Professor
Prof. dr. M.C.W. (Mariet) Feltkamp
Area(s) of expertise:
Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology
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Introduction
I am a clinical virologist and professor by special appointment of Medical Microbiology at Sanquin. I conduct research on transfusion- and transplant-transmitted viral infections in immunocompromised patients.
After studying medicine, I obtained my PhD in HPV16 immunology and specialized in Medical Microbiology. I now combine clinical virology with transplant-related infection research, focusing on polyomavirus and anellovirus (TTV) infections. In 2010, I discovered the TS polyomavirus, the causative agent of trichodysplasia spinulosa hair follicle dysplasia. I also investigate whether certain viral markers have the potential to identify complications of excessive or insufficient immunosuppression. I have received project grants from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch Kidney Foundation, and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW) (a 4-year personal Clinical Fellowship). I am currently involved in EU-funded studies focusing on TTV load in optimising immunosuppression.
After studying medicine, I obtained my PhD in HPV16 immunology and specialized in Medical Microbiology. I now combine clinical virology with transplant-related infection research, focusing on polyomavirus and anellovirus (TTV) infections. In 2010, I discovered the TS polyomavirus, the causative agent of trichodysplasia spinulosa hair follicle dysplasia. I also investigate whether certain viral markers have the potential to identify complications of excessive or insufficient immunosuppression. I have received project grants from the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF), the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the Dutch Kidney Foundation, and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW) (a 4-year personal Clinical Fellowship). I am currently involved in EU-funded studies focusing on TTV load in optimising immunosuppression.
Scientific research
Transfusion and transplantation are major achievements that significantly increase survival and quality of life. Transfused blood or transplanted organs should not be a vehicle for pathogens. (Repeatedly) screening donors for the presence of potentially transmissible pathogens is therefore crucial. The increasing emergence of new viruses that can be transmitted through transfusion/transplantation and the growing number of immunosuppressed recipients require continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of donor selection and screening policies. Scientific foundation is essential in this regard.
In 2018, I won the Novartis Transplantation Award in the Clinical Transplant Medicine category, and in 2024, the ESCV Biomerieux Award. I am a member of the Medical Advisory Board and the IRB of Sanquin Blood Supply. I am also a member of the Executive Board of the European Society for Clinical Virology (ESCV) and of the Committee on Genetic Modification (COGEM).
In 2018, I won the Novartis Transplantation Award in the Clinical Transplant Medicine category, and in 2024, the ESCV Biomerieux Award. I am a member of the Medical Advisory Board and the IRB of Sanquin Blood Supply. I am also a member of the Executive Board of the European Society for Clinical Virology (ESCV) and of the Committee on Genetic Modification (COGEM).
