Epidemiological surveillance and principles of viral molecular evolution in the investigation of Coronavirus, Influenza A and Arbovirus in bats from different regions of the State of São Paulo

• Grant number: 23/04038-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Durães de Carvalho
• Grantee: Bruna Stefanie Silvério
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/01255-9 - Bats: epidemiological surveillance, high-resolution phylodynamics, search and design of peptides of biotechnological interest in emergent and reemerging viruses, AP.JP

Abstract

Some species of bats have been notoriously recognized as natural reservoirs of viruses from different families, playing a crucial role in the transmission and dissemination of these pathogens. Due to the de-characterization and fragmentation of natural habitats, these mammals, naturally, seek new alternatives for shelter and food, and thus, are increasingly exposed to anthropic means, gaining synanthropic habits, characterizing themselves as important vehicles of zoonotic dissemination. With this, the present project will focus on the screening of emerging and reemerging viruses (Coronavirus [CoV], Influenza A and Arbovirus) in swab samples (oral/anal) from bats of different families and species, from different regions of the State of São Paulo. Paul. Then, with the help and support of the proposing researcher, the student will apply Bioinformatics tools aimed at the evolutionary reconstruction of the pathogens found.