Antonella Castagna

Antonella Castagna is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy. She has held leadership roles including Director of the Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medical School at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele since 2016. Her research focuses on HIV management, antiretroviral therapy optimization, and drug resistance mechanisms. She leads the ICONA cohort and the PRESTIGIO registry, studying multidrug-resistant HIV cases. Castagna has authored 314 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 24) and maintains academic roles in medical education, including teaching infectious diseases to medical students and residents.

Education & Early Career:

• 1985-1987: Medical Doctor, Infectious Diseases Clinic, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan
• 1988-1992: Fellow at University of Chicago Neuroimmunology Lab and Karolinska Institute
• 1992-2001: Head of Unit at San Raffaele Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department

Research Interests: HIV virology, antiretroviral pharmacology, drug resistance dynamics, and clinical outcomes in multidrug-resistant patients. Specializes in real-world treatment efficacy, cardiovascular comorbidities, and vaccine implementation in HIV populations.

Key Contributions: Her work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing:

• Development of resistance testing protocols
• Optimization of second-line therapies
• Public health strategies for HIV/STI coinfections

Recent studies highlight increased cardiovascular risks in MDR-HIV patients and breakthrough mpox cases in vaccine non-responders.

Awards & Leadership:

• 2013: Qualified as Associate/Ordinary Professor
• 2015: Appointed University Professor
• Fellowships: Gilead (2016-2018)
• Chair: Italian Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel
• Director: PRESTIGIO Registry

Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches infectious diseases modules to medical students and residents, emphasizing tropical medicine and HIV clinical management. Advises through the San Raffaele's training programs and contributes to international educational initiatives.

Labs & Networks: Leads the Infectious Diseases Database (IDD-HSR), tracking clinical data of 10,000+ HIV patients. Collaborates with EuroSIDA, COHERE, and the RESPOND consortium, advancing global HIV research.