Medical Entomology
Research Lines
Content with Investigacion .
Research
The Molecular Virology group focuses its research on the study of HIV-1 genetic variation and viral evolution using both in vitro and ex vivo approaches, structured around the following research lines:
- Non-progressor patients. These patients maintain control of the disease in the absence of antiretroviral therapy and have therefore been proposed as a model of functional cure. Our objective is to study the contribution of viral factors to disease control through biological characterization and analysis of viral evolution in individuals with undetectable viral loads (elite controllers, EC), compared with individuals showing other patterns of viral control.
- Viral envelope. This viral protein is key in determining viral fitness. Therefore, its functionality significantly affects infection progression. In collaboration with Dr. Blanco and Dr. Valenzuela, we study which specific events (CD4 binding, fusogenicity, etc.) are associated with envelope functionality. To this end, we have analyzed envelopes from individuals with different patterns of disease progression. Some of these have been contributed to the AIDS Research Network envelope biobank for broader use.
- Dual infection. Infection with more than one viral variant (either through co-infection or superinfection) may have consequences for infection pathogenesis. Within our group, different aspects of DI have been analyzed, including its detection in non-progressor patients, its prevalence and incidence in Spain, and its influence on the neutralizing antibody response.
- Molecular Epidemiology. The group has analyzed viral evolution throughout the epidemic in Spain and in other countries (the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Uruguay, Panama, Brazil, etc.).
- Role of amino acid residues in reverse transcriptase. We study the role of specific amino acid residues in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in enzymatic function and replication capacity using an infectious molecular clone previously obtained by the group.
- “In vitro” variability. Serial passage studies have been used to detect the mechanisms responsible for the gain or loss of viral fitness.
- Antiviral studies. We have analyzed the selection of resistance mutations in vitro against different antivirals, as well as the effect of these mutations on viral fitness, and the activity of new antivirals such as ATR inhibitors.
Virological Diagnosis and Reference in HIV and HTLV Infections
The research group provides diagnostic and reference activities through the service portfolio of the National Center for Microbiology to the entire Spanish National Health System.
These services include:
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Diagnosis and reference of HIV infection (types 1 and 2) through detection of specific antibodies and detection of proviral DNA by PCR.
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Diagnosis and reference of HTLV-I/II infection through detection of specific antibodies and detection of proviral DNA by PCR. Quantification of HTLV-1 proviral load by real-time PCR.
European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) in the field of in vitro diagnostic medical devices for microbiological diagnosis (IVD) of HIV and HTLV (Regulation 2023/2713 of December 5th, 2023). Our role is to confirm the reliability and effectiveness of devices for detecting these pathogens and to ensure their specific performance requirements through laboratory testing before they can be marketed within the European Union.
Research projects
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- Towards a functional cure: Implications of early antiretroviral therapy and hormonal changes on the HIV reservoir in perinatally infected adolescents. Health Research Fund (FIS) – Carlos III Health Institute (01/01/2026 – 31/12/2028). €72,000. PI: María Pernas, Concepción Casado.
- Determination of factors associated with protection against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 reinfection: Identification of correlates of protection. 9th Gilead Fellowship Program for Biomedical Research, Gilead Sciences, S.L. (01/07/2023 – 30/06/2025). €16,330. PI: María Pernas.
- Impact of the envelope on HIV viral replication: New avenues for vaccine development. Health Research Fund (FIS) – Carlos III Health Institute (01/01/2020 – 31/12/2023). €53,000. PI: María Pernas, Concepción Casado.
- Study of HIV-1 virulence in recently infected patients and its contribution, together with clinical and epidemiological factors, to disease progression. Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. State Program for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation (30/12/2016 – 30/06/2021). €145,000. PI: Concepción Casado, Cecilio López-Galíndez.
-Contribution of HIV-1 dual infection to virological and clinical evolution in homo/bisexual men. Health Research Fund (FIS) – Carlos III Health Institute (01/01/2014 – 31/01/2016). €74,410. PI: Cecilio López-Galíndez.
- Characterization of non-pathogenic HIV variants obtained “ex vivo” and “in vitro” for the study of disease pathogenesis. Ministry of Science and Innovation (01/01/2011 – 31/01/2014). €169,400. PI: Cecilio López-Galíndez.
