author: Castro, J. "The Evolution of Bacteriocin Production in Escherichia coliassociated biofilms". Paper presented in SurfSAFE Conference - Biofilm detection and control in the food industry, 2023.
  17. Vilas Boas, D; Araújo, D; Castro, J; Azevedo, NF; Vieira, MJ; Almeida, C.. "Flagellum and flagellum-based motility role on Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli biofilm formation". Paper presented in SurfSAFE Conference - Biofilm detection and control in the food industry, 2023.
  18. Barros, MM; Oliveira, R; Campos, AM; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Silva, S; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Aptamers for blocking enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli". Paper presented in Dare2Change, 2023, Porto, 2023.
  19. Barros, MM; Campos, AM; Oliveira , R; Castro, J; Almeida, G; Silva, S; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Detecting Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in animal production: method development and validation". Paper presented in Dare2Change, 2023, Porto, 2023.
  20. Sousa, M; Rocha, R; Araújo, D; Castro, J; Barbosa, A; Azevedo, N; Cerqueira, L; Almeida, C. "Validation of a Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence in situ Hybridization for the specific detection of Salmonella species in food matrices". Paper presented in Dare2Change, 2023, Porto, 2023.
  21. Silva, S; Teixeira, D; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Pereira, R; Calderón, K; Cerqueira, M; Silva, AS; Almeida, C. "Production of a safe and natural red extract by Monascus purpureus fungus for food applications". Paper presented in Dare2Change, 2023, Porto, 2023.
  22. Castro, J; Lima, A; Sousa, LGV; Rosca, AS; Muzny, CA; Cerca, N. "Bacterial Vaginosis multi-species biofilms: can standard quantification methods accurately quantify in vitro biofilms?". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 21 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2021. Lisbon, Portugal, Nov 23-26, 2021.
  23. Castro, J; Rosca, AS; Sousa, LGV; França, A; Gonçalves, P; Cerca, N. "Characterization of single- and multi-species Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)-associated biofilms in an ex vivo 3D human vaginal epithelium model". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 21 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2021.
  24. Rosca, AS; Sousa, LGV; Castro, J; França, A; Vaneechoutte, M; Cerca, N. "In vitro interactions during bacterial vaginosis development demonstrate that multi-species biofilms have enhanced antimicrobial tolerance.". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 21 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2021. Lisbon, Portugal, Nov 23-26, 2021.
  25. Castro, J #; Rosca, A #; Cools, P; Vaneechoutte, M; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella vaginalis enhances Atopobium vaginae viability in vitro". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 19 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2019. No. P224, Coimbra, Portugal, Dec 5-7, 288, 2019 #Equally contribution authors, 2019.
  26. Sousa, LGV; Castro, J; Cerca, N. "Checkerboard assay method highlights synergistic effects between Carvacrol, a- Terpinene, ¿-Terpinene, ¿-Cymene and Linalool". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 19 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2019. No. P302, Coimbra, Portugal, Dec 5-7, 367, 2019, 2019.
  27. Rosca, A; Castro, J; Cerca, N. "The effect of culture media on in vitro growth and biofilm formation of Bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated pathogens". Paper presented in MicroBiotec 19 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2019. No. P301, Coimbra, Portugal, Dec 5-7, 366, 2019, 2019.
  28. Sousa, LGV; Castro, J; Cavaleiro, C; Salgueiro, L; Cerca, N. "Antimicrobial activity of Thymbra capitata and its major components against Gardnerella spp.". Paper presented in ISIDOG 2019 - 3rd Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology Congress. No. PO 24, Porto, Portugal, Oct 31 - Nov 2, 47-48, 2019, 2019.
  29. Castro, J; Cerca, N. "Can the differential response to innate immune components by commensal and clinical Gardnerella vaginalis isolates be the key leading to the development of Bacterial Vaginosis?". Paper presented in IUSTI 2018 World & European Congress – The appliance of science. Dublin, Ireland, 27-30 June 2018, 2018.
  30. Castro, J; Cerca, N. "Social interactions between Lactobacillus iners and Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms: an unexpected friendship in the bacterial vaginosis ecosystem". Paper presented in Microbiotec'17 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2017. Porto, Portugal, Dec 7-9, 2017, 2017.
  31. Rosca, A; Martins, AP; Castro, J; Cerca, N. "Development of an in vitro vaginal exudate adhesion model for Bacterial Vaginosis". Paper presented in Microbiotec'17 - Congress of Microbiology and Biotechnology 2017. Porto, Portugal, Dec 7-9, 2017, 2017.
  32. Martins, AP; Castro, J; Rosca, A; Rodrigues, ME; Cerca, N. "L. crispatus protects Hela cells against G. vaginalis cytotoxicity". Paper presented in 5th European Congress on Microbial Biofilms (Eurobiofilms 2017). Amesterdam, Netherlands, 19-22 September 2017, 2017.
  33. Machado, D; Castro, J; Barros J, ; Ribeiro, B; Félix, J; Peixinho, C; Bivar, L; et al. "Prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis in Portuguese pregnant women". Paper presented in ESPID 2017 - 35th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paedriatric Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain, 23-27 May 2017, 2017.
  34. Castro, J; França, A; Bradwell, KR; Serrano, MG; Jefferson, KK; Cerca, N. "The bacterial vaginosis riddle: how transcriptomics can highlight key physiological adaptations of G. vaginalis when growing as biofilms?". Paper presented in The New Microbiology - EMBO|FEBS Lecture course, Spetses, Greece, 24 Aug – 1 September 2016, 2016.
