Investigation of the Genetic Diversity of Zoonotic Pathogens in Wildlife in the Context of Public Health.

• Grant number: 25/03018-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Virgínia Bodelão Richini Pereira
• Grantee: Laís Ferreira Inácio
• Host Institution: Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL). Coordenadoria de Controle de Doenças (CCD). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/05730-1 - Molecular research of respiratory disease-causing microorganisms of public health importance in samples from wild mammals., AP.R

Abstract

Infectious diseases constitute a significant factor capable of destabilizing stable public health systems globally, with the potential to impact multiple aspects of modern society. In recent decades, the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of infectious diseases has garnered increasing scientific attention. In this context, the present study aims to investigate, through molecular biology techniques, the occurrence of microorganisms responsible for respiratory diseases of public health relevance in wild mammal specimens. This research seeks to expand the scope of our research group's investigations by leveraging biological samples obtained from wildlife. Molecular and geospatial analysis tools have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and are increasingly utilized in epidemiological studies of various pathogens. The molecular data generated from the analyzed specimens, in conjunction with epidemiological records of pathogen occurrence in human populations, will facilitate the spatial mapping of microorganisms of public health concern. A comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of these pathogens will contribute to the development of evidence-based preventive strategies to mitigate the risk of emerging infections.