Biodiversity and eco-epidemiology
based on omics sciences.
The microbial biodiversity will be explored by NGS technologies evolving taxonomic, phylogenetic and comparative biology studies, including identification and monitoring of clinical, agriculture and environmental agents for understanding and managing the impacts on human health and ecosystems.
The collections associated with the INCT facilitate the study of fungal and bacteria pathogens that affect human populations, including their resistance mechanisms and epidemiology, thereby aiding in the development of effective treatment strategies with prospecting the potential of new isolates for the bioactive molecules production.
Objectives
1
Isolate causative agents of diseases in humans, animals, and the environment, focusing on fungi, bacteria, and parasites, using classical, metagenomic, and molecular methods.
2
Compare the genetics of pathogenic strains from different environmental niches and hosts, and study virulence mechanisms and resistance to fungicides
3
Identify entomopathogenic fungi and microparasites for biological control of pests, such as leaf-cutter ants.
4
Investigate microorganisms in natural and hospital environments, focusing on antimicrobial resistance and multi-drug resistant fungi
5
Examine fungal-fungal interactions in medical devices and produce fungal biofilms to evaluate virulence in invasive infections.
6
Study plant diseases, analyze pathogenic strains, and assess virulence and resistance to fungicides.
7
Develop methods to track resistance and virulence genes across biomes and populations, with an emphasis on multi-drug resistant yeasts.
8
Implement new techniques for environmental screening of clinical fungi and rapid diagnostics, while establishing international partnerships for data sharing.
9
Evaluate rapid test specificity and antifungal resistance in diseases like sporotrichosis and dermatophytoses, and characterize the causative agents.
10
Monitor water quality and investigate the circulation of pathogenic microorganisms in water resources using molecular methods independent of culturing.