  35. Castro, J; Machado, D; Cerca, N. "Assessing synergistic interaction between Gardnerella vaginalis and other urogenital pathogens". Paper presented in Eurobiofilms 2015: Fourth European Congress on Microbial Biofilms, Brno, Czech Republic, 23-26 June 2015, 2015.
  36. Henriques, A; Silva, D; Martinez-de-Oliveira, J; Cereija, TB; Castro, J; Alves, P; Sousa, C; et al. "Incidence of bacterial vaginosis in Portugal and it’s association with vaginal colonization by Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae and other BV risk factors". Paper presented in 8th Meeting of the European Society for Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gyneacology, London, United Kingdon, 25-27 October 2013, 2013.
  37. Castro, J; Alves P, ; Sousa, C; Cereija, TB; Cerca, N. "Isolation of Gardnerella vaginalis from BV patients and healthy women: analysis of virulence through adherence, biofilm formation and cytotoxicity assays". Paper presented in Eurobiofilms2013: Third European Congress on Microbial Biofilms, Ghent, Belgium, 9-12 September 2013, 2013.
  38. Alves, P; Castro, J; Sousa, C; Cereija, TB; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella vaginalis virulence potential outcompetes with 30 other microorganisms isolated from BV patients". Paper presented in Eurobiofilms2013: Third European Congress on Microbial Biofilms, Ghent, Belgium, 9-12 September 2013, 2013.
  39. Alves, P; Castro, J; Sousa, C; Henriques, A; Cerca, N. "Characterization of biofilm-forming microorganisms isolated from vaginal exudate in Portugal". Paper presented in Biofilms 5, Paris, France, 10-12 December 2012, 2012.
  40. Castro, J; Alves, P; Henriques, A; Henriques, M; Jefferson, K; Cerca, N. "Competitive initial adhesion between Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis strains against vaginal epithelium.". Paper presented in Biofilms 5, Paris, France, 10-12 December 2012, 2012.
  41. Magalhães, AM; Castro, J; Henriques, A; Cerca, N. "Multiplex PCR for the discrimination of vaginal bacterial population". Paper presented in Microbiotec. Braga, Portugal, 1-3 December 2011, 2011.
Journal article
  1. Castro, Joana; Araújo, Daniela; Oliveira, Hugo; Fernandes, Liliana; Oliveira, Ricardo; Brinks, Erick; Cho, Gyu-Sung; et al. Corresponding author: Castro, Joana. "Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella variicola isolated from patients in Portuguese hospitals: Genomic and phenotypic characterization". The Microbe 5 (2024): 100172. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.microb.2024.100172.
    Published • 10.1016/j.microb.2024.100172
  2. Barros, MM; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Oliveira, R; Campos, AM; Silva, S; Outor-Monteiro, D; Almeida, C. "Application of DNA aptamers to block enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli toxicity in a Galleria mellonella larval model". Frontiers in Chemistry 12 (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2024.1425903.
    10.3389/fchem.2024.1425903
  3. Sousa, José Mário; Barbosa, Ana; Araújo, Daniela; Castro, Joana; Azevedo, Nuno Filipe; Cerqueira, Laura; Almeida, Carina. "Evaluation of Simultaneous Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes in Ground Beef Samples in Different Growth Media". Foods 13 13 (2024): 2095. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods13132095.
    10.3390/foods13132095
  4. Araújo, D.; Oliveira, R.; Silva, B.L.; Castro, J.; Ramos, C.; Matos, F.; Almeida, C.; Silva, S.. "Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from clinical specimens of companion animals in Northern Portugal, 2021–2023". The Veterinary Journal 305 (2024): 106153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106153.
    10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106153
  5. Sousa, Mário; Rocha, Rui; Araújo, Daniela; Castro, Joana; Barbosa, Ana; Azevedo, Nuno F.; Cerqueira, Laura; Almeida, Carina. "A New Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Probe for the Specific Detection of Salmonella Species in Food Matrices". Foodborne Pathogens and Disease 21 5 (2024): 298-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2023.0127.
    10.1089/fpd.2023.0127
  6. Castro, Joana; Oliveira, Ricardo; Fernandes, Liliana; Carvalho, Isabel; Oliveira, Hugo; Brinks, Erik; Cho, Gyu-Sung; et al. "Molecular characterization and virulence profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from ill cats and dogs in Portugal". Veterinary Microbiology 292 (2024): 110056. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110056.
    10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110056
  7. Araújo, Daniela; Silva, Ana Rita; Fernandes, Rúben; Serra, Patrícia; Barros, Maria Margarida; Campos, Ana Maria; Oliveira, Ricardo; et al. Corresponding author: Castro, Joana. "Emerging Approaches for Mitigating Biofilm-Formation-Associated Infections in Farm, Wild, and Companion Animals". Pathogens 13 4 (2024): 320. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13040320.
    10.3390/pathogens13040320
  8. Vilas Boas, D; Castro, J; Araújo, D; Nóbrega, FL; Keevil, CW; Azevedo, NF; Vieira, MJ; Almeida, C. "The Role of Flagellum and Flagellum-Based Motility on Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation". Microorganisms 12 2:232 (2024): https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020232.
    Published
  9. Araújo, D.; Castro, J.; Matos, F.; Oliveira, R.; Ramos, C.; Almeida, C.; Silva, S.. "Exploring the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca isolated from clinically ill companion animals from North of Portugal". Research in Veterinary Science 159 (2023): 183-188. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.04.009.
    10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.04.009
  10. Barros, Maria Margarida; Castro, Joana; Araújo, Daniela; Campos, Ana Maria; Oliveira, Ricardo; Silva, Sónia; Outor-Monteiro, Divanildo; Almeida, Carina. "Swine Colibacillosis: Global Epidemiologic and Antimicrobial Scenario". Antibiotics 12 4 (2023): 682. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12040682.
