The Zoonosis Network is made up predominantly of specialists in the area of veterinary medicine, as well as students that pursue a related path. This work team focuses on the study of a diverse group of topics at the eco-epidemiological level that include aspects related to domestic and wild animals. It also systematically studies the existing relationship and ecosystem interaction between different species. A pronounced emphasis on field activities and incursions to communities affected by zoonotic diseases is made, highlighting the importance of laboratory work to be carried hand in hand.
Currently, the Zoonosis Network carries out different projects that specifically explain the epidemiology and social impact of specifically zoonotic pathogens (mainly Trypanosomatideos parasites), such as Leishmania sp and Trypanosoma sp.
Hence the reason we have received collaborations from colleagues around the world, who aid with basic science aspects at the laboratory level. Both veterinary and medical institutions have broadened the spectrum of our research at the level of emerging and zoonotic pathogens that include different research projects under the slogan of “One Health”. Our main partners in this initiative include regional, national and international collaborators and specialists from renowned institutions such as the Institute of Tropical Ecology and Zoology of the Central University of Venezuela, the Medical Zoology Division of the University of Jichi in Japan and the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine of the University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom.
Patient with lesion indicative of Leishmaniasis mucocutaneous on the left and its confirmation in a smear of the lesion in which the amastigotes of Leishmania spp. are perceived inside a macrophage. IVC, all rights reserved.
Our projects
Molecular Epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in Domestic Animals and Other Synanthropic Mammals
This project aims to identify the occurrence of both visceral and cutaneous Leishmaniasis in domestic animals (dogs and cats) and other synanthropic mammals in the area. Guided towards genetically identifying at a species level the main etiological agent involved in the pathogenic process. The purpose is to acquire understanding of the complex transmissibility and dynamics of the different species of Leishmania in endemic areas where humans co-inhabit.
Endemic Eco-Epidemiological Aspects of Chagas Disease and the Animals in the Biological Cycle
This study focuses on the eco-epidemiological characterization of Chagas disease and its transmission in endemic areas of the western central region of Venezuela, with particular interest in the evident association between transmission and interaction amongst vectors and reservoirs (domestic and synanthropic). The correlation between the domestic, peri-domestic and wild cycles is carefully analyzed.
ZooScience – A Citizen Science Tree in Zoonoses
ZooScience aims to empower local communities through educational projects focused on implementing community-led and community-based epidemiological surveillance programs; under the concept of Citizen Science. Therefore, our specialized and multidisciplinary support will allow local and national authorities to strengthen health surveillance and control of specific programs for emerging zoonotic diseases.
Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
This project seeks to focus on the systematic study of the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases in the central-western region of Venezuela (Lara, Portuguesa and Yaracuy states) in order to determine their potential risks, analyzed based on the data collected in the field. Prevalence and incidence of zoonotic infections are factors that will be studied as well.