The starting point for this story is the discovery of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus significantly weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to develop active tuberculosis (TB). TB is one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV, as the compromised immune system struggles to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The co-infection of HIV and TB presents a major public health challenge globally, requiring integrated treatment and prevention strategies to manage both diseases effectively. GHTM & IHMT-NOVA researchers have been at the forefront of HIV & TB research in Portugal and at a global level.

Crucial Role in Understanding the Virus and the Discovery of HIV-2

In 1984, Dr. Kamal Mansinho and Dr. Jaime Nina, under the leadership of Professor Champalimaud at Egas Moniz Hospital, made groundbreaking strides in HIV research. Their diligent collection of samples from immunocompromised patients who tested negative for HIV (later redignated as  HIV-1) was crucial in the discovery and isolation of HIV-2.

Continuing this legacy, researcher Anne-Mieke Vandamme has advanced our understanding of the virus’s zoonotic origins. Kamal Mansinho, Ricardo Camacho and Ana Abecasis, on the other hand,  have focused on the impact of conflicts in Portuguese-speaking African countries on the spread of HIV-2.

Professor Ana Abecasis, specialist in Molecular Epidemiology, highlights the contributions of her team in studying the emergence and ignition of HIV-1 epidemic  in Angola. Their research identified Angola as one of the three initial epicenters of the HIV-1 pandemic. This pivotal finding has opened new avenues for exploring the phylogenetic history of HIV and the potential development of antiretroviral drug resistance.

Addressing Tuberculosis Outbreaks

The surge in HIV cases led to a corresponding increase in TB prevalence, with Portugal being notably affected. The Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT) and itresearch unit,  responded by investing in infrastructures for the early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis and its resistant forms, using newly developed molecular biology assays for direct detection and rapid liquid culture, which was critical for a systematic approach to this dual epidemic.

Professor Miguel Viveiros, GHTM Scientific Coordinator and leading expert in the field, emphasized the essential role of GHTM researchers in combating TB in Portugal and globally. They described and characterized hundreds of cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and their intrinsic mutations for resistance in hundreds of antibiotic targets that later on were the basis of the WHO catalogue for M. tuberculosis antibiotic resistance mutations . It was in our laboratory that the transmission chain of the highly virulent and resistant “Lisboa strain” was identified, which has since become a global reference point in M/XDR-TB research.

A fight in multiple fronts

These combined efforts have significantly advanced our understanding of HIV and its intersection with tuberculosis. Their pioneering work continues to influence global health strategies and offers hope for more effective treatments and interventions.

Professor Jorge Seixas takes us on a journey through the latest developments in the treatment for Human African Trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness.

He highlights two significant projects led by Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), with participation from GHTM-IHMT-NOVA and financed by EDCTP 2, aimed at expanding   treatment options for a broader range of patients, including those with the more neglected form of the disease.

This new set of tools is a game-changer, offering easier-to-implement treatments and raising hopes for the sustained elimination of sleeping sickness.

VIASEF is a biocontainment infrastructure designed to facilitate research and development activities with invasive, exotic, or transgenic arthropods and human/animal pathogens transmitted by them that may pose biosecurity risks. Its a convertible infrastructure, able to address different types of public health emergencies. This was evidenced when, within the first six months of its inauguration, VIASEF focused its research on SARS-CoV-2, while establishing mosquito colonies of medical importance.

VIASEF has made significant contributions to vector-borne disease research and control.

Projects have focused on innovative vector control strategies, within the framework of insecticides, repellents, and trapping methods have shown enhanced efficacy in reducing vector populations and disease transmission. Moreover, VIASEF has contributed for the testing of innovative compounds as mosquito repellents/larvicides and is part of a project led by the University of California Malaria Initiative (UCMI) in São Tomé and Príncipe, involving field research on malaria mosquito vectors and capacity building on transgenic technologies, as a novel tool to eliminate malaria transmission in the region. Also, it is involved in developing an artificial diet (BLOODless) as an alternative to vertebrate blood which is traditionally used to feed mosquitoes, currently being tested in various African countries to assess its applicability and sustainability.

Achievements include innovations like a bloodless mosquito diet and a spatial repellent for malaria control.

Furthermore, VIASEF acts as a hub for teaching and collaborations with local communities and healthcare professionals, fostering knowledge transfer and capacity building. This has allowed individuals and institutions to effectively manage vector-borne diseases, leading to improved prevention and control. The UCMI in São Tomé and Príncipe, for example, facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise among partners. VIASEF also provides an exceptional environment for the development of MSc and PhD theses, with 3 MSc theses concluded and supporting 2 ongoing PhD theses thus far. Findings have informed public health policies at both regional and national levels.

VIASEF has improved disease surveillance, diagnostic tools, and knowledge transfer, improving public health and societal well-being.

The impact achieved is a proof of collaborative efforts, significant funding, partnerships with various stakeholders and dissemination through scientific publications and conferences. Overall, VIASEF, the only one of its kind in Portugal, has changed vector-borne disease research and control, leading to significant advancements in vector control strategies, disease surveillance, diagnostics, and policy influence.

Click here to visit VIASEF and get updates on the most recent projects.

We develop Workshops and provide dedicated Mentoring. Our Training in Cientific communication is available online and is taught by GHTM-IHMT researchers.

The network counts with women from Angola, Cabo Verde, Mozambique and Portugal.

Female participation in science, including biomedical scienc­es, has increased, but still presents various challenges. The MulhereSTrop network was launched in 2015 to support women scientists in African Portuguese speaking countries (PALOP) in Tropical Health. The network has offered work­shops on scientific writing and has encouraged scientific article submission, with awards for the best. Through the website, the network provides access to training in scientific writing, and information. The long-term maintenance of the network should significantly contribute to boost female scientific advancement in the PALOP.

You can find out more on our website or contact us via e-mail.