    10.3390/antibiotics12040682
  11. Ferreira, Alice; Silva, Daniela; Almeida, Carina; Rodrigues, Maria Elisa; Silva, Sónia; Castro, Joana; Mil-Homens, Dalila; et al. "Effect of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 on the reduction of ETEC O9:H9 infection in a neonatal pig cell line". Veterinary Research 54 1 (2023): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13567-023-01157-x.
    10.1186/s13567-023-01157-x
  12. Oliveira, Ricardo; Castro, Joana; Silva, Sónia; Oliveira, Hugo; Saavedra, Maria José; Azevedo, Nuno Filipe; Almeida, Carina. "Exploring the Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Portugal". Antibiotics 11 11 (2022): 1613. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11111613.
    10.3390/antibiotics11111613
  13. Castro, Joana; Barros, Maria Margarida; Araújo, Daniela; Campos, Ana Maria; Oliveira, Ricardo; Silva, Sónia; Almeida, Carina. "Swine enteric colibacillosis: Current treatment avenues and future directions". Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.981207.
    10.3389/fvets.2022.981207
  14. Fokt, Hanna; Cleto, Sara; Oliveira, Hugo; Araújo, Daniela; Castro, Joana; Cerca, Nuno; Vieira, Maria João; Almeida, Carina. "Bacteriocin Production by Escherichia coli during Biofilm Development". Foods 11 17 (2022): 2652. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods11172652.
    10.3390/foods11172652
  15. Rosca, Aliona S; Castro, Joana; Sousa, Lúcia G V; França, Angela; Vaneechoutte, Mario; Cerca, Nuno. "In vitro interactions within a biofilm containing three species found in bacterial vaginosis (BV) support the higher antimicrobial tolerance associated with BV recurrence". Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 77 8 (2022): 2183-2190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkac155.
    10.1093/jac/dkac155
  16. Rosca, Aliona S.; Castro, Joana; Sousa, Lúcia G. V.; França, Angela; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Salgueiro, Lígia; Cerca, Nuno. "Six Bacterial Vaginosis-Associated Species Can Form an In Vitro and Ex Vivo Polymicrobial Biofilm That Is Susceptible to Thymbra capitata Essential Oil". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 12 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.824860.
    10.3389/fcimb.2022.824860
  17. Castro, Joana; Sousa, Lúcia G. V.; França, Ângela; Podpera Tisakova, Lenka; Corsini, Lorenzo; Cerca, Nuno. "Exploiting the Anti-Biofilm Effect of the Engineered Phage Endolysin PM-477 to Disrupt In Vitro Single- and Dual-Species Biofilms of Vaginal Pathogens Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis". Antibiotics 11 5 (2022): 558. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11050558.
    10.3390/antibiotics11050558
  18. Sousa, Lúcia G. V. #; Castro, J#; Cavaleiro, Carlos; Salgueiro, Lígia; Tomás, Mariana; Palmeira-Oliveira, Rita; Martinez-Oliveira, José; Cerca, Nuno. "Synergistic effects of carvacrol, a-terpinene, ¿-terpinene, ¿-cymene and linalool against Gardnerella species". Scientific Reports, # Equally contributing authors 12 1 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08217-w.
    10.1038/s41598-022-08217-w
  19. Castro, J; Lima, Â; Sousa, LGV; Rosca, AS; Muzny, CA; Cerca, N. "Crystal Violet Staining Alone Is Not Adequate to Assess Synergism or Antagonism in Multi-Species Biofilms of Bacteria Associated With Bacterial Vaginosis". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 11 (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.795797.
    10.3389/fcimb.2021.795797
  20. Sousa, L. G. V.; Castro, J; França, A; Almeida, C; Muzny, C. A.; Cerca, N.. "A New PNA-FISH Probe Targeting Fannyhessea vaginae". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 11 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.779376.
    10.3389/fcimb.2021.779376
  21. Rosca, A. S.; Castro, J.; França, A.; Vaneechoutte, M; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella Vaginalis Dominates Multi-Species Biofilms in both Pre-Conditioned and Competitive In Vitro Biofilm Formation Models". Microbial Ecology (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00248-021-01917-2.
    10.1007/s00248-021-01917-2
  22. Castro, J; Rosca, AS; Muzny, CA; Cerca, N. "Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella bivia Are Able to Incorporate and Influence Gene Expression in a Pre-Formed Gardnerella vaginalis Biofilm". Pathogens 10 2, 247 (2021): https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020247.
    10.3390/pathogens10020247
  23. Castro, J; Jefferson, KK; Cerca, N. "Genetic Heterogeneity and Taxonomic Diversity among Gardnerella Species". Trends in Microbiology 28 3 (2020): 202-211. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2019.10.002.
    10.1016/j.tim.2019.10.002
  24. Castro, J#; Rosca, A#; Sousa, LGV; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella and vaginal health: the truth is out there". FEMS Microbiology Reviews. #Equally contributing authors 44 1 (2020): 73-81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuz027.
    10.1093/femsre/fuz027
  25. Castro, J#; Rosca, A#; Piet, C; Vaneechoutte, M; Cerca, N. "Gardnerella vaginalis enhances Atopobium vaginae viability in an in vitro model". Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. #Equally contributing authors, 10:83 (2020): http://doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00083.
    10.3389/fcimb.2020.00083
  26. Rosca, A; Castro, J; Cerca, N. "Evaluation of different culture media to support in vitro growth and biofilm formation of bacterial vaginosis-associated anaerobes". PeerJ 8: e9917 (2020): https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9917.
    10.7717/peerj.9917
  27. Castro, J.; Machado, D.; Cerca, N.. "Unveiling the role of Gardnerella vaginalis in polymicrobial Bacterial Vaginosis biofilms: the impact of other vaginal pathogens living as neighbors". ISME Journal (2019): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85060534292&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1038/s41396-018-0337-0