- Spanish AIDS Research Network (RIS-RETIC). Carlos III Health Institute (02/01/2017 – 02/01/2022). €195,212. PI: Cecilio López-Galíndez, Concepción Casado.
Publications
Tarragó, D.; Mateos, M.-L.; Avellón, A.; Pérez-Vázquez, M.-D.; Tenorio, A.2004
Tarragó, D.; Mateos, M.-L.; Avellón, A.; Pérez-Vázquez, M.-D.; Tenorio, A.2004. Quantitation of Cytomegalovirus DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Specimens from AIDS Patients Using a Novel Highly Sensitive Nested Competitive PCR and the Cobas Amplicor CMV Monitor™ Journal of Medical Virology. 72-2, pp.249-256. ISSN 01466615. 10. Tarragó, D.; Quereda, C.; Tenorio, A.2003. Different cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotype distribution in serum and cerebrospinal fluid specimens determined by a novel multiplex nested PCR Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 41-7, pp.2872-2877. ISSN 00951137.
Fernandez-Garcia, Maria Dolores (AC); Kebe, Ousmane; Fall, Aichatou D.; Dia, Hamet; Diop, Ousmane M.; Delpeyroux, Francis; Ndiaye, Kader. 2016.
Fernandez-Garcia, Maria Dolores (AC); Kebe, Ousmane; Fall, Aichatou D.; Dia, Hamet; Diop, Ousmane M.; Delpeyroux, Francis; Ndiaye, Kader. (1/ 7). 2016. Enterovirus A71 Genogroups C and E in Children with Acute Flaccid Paralysis, West Africa EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES. 22-4, pp.753-755. ISSN 1080-6040.
Molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus B3 infection in Spain, 2004-2015.
K Calderón, M Díaz-de Cerio, C Muñoz-Almagro, N Rabella, I Martínez-Rienda, A Moreno-Docón, G Trallero, M Cabrerizo*. Molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus B3 infection in Spain, 2004-2015. Arch Virol 161: 1365-1370 (2016).
PUBMED DOIDevelopment and Evaluation of a Serological Assay for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Alpacas and Llamas.
Development and Evaluation of a Serological Assay for the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Alpacas and Llamas. Infantes-Lorenzo, Jose A.; Whitehead, Claire E.; Moreno, Inmaculada; et ál..FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE Volumen: 5 Número de artículo: 189 Fecha de publicación: AUG 13 2018
PUBMED DOIInfluence of the Microenvironment in the Transcriptome of Leishmania infantum Promastigotes: Sand Fly versus Culture
Influence of the Microenvironment in the Transcriptome of Leishmania infantum Promastigotes: Sand Fly versus Culture. Alcolea, Pedro J.; Alonso, Ana; Dominguez, Mercedes; et ál..PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES Volumen: 10 Número: 5 Número de artículo: e0004693 Fecha de publicación: MAY 2016
PUBMED DOIFernandez-Garcia MD, Kebe O, Fall AD, Ndiaye K. Identification and molecular characterization of non-polio enteroviruses from children with acute flaccid paralysis in West Africa, 2013-2014.
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Kebe O, Fall AD, Ndiaye K. Identification and molecular characterization of non-polio enteroviruses from children with acute flaccid paralysis in West Africa, 2013-2014. Scientific Reports. 2017 Jun 19; 7(1):3808. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-03835-1 ISSN 2045-2322 PMID 28630462
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Manasi Majumdar, Ousmane Kebe, Kader Ndiaye, Javier Martin. Identification and whole-genome characterization of a recombinant Enterovirus B69 isolated from a patient with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Niger, 2015
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Manasi Majumdar, Ousmane Kebe, Kader Ndiaye, Javier Martin. Identification and whole-genome characterization of a recombinant Enterovirus B69 isolated from a patient with Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Niger, 2015. Scientific Reports. 2018 Feb; 8(1):2181. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-20346-9. ISSN 2045-2322 PMID 29391547
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Majumdar M, Kebe O, Fall AD, Kone M, Kande M, Dabo M, Sylla MS, Sompare D, Howard W, Faye O, Martin J, Ndiaye K. Emergence of Vaccine- Derived Polioviruses during Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak, Guinea, 2014-2015.
