Vector-borne diseases are complex involving multiple components [pathogens, vectors, definitive or intermediate hosts, and the environment], which study requires a One Health approach and interdisciplinarity, contributing to the development of effective public health policies.

VBD Research Group aims to investigate the interaction between these components to develop evidence-based solutions that enhance control capacity.

Our Members

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Coordinator – Ana Paula Arez

1. To characterize pathogen transmission dynamics across endemic regions and different settings to increase preparedness for described and new pathogen threats – 

   How do mosquito-associated viruses move in time and space: a One Health Perspective

   Posted: 2024-09-05

   

    

   

   Might overlooked arboviruses of birds impact human health ?

   Where do they come from and how they move around?

   (in collaboration with INIAV)

    

   

   If Insect-Specific Viruses change vector competence….are all mosquito populations the same?

   How do these viroses move around with their hosts?

    

   Read more here:

   Genome Characterization and Spaciotemporal Dispersal Analysis of Bagaza Virus Detected in Portugal, 2021

   Insect-specific viruses in the Parvoviridae family: Genetic lineage characterization and spatiotemporal dynamics of the recently established Brevihamaparvovirus genus

   Genetic lineage characterization and spatiotemporal dynamics of classical insect-specific flaviviruses: outcomes and limitations

   arbovirus One Health Preparedness
2. To investigate the dissemination and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance within natural pathogen populations and search for novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates
   • • Deep learning-driven research for drug discovery: tackling malaria
     • Unlocking the potential of snake venom-based molecules against the malaria, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis triad
3. To study vector bioecology, vectorial capacity and dispersion of insecticide resistance
   • • The V410L knockdown resistance mutation occurs in island and continental populations of Aedes aegypti in West and Central Africa
     • Training on genetics of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors of Cape Verde
     • Genetically modified mosquitoes for malaria control in São Tomé and Príncipe
4. To assess new candidates for insecticides and repellents, and implement alternative, ethical and sustainable tools for vector control based on manipulating vector’s physiology and competence
   • • BLOODless – Unique Blood-free Diet for Rearing Malaria Mosquito Vectors
5. To monitor the influence of climate and environmental factors on the populations of vectors and intermediate hosts (reservoirs), and the diseases they transmit
   • • CLIMOS – Climate Monitoring and Decision Support Framework for Sand Fly-borne Diseases Detection and Mitigation
     • The Alqueva reservoir, climate change and migrant birds: a dangerous liaison for emerging snail borne diseases?

     • Climate change – Zoonotic Threats: Reemergence of neglected trematode diseases

       Posted: 2024-09-16

       

       

       Work developed by Isabel Maurício, Manuela Calado, Pedro Ferreira and Silvana Belo

       Read more on these topics:

       Bispo MT, Calado M, Maurício IL, Ferreira PM, Belo S. Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe. Pathogens. 2024; 13(4):282.

       Azevedo, KAD. Diversidade genética e parasitária de Galba spp., hospedeiro intermediário de Fasciola hepatica, e outras espécies de limneídeos na margem sul do rio Tejo [Master’s Dissertation] Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical; 2023.

       Climate change – Zoonotic Threats: Reemergence of neglected trematode diseases
6. To explore vector/host-pathogen interactions or the influence of the microbiome to uncover determinants, of individual susceptibility and resistance to infection and identify new agents for blocking transmission or infection.
   • • Differential Gene Expression of Malaria Parasite in Response to Red Blood Cell-Specific Glycolytic Intermediate 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)
     • CRUZIVAX – Development of vaccines for Chagas disease
     • Probing the rhipicephalus bursa sialomes in potential anti-tick vaccine candidates: A reverse vaccinology approach

Highlights of current research

• Host-Tick-Pathogen Interactions

  Posted: 2024-11-15

  BabRed: A cross-talk between Babesia ovis and the erythrocyte host cell

  

  Dissecting Hazara virus-tick dynamics

  

  Transcriptomics, proteomics, functional genomics for the characterization of tick-pathogen interactome

  

  Tick microbiota

  

  Host-Tick-Pathogen Interactions
• Malaria
• Trypanosomatids: Connecting the dots with immunology