  28. Castro, J#; Martins AP #; Rodrigues ME; Cerca N. "Lactobacillus crispatus represses vaginolysin expression by BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis and reduces cell cytotoxicity". Anaerobe. # Equally contributing authors (2018): http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/29427630.
    10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.01.014
  29. Castro, J.; Jefferson, K.K.; Cerca, N.. "Innate immune components affect growth and virulence traits of bacterial-vaginosis-associated and non-bacterial-vaginosis-associated Gardnerella vaginalis strains similarly". Pathogens and disease 76 9 (2018): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85060393307&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1093/femspd/fty089
  30. Castro, J; França, A; Bradwell, KR; Serrano, MG; Jefferson, KK; Cerca, N. "Comparative transcriptomic analysis of Gardnerella vaginalis biofilms vs. planktonic cultures using RNA-seq". npj Biofilms and Microbiomes (2017): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41522-017-0012-7.
    10.1038/s41522-017-0012-7
  31. Machado, D.; Castro, J.; Martinez-de-Oliveira, J.; Nogueira-Silva, C.; Cerca, N.. "Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Portuguese pregnant women and vaginal colonization by Gardnerella vaginalis". PeerJ 2017 8 (2017): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85028463293&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.7717/peerj.3750
  32. Castro, J.; Machado, D.; Cerca, N.. "Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are able to incorporate and enhance a pre-formed Gardnerella vaginalis biofilm". Pathogens and disease 74 3 (2016): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84994305255&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1093/femspd/ftw007
  33. Machado, D.; Castro, J.; Palmeira-de-Oliveira, A.; Martinez-de-Oliveira, J.; Cerca, N.. "Bacterial vaginosis biofilms: Challenges to current therapies and emerging solutions". Frontiers in Microbiology 6 JAN (2016): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84957990452&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.3389/fmicb.2015.01528
  34. Castro, J.; Alves, P.; Sousa, C.; Cereija, T.; França, Â.; Jefferson, K.K.; Cerca, N.. "Using an in-vitro biofilm model to assess the virulence potential of Bacterial Vaginosis or non-Bacterial Vaginosis Gardnerella vaginalis isolates". Scientific Reports 5 (2015): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84933574776&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1038/srep11640
  35. Castro, J.; Cerca, N.. "BV and non-BV associated Gardnerella vaginalis establish similar synergistic interactions with other BV-associated microorganisms in dual-species biofilms". Anaerobe 36 (2015): 56-59. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84945417277&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.anaerobe.2015.10.008
  36. Machado, A.; Castro, J.; Cereija, T.; Almeida, C.; Cerca, N.. "Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis by a new multiplex peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization method". PeerJ 2015 2 (2015): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84926453746&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.7717/peerj.780
  37. Castro, J. #; Alves, P. #; Sousa, C.; Cereija, T.B.; Cerca, N.. "Gardnerella vaginalis Outcompetes 29 other bacterial species isolated from patients with bacterial vaginosis, using in an in vitro biofilm formation model". Journal of Infectious Diseases. # Equally contributing authors 210 4 (2014): 593-596. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84905583442&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1093/infdis/jiu131
  38. Ojala, T.; Kankainen, M.; Castro, J.; Cerca, N.; Edelman, S.; Westerlund-Wikström, B.; Paulin, L.; Holm, L.; Auvinen, P.. "Comparative genomics of Lactobacillus crispatus suggests novel mechanisms for the competitive exclusion of Gardnerella vaginalis". BMC Genomics 15 1 (2014): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84924290099&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1186/1471-2164-15-1070
  39. Cereija, T.B.; Castro, J.; Alves, P.; Cerca, N.. "Influence of anaerobic conditions on vaginal microbiota recovery from bacterial vaginosis patients". Sexually Transmitted Infections 89 4 (2013): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84878183691&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1136/sextrans-2013-051100
  40. Castro, J.; Henriques, A.; Machado, A.; Henriques, M.; Jefferson, K.K.; Cerca, N.. "Reciprocal interference between Lactobacillus spp. and Gardnerella vaginalis on initial adherence to epithelial cells". International Journal of Medical Sciences 10 9 (2013): 1193-1198. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84880604658&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.7150/ijms.6304
Magazine article
  1. Castro, Joana; Barros, Maria Margarida; Oliveira, Ricardo; Araújo, Daniela; Campos, Ana Maria; Ana Margarida Duarte; FAGULHA, TERESA; et al. "Coinfecção pelo Vírus da Síndrome Respiratória e Reprodutiva dos Suínos (PRRS), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida e Streptococcus suis 2 - Relato de um caso numa exploração familiar de suínos em Portugal", Revista Portuguesa de Ciências Veterinárias 119, 625, 2024
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. Castro, Joana. "Determining the pathogenic potential of commensal and clinical Gardnerella vaginalis isolates". PhD, Universidade do Porto Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, 2018.
  2. Castro, Joana. "Adhesion of vaginal microorganisms to epithelial cells and its association with Bacterial Vaginosis". Master, Universidade do Minho, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1822/23502.

