Investigation of Oropouche virus in culicides colected in the North and Southeast regions of Brazil

• Grant number: 24/13854-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Aparecida Speranca
• Grantee: Gabriel Lucas Marcondes Comparoti
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Human activities alter natural habitats and, together with global warming, can lead to the proliferation of arthropod vectors of diseases, such as arboviruses. One example is Oropouche fever, caused by Orthobunyavirus Oropouche (OROV), an emerging arbovirus that causes serious public health problems in the Amazon and other tropical regions of South America. Despite its importance, there is still a lack of understanding about the transmission dynamics of the virus and the vectors involved. Oropouche fever, which was neglected for years, is now spreading throughout Brazil. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the prevalence of the virus in different Brazilian regions and the role of vectors in its dissemination. This project aims to study the presence of the virus in insects in the North and Southeast regions of Brazil, analyze the diversity and ecological characteristics of these vectors, and verify possible genetic reassortments of the virus. The research will include the collection of insect samples, laboratory tests to detect and analyze the virus, and genetic evaluation of the variants found. It is expected to identify new vectors of the virus and better understand its genetic diversity, which will help improve control and prevention strategies for Oropouche fever and expand knowledge about the transmission of the virus and its epidemiological implications. (AU)