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Majumdar M, Kebe O, Fall AD, Kone M, Kande M, Dabo M, Sylla MS, Sompare D, Howard W, Faye O, Martin J, Ndiaye K. Emergence of Vaccine- Derived Polioviruses during Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak, Guinea, 2014-2015. Emerg Infect Dis. 2018 Jan;24(1):65-74. doi: 10.3201/eid2401.171174. PMID: 29260690; PMCID: PMC5749474.
Cabrerizo M, García-Iñiguez JP, Munell F, Amado A, Madurga-Revilla P, Rodrigo C, Pérez S, Martínez-Sapiña A, Antón A, Suárez G, Rabella N, Del Campo V, Otero A, Masa-Calles J. First Cases of Severe Flaccid Paralysis Associated With Enterovirus D68 Infection in Spain, 2015-2016.
Cabrerizo M, García-Iñiguez JP, Munell F, Amado A, Madurga-Revilla P, Rodrigo C, Pérez S, Martínez-Sapiña A, Antón A, Suárez G, Rabella N, Del Campo V, Otero A, Masa-Calles J. First Cases of Severe Flaccid Paralysis Associated With Enterovirus D68 Infection in Spain, 2015-2016. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2017 Dec;36(12):1214-1216. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001668. PMID: 28661963.
van Beek J, de Graaf M, Al-Hello H, Allen DJ, Ambert-Balay K, Botteldoorn N, Brytting M, Buesa J, Cabrerizo M, Chan M, Cloak F, Di Bartolo I, Guix S, Hewitt J, Iritani N, Jin M, Johne R, Lederer I, Mans J, Martella V, Maunula L, McAllister G, Niendorf S, Niesters HG, Podkolzin AT, Poljsak-Prijatelj M, Rasmussen LD, Reuter G, Tuite G, Kroneman A, Vennema H, Koopmans MPG; NoroNet. Molecular surveillance of norovirus, 2005-16
van Beek J, de Graaf M, Al-Hello H, Allen DJ, Ambert-Balay K, Botteldoorn N, Brytting M, Buesa J, Cabrerizo M, Chan M, Cloak F, Di Bartolo I, Guix S, Hewitt J, Iritani N, Jin M, Johne R, Lederer I, Mans J, Martella V, Maunula L, McAllister G, Niendorf S, Niesters HG, Podkolzin AT, Poljsak-Prijatelj M, Rasmussen LD, Reuter G, Tuite G, Kroneman A, Vennema H, Koopmans MPG; NoroNet. Molecular surveillance of norovirus, 2005-16: an epidemiological analysis of data collected from the NoroNet network. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018 May;18(5):545-553. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(18)30059-8. Epub 2018 Jan 26. PMID: 29396001.
González-Serrano L, Muñoz-Algarra M, González-Sanz R, Portero-Azorín MF, Amaro MJ, Higueras P, Cabrerizo M. Viral gastroenteritis in hospitalized patients: Evaluation of immunochromatographic methods for rapid detection in stool samples. J Clin Virol. 2020 Jul;
González-Serrano L, Muñoz-Algarra M, González-Sanz R, Portero-Azorín MF, Amaro MJ, Higueras P, Cabrerizo M. Viral gastroenteritis in hospitalized patients: Evaluation of immunochromatographic methods for rapid detection in stool samples. J Clin Virol. 2020 Jul; 128:104420. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104420. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32454428.
Bubba L, Broberg EK, Jasir A, Simmonds P, Harvala H; Enterovirus study collaborators. Circulation of non-polio enteroviruses in 24 EU and EEA countries between 2015 and 2017
Bubba L, Broberg EK, Jasir A, Simmonds P, Harvala H; Enterovirus study collaborators. Circulation of non-polio enteroviruses in 24 EU and EEA countries between 2015 and 2017: a retrospective surveillance study. Lancet Infect Dis. 2020 Mar;20(3):350-361. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30566-3. Epub 2019 Dec 20. PMID: 31870905.
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Simon-Loriere E, Kebe O, Sakuntabhai A, Ndiaye K. Identification and molecular characterization of the first complete genome sequence of Human Parechovirus type 15. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 21
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Simon-Loriere E, Kebe O, Sakuntabhai A, Ndiaye K. Identification and molecular characterization of the first complete genome sequence of Human Parechovirus type 15. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 21;10(1):6759. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63467-w. PMID: 32317760; PMCID: PMC7174385.
