Anne Tuiskunen Bäck lab

Our research group investigates the occurrence and impact of viruses in human diseases. Our primary approach involves the use of metagenomic sequencing methods, in particular target-capture based hybridization methods, to identify and genetically characterize viruses in diverse patient samples. Additionally, we explore samples from animal hosts in cases where viral transmission from animals to humans, known as zoonoses, occurs.

Our research is translational, beginning with patient samples, with the goal of understanding how the genetic diversity of viruses correlates with disease progression and transmission. This work contributes to advancements in diagnostic capabilities through deep sequencing, which plays an increasingly crucial role in modern diagnostics and precision medicine. Our multidisciplinary team comprises physicians, biomedical analysts, biomedicine researchers, and bioinformaticians, fostering collaborations with researchers on both national and international scales.

My background

I am a medical doctor with a background in biomedical science, having studied virology at Princeton University and completed doctoral research in tropical virology at the Karolinska Institute. My doctoral thesis focused on the characterization of dengue virus isolates from children with dengue fever in Cambodia.

After completing my doctorate, I transitioned into a role as a research advisor in global health and infectious diseases at Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, where I concentrated on supporting research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and Bangladesh.

Currently, I work as a cardiologist while leading my research group at the Department of Clinical Microbiology. I also teach in the medical program and serve as the course leader for Evidence-Based Medicine.

Our ongoing research projects encompass:

Genetic Characterization of Puumala Virus in Sweden

Puumala virus induces Nephropathia epidemica (NE) in humans, transmitted via inhalation of dust particles carrying the virus spread by bank voles. While typically mild, severe cases may necessitate intensive care and dialysis due to renal impairment. Mortality rate stands at 0.5%, escalating to 6% in the elderly. Although highly endemic in northern Sweden, the virus is extending its reach southward. Given the absence of effective treatments or vaccines against NE, it remains a priority area of investigation. Despite being highly endemic in northern Sweden, we lack comprehensive knowledge about the genetic diversity of the virus, primarily due to the notorious difficulty in sequencing it.

We've spearheaded the comprehensive genetic sequencing of Swedish Puumala virus directly from patient samples. Our focus is on understanding the genetic alterations as the virus transitions from its natural host, the bank vole, to humans, and monitoring the extent of viral mutation during human infection. Additionally, we explore historical and current genetic variants of Puumala virus in Sweden to identify strains predisposed to human infection and to elucidate why certain individuals develop severe NE while others exhibit minimal symptoms. This collaborative project involves researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and international partners.

Metagenomic Sequencing of Patient Samples for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness

In partnership with the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå University Hospital (Norrlands universitetssjukhus, NUS), we are assessing a sequencing method capable of identifying any virus present in patient samples. Such a method is critical for swiftly detecting both known and novel viral infections. Moreover, we can ascertain if patients are concurrently infected with multiple viruses, providing invaluable insights for treatment decisions.

Investigating the Role of Viruses in Myocarditis and Understanding Critical Illness Susceptibility 

This project, in its nascent stages, draws on samples from patients with myocarditis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Collaborating with various hospital clinics and laboratory researchers, we aim to unravel the role of viruses in myocarditis and elucidate factors contributing to susceptibility to critical illness, including the genetic predisposition of the patient.

Financial support

The research is financed by ALF/region Västerbotten, Kempe Foundation, SciLifeLab, O.E. och Edla Johanssons vetenskapliga stiftelse, Lars Hiertas Minne, Institut Francais, Wenner-Gren Foundations.

PhD student Rebecca and Anne in the lab.

ImageMattias Pettersson