In silico approach and molecular Validation for the design of oligonucleotides targeting Mayaro virus

• Grant number: 25/15040-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Durães de Carvalho
• Grantee: Maria Emilia de Souza
• 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

Mayaro arbovirus (MAYV) is an emerging pathogen of public health importance, frequently associated with outbreaks in tropical regions of South America. This virus presents symptoms similar to those of other arboviruses, such as Dengue and Chikungunya, making its clinical and epidemiological identification challenging. Accurate diagnosis of these viruses depends on the use of sensitive and specific molecular assays. This project aims to develop and standardize a PCR assay for the detection of MAYV, using specific oligonucleotides designed from reference sequences deposited in genomic databases. The assay will be validated in silico, with synthetic samples (gene blocks), and with previously standardized positive controls (cDNA). The expected results will contribute to epidemiological surveillance and laboratory diagnosis of these arboviruses, assisting in the differentiation of infections and in outbreak response. (AU)