Artistic / Performance

Visual artwork
  1. Fernandes, R; Vinderinho, J; Castro, J; Barros, MM; Oliveira, R; Campos, AM; Silva, S; Almeida, C. Os Vilões Invisíveis, Portuguese Society of Microbiology.
  2. Barros, MM; Castro, J; Araujo, D; Oliveira, R; Silva, S; Almeida, C. Impacto da Colibacilose Suína: da Quinta ao Homem, Portuguese Society of Microbiology.

Intellectual property

Patent
  1. Sousa, LVG; Castro, J; Rosca, AS; Cerca, N. 2022. "Topical vaginal sheet with antimicrobial and antibiofilm capacity for the treatment and prevention of Bacterial Vaginosis - Patent requested". Portugal.
    Pending
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2023/03/14 Bacteria in animal production: identification, characterization, and control by using novel approaches Seminário: Novas abordagens no controlo de microrganismos
Escola Superior de Saúde do Politécnico do Porto (Portugal)
2021/05/04 PNA-FISH approach in Bacterial Vaginosis: from diagnosis to unveiling etiology DelNAM’s Summer School 2: “FISHing Bacteria”
University of Porto (Porto)
2019/11 Possible associations of the novel described Gardnerella species and virulence properties. ISIDOG 2019 - 3rd Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology Congress
(Porto, Portugal)
2018/06 The microbiome during bacterial vaginosis: who is cooperating with Gardnerella vaginalis in enhancing crucial gene expression in a dual-species biofilm model? IUSTI 2018 World & European Congress – The appliance of science
(Dublin, Ireland)
2018/05/07 Bacterial cooperation in bacterial vaginosis: are social interactions relevant to enhance Gardnerella vaginalis virulence? I Meeting PhD Biomedical Sciences, ICBAS, University of Porto
(Porto, Portugal)
2017/11 Can cooperation within the vaginal microbiome lead to the development of bacterial vaginosis? NZ Microbiological Society (NZMS) conference
(Auckland, New Zealand)
2016/06 What happens to Gardnerella vaginalis when growing as a biofilm: a comparative transcriptomic analysis by RNA-seq? Biofilms 7 - Microbial Works of Art
(Porto, Portugal)
2013/10 Functional analysis of virulence potential from Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes commonly associated with bacterial vaginosis BioMicroWorld2013: V International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology
(Madrid, Spain)
2013/10 Can a specific sub-group of biofilm-forming Gardnerella vaginalis strains be the real causative agent of bacterial vaginosis? 8th Meeting of the European Society for Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gyneacology
(London, United Kingdom)
2012/02/18 Adhesion of vaginal microorganisms to epithelial cells and its association with Bacterial Vaginosis. VIII Conference of Biomedical Engineering
University of Minho (Braga, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role 		Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2024/03 - Current Exploring the Potential of Essential Oils for the treatment of Bacterial Associated-Infections
Supervisor of Taísa Cebotari
 Biotechnology (Degree)
Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra, Portugal
2023/09 - Current Exploring the potential of probiotics for the prevention and treatment of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli associated-infections
Supervisor of Ana Rita Ferreira Silva
 Master's Degree in Biochemistry in Health (Master)
School of Health of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto , Portugal
2021/02 - Current Exploring microbial interactions during bacterial vaginosis
Co-supervisor of Ângela Martins Lima
 Engenharia Biomédica (Doutoramento)
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2024/03/01 - 2024/06/30 The use of Galleria mellonella in evaluating the toxicity of Portuguese propolis
Co-supervisor of Rafael Pereira Torrinha Rodrigues
 Biochemistry (Degree)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2024/03 - 2024/06/30 Exploring the potential of cell-free supernatants in the control of foodborne pathogens
Supervisor of Sara Lopes Ferreira
 Seminars and Research Project - 1st year M.BIO (Master)
Universidade do Porto Faculdade de Engenharia, Portugal
2023/07/12 - 2024/01/31 Internship in General Microbiology
Supervisor of Rúben Lopes Pinto Fernandes
 Biotechnology (Degree)
Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo Escola Superior Agrária, Portugal
2023/09/04 - 2023/09/22 Bacteria in animal production: identification, characterization, and control by using novel approaches - Internship within the scope of the curricular unit - Clinical Education II
Supervisor of Paula de Morais Nascimento Nunes
 Biomedical Laboratory Sciences (Degree)
Instituto Politecnico do Porto Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto, Portugal
2023/04/24 - 2023/05/19 Exploting the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) virulence traits isolated from porcine rectal swabs - Internship in Veterinary Research
Supervisor of Érica Sá
 Laboratory Biomedical Sciences (Degree)
School of Health Sciences - Polytechnic of Porto, Portugal

Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2022 - 2022 Optimization of a molecular methodology for the detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli virulence factors for the diagnosis of swine colibacillosis
Co-supervisor of Ana Maria da Silva Campos
 Laboratory Biomedical Sciences (Degree)
Instituto Politecnico do Porto Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto, Portugal
2020/09 - 2021/02/14 Coagulase-negative Staphylococci as a source of bacteriocins against Gardnerella species
Co-supervisor of Diana Rosa Oliveira Sousa
 Integrated Master in Biomedical Engineering (Master)
Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2018/09/01 - 2019/10 Determination of the antimicrobial activity and synergistic effects of the main compounds from Thymbra capitata essential oil against Gardnerella spp.
Co-supervisor of Lúcia Filipa Guimarães Vieira de Sousa
Engenharia Biomédica (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role) 		Institution / Organization
2024 - Current Member of organization of 2nd INIAV Symposium for Food Security - “Sustainable and Safe Food Systems”, which will be held on 27th November 2024, Vila do Conde. (2024/11/27) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2024 - 2024/07/22 Organization of the course: “Application of methods for detecting pathogenicity factors in Escherichia coli, and its importance in a Public Health context”, INIAV Course certified by the Order of Biologists. (2024/07/22) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2024 - 2024/04/03 Co-organization of the study visit to INIAV, students of the Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences (Vasco da Gama University School, Coimbra) Total of 15 students. Activities: visit to the Food Safety and Animal Health laboratories; toxicity assessment in an animal model. (2024/04/03) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2023/07/01 - 2023/07/28 Internship Ciencia Viva 2023 at INIAV: Use of essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics Supervisor of Adriana Peliteiro| Sandra Araújo from Agrupamento Dona Maria, Vila Nova de Famalicão (2023/07/01 - 2023/07/28) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2023 - 2023/07/13 Co-organization of a study visit to INIAV for primary and preschool students from Vairão and Fornelo Total of 51 students (4-11 years old). Organized science activities: (1) The life cycle of larvae; (2) Morphology of bacteria and fungi; (3) The volcano: the concept of chemical reaction; (4) The coronavirus family (2023/07/13) Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2023 - 2023/04/04 Co-organization of the study visit to INIAV dedicated to primary school students (1st to 4th grade), from Vairão and Fornelo (Vila do Conde) (2023/04/04)
Workshop (Co-organisor)
 Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2023 - 2023/03/17 Co-organization of the study visit to INIAV dedicated to secondary school students (secondary schools of Viana do Castelo and Galicia) Total of 40 students. Brief seminar followed by laboratory activities: identification of pathogens in food samples; research of antibiotics in food; larval model for cytotoxicity study. (2023/03/17)
Workshop
 Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2023/02/01 - 2023/02/01 Co-organization of the study visit to INIAV for secondary school students (Professional Course in Laboratory Analysis), from the Oliveira Júnior school, in S. João da Madeira Total of 13 students. Activities: analysis of contaminants by fine chromatography; detection of pathogens by real-time PCR, toxicity assessment in an animal model. (2023/02/01)
Workshop (Co-organisor)
 Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2021/03/26 - 2021/03/26 Participation in the organization of the seminar “Futuro da Alimentação” organized by INIAV Fórum Braga, 54ª AGRO- Feira Internacional da Agricultura, Pecuária e Alimentação (2021/03/26)
Seminar
 Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária , Portugal
2020/10/16 - 2020/10/18 Co-Organizer of the workshop: "Biofilm transcriptomics: Quantifying gene expression from pathogenic bacterial biofilms" 10th Edition - https://biofilmtranscriptomics.wordpress.com/organization/ (2020/10/16 - 2020/10/18)
Workshop (Co-organisor)
 Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2017/07/27 - 2017/07/27 Instructor of the practical classes “Explore biotechnological tools for identifying opportunistic microorganisms” for the outreach event “Verão no Campus” program (2017/07/27 - 2017/07/27) Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2016 - 2017 Instructor of the practical classes: "Laboratórios Integrados II – Módulo Citotoxicidade” of the Integrated Master in Biomedical Engineering (2016/2017), University of Minho (2016 - 2017) Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2016/11/25 - 2016/11/25 Instructor of the practical classes in medical microbiology for the outreach event “Cientistas por um dia” program (2016/11/25 - 2016/11/25)
Workshop
 Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2016/07/15 - 2016/07/17 Speaker and instructor in the workshop: "Biofilm transcriptomics: Quantifying gene expression from pathogenic bacterial biofilms" 9th Edition - https://biofilmtranscriptomics.wordpress.com/9th-edition/ (2016/07/15 - 2016/07/17)
Workshop
 Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2015/03/27 - 2015/03/29 Speaker and instructor in the workshop: "Biofilm transcriptomics: Quantifying gene expression from pathogenic bacterial biofilms" 8th Edition - https://biofilmtranscriptomics.wordpress.com/8th-edition/ (2015/03/25 - 2015/03/27)
Workshop
 Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2010 - 2011 Director of the opinion and quality section - Organization of the VI Nacional Meeting of Biomedical Engineering Students (2011/03/10 - 2011/03/13)
Meeting (Member of the Organising Committee)
 Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event 		Event name
Institution / Organization
2024/03/05 - 2024/03/07 Training School: Using GRADE for development of clinical practice guidelines
Workshop
 COST Action CA18217 European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT)
IT-Universitet i København, Denmark
2023/09/28 - 2023/09/30 Working Group Meeting (WG4) - COST Action: ENOVAT - Pig colibacillosis
Meeting
 Working Group Meeting (WG4) - COST Action: ENOVAT - Pig colibacillosis
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Dublin , Ireland
2023/05/24 - 2023/05/26 Training School: "Hands on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics approach for antibiotics" (CA18217); Toulouse, France
École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
2023/03/02 - 2023/03/03 COST Action CA18217 European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT)
Meeting
 COST Action CA18217 European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT)
Universidad de Navarra, Spain
2018/12/04 - 2018/12/04 Discussion about clinical trials and its regulation
Conference
 V Conference on Clinical Research and Innovation
Hospital de Braga, Portugal
2017/10/21 - 2017/10/21 Discussion of the epidemiological aspects of recurrent pregnancy loss; the continuous spectrum of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss; genetic factors in recurrent pregnancy loss
Meeting
 IX Maternal-fetal Conference: Recurrent pregnancy loss
Hospital de Trofa, Portugal
2017 - 2017 “Confocal Microscopy Short Course”
Workshop
 Confocal Microscopy Short Course
2016/12 - 2016/12 Hands-on-Course: “Proteome 2 Gene 2 Protein" - Proteomic methodologies; two-dimensional gel electrophoresis; protein identification by mass spectrometry; recombinant protein production and purification
Workshop
 Hands-on-Course: “Proteome 2 Gene 2 Protein"
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2016/10 - 2016/10 Discussion of the vaginal microflora associated with bacterial vaginosis as a factor which contributes to HPV acquisition
Meeting
 VIII Maternal-fetal Conference: Vulvo-vaginal ecosystem, an environment for the HPV vírus
Hospital da Trofa, Portugal
2016/08/24 - 2016/09/01 FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course: "The new microbiology" - Analysis of new regulatory mechanisms, small signaling molecules/small RNAs; bacterial model systems in infection biology; symbiosis, and microbial communities/microbiotas or bacterial diversity
Workshop
 FEBS/EMBO Lecture Course: The new microbiology, Spetses, Greece
2012/08/31 - 2012/09/02 Hands-on-Course: “Biofilm transcriptomic course"
Workshop
 Hands-on-Course: “Biofilm transcriptomic course"
2011/09/05 - 2011/09/16 Leadership course: Protocol between Military Academia (Lisbon) and University of Minho
Other
 Leadership course, http://academiamilitar.pt/curso-de-lideranca.html, collaboration with University of Minho
Academia Militar, Portugal
2009/11/05 - 2009/11/06 Participation in the V Meeting Biomedical Engineering
Workshop
2008/10/16 - 2008/10/18 Participation in the IV Meeting Biomedical Engineering
Workshop
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2008 - 2008 Basic course in AutoCad - 30 hours
Workshop
 Basic course in AutoCad - 30 hours

