Kanesaka Izumo

Izumo Kanesaka is a clinical microbiologist affiliated with the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, where he is part of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit. His work is internationally oriented and focuses on antimicrobial resistance in the context of infectious diseases, particularly sexually transmitted infections.

His research investigates the mechanisms underpinning the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. He is especially interested in commensal Neisseria species residing in the human oropharynx. These organisms are studied for their potential role as early-warning indicators of antimicrobial consumption and resistance trends. Through international collaborations, he has contributed to establishing novel approaches to resistance surveillance, using commensal bacteria as sentinel markers of selective pressure in communities.

In addition to his role at ITM, Kanesaka holds the position of Associate Professor at Toho University in Japan, where he is actively engaged in teaching and research as a specialist in infection control.