Pneumococcus is the most common cause of ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis, affecting both children and the elderly. Although it is responsible for many diseases, it is also present in the nose of healthy children who can pass it on to more susceptible individuals. Vaccines against seven to thirteen pneumococcal serotypes have been part of the childhood vaccination program in Sweden since 2009. However, since their introduction, an increase in pneumococcal bacteria not included in the vaccine has been observed.

Among other things, Birgitta Henriques Normark wants to study whether it is possible to reduce the presence of bacteria in children to influence the development of the disease. She also wants to investigate what makes the bacteria spread and cause serious invasive pneumococcal disease. Her research could lead to new vaccines and new antibiotics.

- 'We want to find new ways to treat and prevent the disease and find out why it affects certain risk groups. If we can understand the underlying mechanisms, we can also intervene against the disease," she says.

Many were affected during pandemic

One of the risk groups for bacterial pneumonia is people with a history of influenza infections. This could also apply to those currently affected by COVID-19.

- "Many of those who died from the Spanish flu during the 1918 pandemic did so because of superinfection with bacteria such as pneumococcus. In connection with this study, I would like to look more closely at whether there is also such a link to the new coronavirus," says Birgitta Henriques Normark, who is very pleased with the professorship and the grant of a total of SEK 10 million.

- It means a lot to me. Now I can really focus on my research.

Torsten Söderberg Academy Professorships in Medicine
The Academy Chairs will promote internationally leading research in the medical field by enabling the holder to devote full-time to research at a Swedish medical faculty for five years. The Torsten Söderberg Foundation donates SEK 10 million to each individual professorship. The professorships are prepared and decided by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Vetenskapsakademien after a peer-review procedure.