Casas-Alba D, Valero-Rello A, Muchart J, Armangué T, Jordan I, Cabrerizo M, Molero-Luís M, Artuch R, Fortuny C, Muñoz-Almagro C, Launes C. Cerebrospinal Fluid Neopterin in Children With Enterovirus-Related Brainstem Encephalitis. Pediatr Neurol. 2019 Jul
Casas-Alba D, Valero-Rello A, Muchart J, Armangué T, Jordan I, Cabrerizo M, Molero-Luís M, Artuch R, Fortuny C, Muñoz-Almagro C, Launes C. Cerebrospinal Fluid Neopterin in Children With Enterovirus-Related Brainstem Encephalitis. Pediatr Neurol. 2019 Jul; 96:70-73. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.01.024. Epub 2019 Feb 7. PMID: 30935719.
González-Sanz R, Taravillo I, Reina J, Navascués A, Moreno-Docón A, Aranzamendi M, Romero MP, Del Cuerpo M, Pérez-González C, Pérez-Castro S, Otero A, Cabrerizo M. Enterovirus D68-associated respiratory and neurological illness in Spain, 2014-2018.
González-Sanz R, Taravillo I, Reina J, Navascués A, Moreno-Docón A, Aranzamendi M, Romero MP, Del Cuerpo M, Pérez-González C, Pérez-Castro S, Otero A, Cabrerizo M. Enterovirus D68-associated respiratory and neurological illness in Spain, 2014-2018. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2019;8(1):1438-1444. doi: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1668243. PMID: 31571527; PMCID: PMC6781473.
Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Accumulate in Renal Transplant Patients and Mediate CD4(+) Foxp3(+) Treg Expansion
Luan Y, Mosheir E, Menon MC, Wilson D, Woytovich C, Ochando J, Murphy B. Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Accumulate in Renal Transplant Patients and Mediate CD4(+) Foxp3(+) Treg Expansion. 2013. Am J Transplant.13(12):3123-31.
PUBMED DOIRiquelme P, Haarer J, Kammler A, Walter L, Tomiuk S, Ahrens N, Goecze I, Wege A, Fändrich F, Schlitt H, Banas B, Lutz M, Sawitzki B, Ochando J, Geissler E and Hutchinson J. Generation of BTNL8+ TIGIT+ Tregs by Human Regulatory Macrophages Before Kidney Transplantation. Nat Commun.
Riquelme P, Haarer J, Kammler A, Walter L, Tomiuk S, Ahrens N, Goecze I, Wege A, Fändrich F, Schlitt H, Banas B, Lutz M, Sawitzki B, Ochando J, Geissler E and Hutchinson J. Generation of BTNL8+ TIGIT+ Tregs by Human Regulatory Macrophages Before Kidney Transplantation. Nat Commun. 2018; Jul 20;9(1):2858. PMID: 30030423.
Inhibiting Inflammation with Myeloid Cell-Specific Nanobiologics Promotes Organ Transplant Acceptance
Braza MS, Lameijer M, Sanchez-Gaytan B, Arts R, Pérez-Medina C, Conde P, Brahmachary M, van der Touw W, Fay F, Kluza E, Kossatz S, Stroes E, Kroon J, Dress R, Salem F, Rialdi A, Reiner T, Boros P, van Leent M, Strijkers G, Calcagno C, Ginhoux F, Marazzi I, Lutgens E, Nicolaes G, Weber C, Swirski F, Nahrendorf M, Fisher E, Fayad Z, Duivenvoorden R, Netea M, Mulder WJ, and Ochando J. Inhibiting Inflammation with Myeloid Cell-Specific Nanobiologics Promotes Organ Transplant Acceptance.Immunity. 2018; 20;49(5):819-828.e6. PMID: 30413362.
PUBMED DOIFernandez-Garcia MD, Volle R, Joffret ML, Sadeuh-Mba SA, Gouandjika-Vasilache I, Kebe O, Wiley MR, Majumdar M, Simon-Loriere E, Sakuntabhai A, Palacios G, Martin J, Delpeyroux F, Ndiaye K, Bessaud M. Genetic Characterization of Enterovirus A71 Circulating in Africa.
