University of Catania | Italy
Prof. Viviana Cafiso, born in Caltagirone on October 1, 1971, is a renowned Associate Professor of General Microbiology at the University of Catania, Italy. With decades of experience in clinical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance research, she has significantly contributed to understanding infectious diseases through molecular and omics-based approaches. Her work bridges experimental and translational science, impacting public health and clinical strategies across Europe.
Author Profile👤
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Strengths for the Awards✨
Prof. Viviana Cafiso demonstrates an exceptional track record in microbiological research with a specific focus on antimicrobial resistance, bacterial genomics, and biofilm biology. Her prolific publication record — with nearly 40 high-impact articles in internationally indexed journals such as Antibiotics, Frontiers in Microbiology, Pathogens, PLoS One, and Clinical Microbiology and Infections — underscores her scholarly impact. Several of her articles have significant citation counts and address global health concerns like multidrug-resistant pathogens and hospital-acquired infections.
Additionally, her involvement in major national and international projects, including the PNRR INF-ACT, SMART and ATLAS projects (in partnership with Merck and Pfizer), and the PRIN and PON programs, confirms her leadership and collaboration in interdisciplinary consortia. Her position as Associate Professor of General Microbiology and a Ph.D. board member in Biomedical Sciences highlights her ongoing contributions to mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Moreover, her active role in molecular microbiology education across various degree levels reflects her holistic commitment to science dissemination, both in research and academia.
🎓 Education
Prof. Cafiso has pursued rigorous academic training in microbiology, culminating in her doctoral studies which laid the foundation for her specialization in antimicrobial resistance. Her academic trajectory reflects a deep-rooted commitment to molecular diagnostics and microbial genomics.
👩🏫 Experience
Prof.ssa Cafiso currently serves at the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, teaching Microbiologia Molecolare Applicata, Scienze Omiche, and other microbiology-focused subjects across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. She has also served as Scientific Coordinator and Principal Investigator in national and international microbiological research projects.
🔍 Research Interests On Immunology
Her primary research interests include antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, omics technologies, bacterial genomics, pathogen virulence, biofilm formation, and molecular epidemiology. She has played pivotal roles in numerous projects such as INF-ACT, PRIN PNRR, ARISE, and collaborations with pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Merck.
🏅 Awards & Recognitions
While her academic biography primarily emphasizes her research achievements, Prof.ssa Cafiso’s consistent participation in high-profile funded projects and collaborations with international research networks highlights her recognition as a leading figure in microbiology and translational infectious disease research.
📚 Publications
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Presence of the ica operon in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis and its role in biofilm production
Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, M. Santagati, F. Campanile, G. Amicosante, …
Year: 2004
Citations: 214
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Essential oils encapsulated in polymer-based nanocapsules as potential candidates for application in food preservation
Authors: G. Granata, S. Stracquadanio, M. Leonardi, E. Napoli, G.M.L. Consoli, …
Year: 2018
Citations: 163
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agr-Genotyping and transcriptional analysis of biofilm-producing Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, M. Santagati, V. Demelio, D. Spina, G. Nicoletti, …
Year: 2007
Citations: 143
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Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of daptomycin-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains: relative roles of mprF and dlt operons
Authors: N.N. Mishra, A.S. Bayer, C. Weidenmaier, T. Grau, S. Wanner, S. Stefani, …
Year: 2014
Citations: 141
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Insights and clinical perspectives of daptomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus: a review of the available evidence
Authors: S. Stefani, F. Campanile, M. Santagati, M.L. Mezzatesta, V. Cafiso, G. Pacini
Year: 2015
Citations: 118
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Modulating activity of vancomycin and daptomycin on the expression of autolysis cell-wall turnover and membrane charge genes in hVISA and VISA strains
Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, D. Spina, S. Purrello, F. Campanile, C. Di Pietro, …
Year: 2012
Citations: 112
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Oregano and thyme essential oils encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles as effective antimicrobial agents against foodborne pathogens
Authors: G. Granata, S. Stracquadanio, M. Leonardi, E. Napoli, G. Malandrino, …
Year: 2021
Citations: 95
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dltA overexpression: A strain-independent keystone of daptomycin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: V. Cafiso, T. Bertuccio, S. Purrello, F. Campanile, C. Mammina, A. Sartor, …
Year: 2014
Citations: 80
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Infections with VIM-1 Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae and Their Correlation with Clinical Outcome
Authors: M. Falcone, M.L. Mezzatesta, M. Perilli, C. Forcella, A. Giordano, V. Cafiso, …
Year: 2009
Citations: 80
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Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Implications for Prophylaxis and Clinical Management
Authors: C. Pascolini, J.L. Sinagra, S. Pecetta, V. Bordignon, A. De Santis, L. Cilli, …
Year: 2011
Citations: 72
✅ Conclusion
Prof. Viviana Cafiso stands as a pillar of excellence in microbiology, with a research profile that harmoniously blends clinical application and molecular investigation. Her persistent dedication to combating antimicrobial resistance, mentoring young researchers, and contributing to global infectious disease research makes her a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award.
