2015
New microsatellite markers for multi-scale genetic studies on Phlebotomus ariasi Tonnoir, vector of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean area
The population structure of Phlebotomus ariasi, a proven vector of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean area, is still poorly understood. Previously, only two microsatellite loci had been developed to study the population genetics of this species.
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Rational Design and Synthesis of Thioridazine Analogues as Enhancers of the Antituberculosis Therapy
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is still one of the leading infectious diseases globally. Therefore, novel approaches are needed to face this disease.
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Dengue fever in Europe: could there be an epidemic in the future?
Dengue virus (DENV) is the arbovirus with the widest impact on human health. Although its dispersal is partially conditioned by environmental constraints that limit the distribution of its main vector (Aedes aegypti), DENV has been spreading geographically in recent times, but mostly afflicting tropical and subtropical regions.
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Molecular Identification of Borrelia miyamotoi in Ixodes ricinus from Portugal
Borrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete, has been found recently in Ixodes ricinus ticks; however, little is known about its spatial distribution and potential local impact on human health.
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Impact of a Dengue Outbreak Experience in the Preventive Perceptions of the Community from a Temperate Region: Madeira Island, Portugal
The ability to effectively modify behaviours is increasingly relevant to attain and maintain a good health status. Current behaviour-change models and theories present two main approaches for (healthier) decision-making: one analytical/logical, and one experiential/emotional/intuitive.
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New insights into neutrophil and Leishmania infantum in vitro immune interactions
The interaction between polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) or neutrophils and Leishmania became an interesting focus of research, since PMN turn out to be essential cells in transiently hosting the parasites.
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Adaptive Potential of Hybridization among Malaria Vectors: Introgression at the Immune Locus TEP1 between Anopheles coluzzii and A. gambiae in ‘Far-West’ Africa
“Far-West” Africa is known to be a secondary contact zone between the two major malaria vectors Anopheles coluzzii and A. gambiae. We investigated gene-flow and potentially adaptive introgression between these species along a west-to-east transect in Guinea Bissau, the putative core of this hybrid zone.
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Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies to Leishmania infantum in cats from southern Portugal
Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are caused by a range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods and have emerged in recent years, showing a wider geographic distribution and increased global prevalence. In addition to their veterinary medical importance, cats play a central role in the transmission cycles of some VBD agents by acting as reservoirs, amplifying hosts or sentinels.
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