Fernandez-Garcia MD, Volle R, Joffret ML, Sadeuh-Mba SA, Gouandjika-Vasilache I, Kebe O, Wiley MR, Majumdar M, Simon-Loriere E, Sakuntabhai A, Palacios G, Martin J, Delpeyroux F, Ndiaye K, Bessaud M. Genetic Characterization of Enterovirus A71 Circulating in Africa. Emerg Infect Dis. 2018 Apr;24(4):754-757. doi: 10.3201/eid2404.171783. PMID: 29553325; PMCID: PMC5875259.
Content with Investigacion .
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María Cabrerizo Sanz
Tenure Scientist and Group Leader
ORCID code: 0000-0001-7054-5696
Doctor in Chemistry, specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (2000). Except for a postdoctoral period of 2 years at the Hospital de La Princesa, in which her research was related to onco-hematological diseases, the rest of her scientific career has focused on the study of infectious diseases caused by viruses and their surveillance. She joined the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in 2003, first in the Laboratory of Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases, then in the Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis and finally, in the Laboratory of Enterovirus (which is accredited as a National Polio Laboratory -LNP- for the WHO since 1998). She obtained the position of Tenure Scientist in 2016, at the same time she assumed the responsibility of the laboratory, currently of Enteric Viruses: Poliovirus/Enterovirus, Parechovirus and Gastroenteritis-producing Viruses, of the CNM. She has 4 scientific sexennials and 4 quinquennials recognized.
She has been and is PI of 4 consecutive research projects and 3 service contracts, from 2012 to the present, participating, in addition, in other 20 projects. As head of the LNP, she is part of the Working Group of the National Plan for the Eradication of Poliomyelitis and of the WHO European Polio Laboratory Network. She is also a member of the European Non-Polio Enterovirus Network (ENPEN), and of the national cooperation networks CIBERESP and RITIP (IdiPAZ). Since 2023 she is a Council Member from Spain of the European Society.
In total she has published 98 articles in WoS indexed journals (23 Q1 and 22 D1), being first author, senior author or correspondence author in 43 of them (H=27). She has supervised 1 PhD Thesis (2017) and 12 TFM. She is currently supervising another doctoral thesis (IMIENS-UNED). She participates as a teacher in three university masters (UCM, UAH and UV), being coordinator of the subject H2 of the Master of Virology at UCM.
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Mª Dolores Fernández García
Tenure Scientist
ORCID code: 0000-0003-0336-6596
Degree in Pharmacy (2005) and PhD from the University VII Paris Diderot in Microbiology (2010). She completed her doctoral thesis at the Pasteur Institute in Paris characterizing the molecular and cellular basis of flavivirus entry into cells. Specialist in Public Health Microbiology (European Program EUPHEM coordinated by ECDC). She has worked 3 years for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a researcher at the Pasteur Institute in Dakar (Senegal) carrying out microbiological surveillance activities and research on polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses in West Africa. She has obtained two Miguel Servet contracts: one to work at IMIBIC in Cordoba (2019) and an intramural one to work at CNM (2020). Both were awarded for the study of neurotropic viruses applying massive sequencing for their diagnosis. In 2021 he joined the CNM-ISCIII as a Tenure Research Scientist at the Enterovirus and Viral Gastroenteritis Unit of the CNM-ISCIII. Since then, she combines her scientific activity with the assistance to the National Health System in the microbiological research of outbreaks and in the Genomic Surveillance of Enteroviruses and Gastroenteritis-producing Viruses.
She is a researcher in the Epidemiology and Public Health Area of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBERESP-ISCIII). In addition, she is an evaluator and panelist for the HORIZON health program projects of the European Commission, the French National Agency ANRS-Emerging Infectious Diseases, R&D&I in HEALTH of the Strategic Action in Health (ISCIII) and the Andalusian Public Foundation Progreso y Salud. She has worked as scientific advisor to the Spanish Ministry of Health on Rotavirus and Polio. Since 2020 she has been teaching virology in different Spanish universities.
She has worked for WHO in the investigation of numerous outbreaks caused by viruses (Ebola, Zika, Yellow Fever, Dengue, etc.) in African and Asian countries strengthening laboratory capacities through technology transfer of diagnostic methods, training of laboratory personnel in these countries and scientific advisory tasks to the Ministries of Health. She has been the Health Coordinator of the START Project (Spanish Technical Aid Response Team) of the AECID, framed in the “Emergency Medical Teams” initiative of the WHO, participating in the establishment for Spain of a field hospital classified by the WHO as EMT Level 2 for interventions in humanitarian emergencies.