Jury of academic degree

Topic
Role 		Candidate name (Type of degree)
Institution / Organization
2023/02 Devising adjuvant therapeutic strategies toward severe lower respiratory tract infections
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Gabriel Ferreira Abreu (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2023 Desenvolvimento de um novo método de quantificação molecular com base em qPCR para estudo da Vaginose Bacteriana
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Ana Sofia Gonçalo Pinto (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2023 Chimeric phages – a new therapeutic approach to target Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Mariana Sousa Ferreira (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2023 Application of Antisense Therpay to control Candida glabrata biofilm
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Tânia Coelho Ribeiro (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2022 COPD associated pneumonia: polymicrobial biofilms and new antimicrobial combinations
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Bárbara Abreu Silva Amaro (Master)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2021 New therapies for COPD-related pulmonary infections unveiled by inspecting bacterial interactions
(Thesis) Main arguer
 Beatriz Maciel Ferreira (Other)
Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Association member

Society Organization name Role
2023 - Current ESCMID - European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
2019 - Current Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia Member
2019 - Current ANICT - National Association of Researchers in Science and Technology Member
2015 - 2016 ESCMID - European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Member

Committee member

Activity description
Role 		Institution / Organization
2023 - Current Associate Editor for Clinical Infectious Diseases in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Member
2021 - Current Topic Editor in Antibiotics https://www.mdpi.com/journal/antibiotics/topic_editors
2020 - Current Member of Editorial Board of BMC Women’s Health, Spinger Nature https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/about/editorial-board
Member
2019/02/15 - 2021/08/15 Scientific Commission for the Biofilm Group
Member
 Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal
2019/02/15 - 2021/08/15 Scientific Commission of the Center of Biological Engineering (CEB) (Integrated Member)
Member
 Universidade do Minho Centro de Engenharia Biológica, Portugal

Conference scientific committee

Conference name Conference host
2024 - Current Member of Scientific Committee of the Congress 1st Iberian Early-Career Researchers’ Congress of the Campus Terra: Roots of Knowledge, which will be held from 14th to 16th October 2024 in Lugo at the Campus Terra of the University of Santiago de Compostela (Lugo, Galicia, Spain). University of Santiago de Compostela (Lugo, Galicia, Spain)

Course / Discipline taught

Academic session Degree Subject (Type) Institution / Organization
2020/02 - 2020/09 Heat and Mass Transfer Master Integrated in Biomedical Engineering (Mestrado integrado) Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Evaluation committee

Activity description
Role 		Institution / Organization Funding entity
2024 - Current Scientific Committee of the Microbiology Cartoons, https://cartoonmicrobiologia.com/conselho-cientifico-do-site/ Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia, Portugal
2022 - Current National Science Centre Poland Evaluator - National Science Centre Poland, Poland
Evaluator
 Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Poland
2017 - 2018 Member of the evaluation committee of Agency for Evaluation and Accreditation of Higher Education (A3ES). Evaluation of the courses: Masters in Medical Microbiology; Doctorate in Biomedical Sciences; Masters in Medical Parasitology; and Masters in Biomedical Sciences
Evaluator
 Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal 		A3ES

Journal scientific committee

Journal title (ISSN) Publisher
2024 - Current Medicine Elsevier
2024 - Current Ecological Genetics and Genomics Elsevier
2024 - Current International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents Elsevier
2024 - Current BMC Infectious Diseases Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
2024 - Current Molecular Biology Reports Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
2024 - Current Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Springer
2023 - Current Diagnostic Microbiology & Infectious Disease Elsevier
2023 - Current PeerJ PeerJ Inc.
2023 - Current Beneficial Microbes Wageningen Academic Publishers
2023 - Current Microbiome BioMed Central Ltd
2022/01/20 - Current Scientific Reports (732869387) Nature Publishing Group
2021 - Current Antibiotics (2079-6382) MDPI Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
2020 - Current Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (1525-1578) Elsevier
2020 - Current Genes (2073-4425) MDPI AG
2020 - Current Pathogens (2076-0817) MDPI AG
2020 - Current Computational Biology and Chemistry (1476-9271) Elsevier
2020 - Current Microbial Pathogenesis (1096-1208) Elsevier
2020 - Current Infection and Immunity (1098-5522) American Society for Microbiology
2019 - Current Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2235-2988) Frontiers Media SA
2019 - 2020 BMC Women s Health (1472-6874) Springer (Biomed Central Ltd.)
2019 - 2019 Journal of Applied Microbiology (1365-2672) Wiley (Blackwell Publishing)

Mentoring / Tutoring

Topic Student name
2023/07/17 - 2023/07/28 Programa Ciência Viva- Ocupação Científica de Jovens nas Férias 2023 Sandra Araújo
2023/07/17 - 2023/07/28 Programa Ciência Viva- Ocupação Científica de Jovens nas Férias 2023 Adriana Peliteiro
Distinctions

Award

2023 Pathogens 2023 Best Paper Award
MDPI AG, Switzerland
2023 FEMS Early Career Researchers Grants Award
Federation Of European Microbiological Societies, Netherlands
2023 Winners of the 5th edition of the microbiology science communication competition - "Os Vilões Invisíveis"
Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia, Portugal
2022 Contract work in scope of 2022 Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus (2022.06886.CEECIND)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2019 FEMS Early Career Researchers Grants
Federation Of European Microbiological Societies, Netherlands

Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia, Portugal
2016 SPM Young Research prize - International Conference Biofilms 7, 26 – 28 June 2016, Portugal
Sociedade Portuguesa de Microbiologia, Portugal
2013 Individual FCT PhD fellowship - SFRH/BD/93963/2013
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal
2007 Board of Excellence - (12th year - Score 18.6/20)
Escola Secundária da Trofa, Portugal

Other distinction

2023 COST action grant to participate in ENOVAT MC And WGs Meeting In Pamplona (Spain) (CA18217)
European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Belgium
2023 COST action grant to participate in training School: "Hands on the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics approach for antibiotics" (CA18217)
European Cooperation in Science and Technology, Belgium
2021 Certificate of Pedagogical Merit of the Presidency of the School of Engineering of the University of Minho
Universidade do Minho, Portugal
2015 ESCMID Conference Grant - Payment of registration at the International Congress Eurobiofilms 2015, Brno, Czech Republic
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Switzerland