In a groundbreaking initiative, Near East University, in partnership with Cyprus International University and Gazi University, is spearheading a collaborative project to address the escalating global health concern posed by the drug-resistant fungus Candida Auris. This project, backed by Gazi University Scientific Research Projects (BAP), harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to evaluate the sensitivity of Candida Auris to antifungal drugs.
At the forefront of this research are researchers from Near East University Health Operations Center and Cyprus International University, supported by a team of 16 distinguished academicians, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilber Uzun Özşahin and Dr. Abdullahi Garba Usman from Near East University, and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Kalkanci, Dr. Elif Ayça Şahin, and others from Gazi University.
Candida Auris, discovered in the USA in 2009, has evolved into a drug-resistant fungus causing fatal infections globally. The project aims to determine the sensitivity of Candida Auris to antifungal drugs, providing critical insights for the development of targeted treatment plans.
The World Health Organization estimates the mortality rate for Candida Auris infections to range between 30 percent and 60 percent. Due to the challenges in diagnosing and treating this resilient fungus, the joint project seeks to facilitate a comprehensive treatment plan, contributing significantly to infection control, appropriate disinfectant selection, and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.
This venture marks Near East University's third collaborative project in the 2022-2023 period, following successful partnerships with Celal Bayar University and Istanbul University. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University, emphasized the significance of participating in projects that benefit humanity through international cooperation, highlighting the commitment to transforming scientific knowledge into practical solutions. The university remains dedicated to fostering collaborations with diverse institutions worldwide, embodying its vision for positive global impact.
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