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Nerea García Ibáñez
Ayudante de Investigación de OPI. Técnico de laboratorio
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Vanesa Recio Huertas
Ayudante de Investigación de OPI. Técnico de laboratorio (apoyo)
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Ana Donoso Almenara
Contratada predoctoral pFIS
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Rubén González Sanz
Técnico Superior Especializado OPI
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Juan Camacho Padilla
Investigador predoctoral (PFIS)
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Clara Martín Martín
Investigador predoctoral (PFIS)
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Nazaret Díaz Sánchez
Técnico Superior Especializado OPI (apoyo)
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Carmen Serrano Risquez
Investigador predoctoral (CAM)
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Yasmin Biya Assiry
Técnico de laboratorio en formación (PEJ-CAM)
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Estrella Ruiz de Pedro
Técnico de laboratorio (PTA para Infraestructuras de I+D+I)
List of staff
Additional Information
The Medical Entomology Laboratory has accumulated extensive experience in this field, especially in entomological field studies, biology of arthropods of medical interest, vector competence and vector control. Also, in the molecular detection of Leishmania infantum promastigotes in naturally parasitized phlebotomine sand flies, in the molecular identification of blood ingested by hematophagous arthropods and in the study of the immunomodulatory properties of proteins present in the saliva of phlebotomine sand flies and mosquitoes. Our laboratory is currently co-leading the studies of vectors and wild reservoirs of leishmaniasis in the leishmaniasis focus of Fuenlabrada, Madrid. In this sense, we have studied the role of asymptomatic individuals as reservoirs in the outbreak by xenodiagnosis. On the other hand, we have participated since 2007 in the Entomological Surveillance Program in Airports and Ports against Potential Vectors of Exotic Infectious Diseases, a program that is allowing to develop the expansion map in Spain of Aedes albopictus. In 2016-2017, we carried out surveillance of Ae. albopictus in the Community of Castilla-La Mancha. On the other hand, we conducted studies on the role of patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in the transmission of the parasite in Bangladesh and Sudan. In addition, we participate in research studying ticks transmitting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Spain.
Currently, it maintains confidentiality agreements with several companies participating in the evaluation of molecules with activity against pathogens in vectors (GSK), in the development of vector traps using artificial intelligence algorithms (Irideon, Spain), and in the evaluation of repellents against phlebotomine sand flies (IRSEA, France).
The laboratory actively participates in outreach activities such as the Science Week or the European Researchers' Night, among others, making medical entomology science available to the general population.
The Medical Entomology Laboratory has accumulated extensive experience in this field, especially in entomological field studies, biology of arthropods of medical interest, vector competence and vector control. Also, in the molecular detection of Leishmania infantum promastigotes in naturally parasitized phlebotomine sand flies, in the molecular identification of blood ingested by hematophagous arthropods and in the study of the immunomodulatory properties of proteins present in the saliva of phlebotomine sand flies and mosquitoes. Our laboratory is currently co-leading the studies of vectors and wild reservoirs of leishmaniasis in the leishmaniasis focus of Fuenlabrada, Madrid. In this sense, we have studied the role of asymptomatic individuals as reservoirs in the outbreak by xenodiagnosis. On the other hand, we have participated since 2007 in the Entomological Surveillance Program in Airports and Ports against Potential Vectors of Exotic Infectious Diseases, a program that is allowing to develop the expansion map in Spain of Aedes albopictus. In 2016-2017, we carried out surveillance of Ae. albopictus in the Community of Castilla-La Mancha. On the other hand, we conducted studies on the role of patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in the transmission of the parasite in Bangladesh and Sudan. In addition, we participate in research studying ticks transmitting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Spain.
Currently, it maintains confidentiality agreements with several companies participating in the evaluation of molecules with activity against pathogens in vectors (GSK), in the development of vector traps using artificial intelligence algorithms (Irideon, Spain), and in the evaluation of repellents against phlebotomine sand flies (IRSEA, France).
The laboratory actively participates in outreach activities such as the Science Week or the European Researchers' Night, among others, making medical entomology science available to the general population.