Main lines of research:
Biology study of evolutionary mechanisms, genetic variability, biotype and antigenic composition of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Study of their interactions with the host, for diagnostic applications and epidemiological studies. Development of diagnostic assays based on gene amplification of intestinal protozoa and malaria plasmids. Development of diagnostic assays based on the use of mass spectrometry for the identification of pathogenic spirochetes, mycobacteria, protozoa, dermatophyte fungi, and viruses (polioviruses and respiratory viruses). Evaluation of International Standards for DNA amplification assays of malaria plasmids and Toxoplasma gondii, respectively, as a member (Prof. Calderaro) of the World Health Organization collaborative study group for malaria and toxoplasmosis. Study of virus-cell interactions. Study of host molecular and immunological mechanisms in response to viral and microorganism infections in at-risk subjects. Study of genetic determinants of drug resistance of microorganisms and viruses. Development of assays for determination of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs by mass spectrometry. Biobank of microorganisms, parasites and viruses pathogenic to humans.
Main applied methodologies:
Advanced molecular methods and innovative technologies: Mass spectrometry, RFLP-PCR, Real-time PCR, gene sequencing; advanced methods for identification of microbial biotype and arthropod-transmitted pathogens; biochemical analysis, microscopic examination for bacteria and protozoa, protein electrophoresis, immunoblotting, electromicroscopic examination, culture examination for bacteria, protozoa, helminths and viruses.
Main instrumentation provided:
Mass spectrometer MALDI-TOF for identification of microorganisms and microbial biotype by analysis of conserved proteins and for study of anti-bacterial drug resistance. Film Array (multiplex and nested PCR) for identification of infection agents of the airways, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood. Automated nucleic acid extractors and thermal cyclers for Real-time PCR for identification of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Optical microscopes for observation of microorganisms fresh or after staining, inverted optical microscopes for observation of virus-infected cell substrates and helminths, fluorescence microscopes, stereomicroscope for observation of fungi and arthroprodes, CO2 incubators for incubation of bacteria, protozoa and virus-infected cell substrates, centrifuges and ultracentrifuge, transmission electron microscope with digital camera for observation of viral particles and microbial ultrastructures.
Laboratory Safety Classes. There are Biosafety Level 2 (Biosafety Level [BSL] 2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL 3) environments in the Clinical Microbiology and Virology Laboratory.
Keywords:Innovative technologies, state-of-the-art proteomics and microbial biotype analysis, advanced molecular methods, cultivation of microorganisms and viruses, electromicroscopic examination.
