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Control of vectors that transmits  diseases using natural products

The mechanism of action of the anti-trypanocidal drugs such as pentamidine, fexinidazole and acoziborole (to mention but a few) and even some natural herbs which are being administered to cases of African trypanosomiasis revealed that they are usually directed to assault and kill the trypanosomes in the body. The red blood cell (RBC) membrane which form the first site of infection are usually unprepared for the first attack and hence the RBCs suffer massive destruction as seen in various anaemic shape the cells assumed after the first wave of parasitaemia. The bilayer membrane of RBCs consist of glycoproteins such as glycophorin A which bound to neuraminic acid (NA) and O-linked oligosaccharide sugar. This conjugate forms the binding site for trypanosome on RBCs. NA can be oxidized or cleaved from glycophorin by neuraminidase or sialidase secreted by the invading trypanosome. The research interest lies in the ability to screen for neuraminidase inhibitors either natural or synthetic compounds which can be used to block the parasite before adhering itself to the surface of RBCs and damage the cells. This will requires designing or screening for compound, its bioavailability, molecular basis and understanding its toxicity as well as its effectiveness. 

Surveillance for zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases of livestock, companion animals and wildlife; viral discovery and ecology; arthropod-borne viral diseases of medical/veterinary importance.

Taxonomy, biology, ecology, vector competence and control of blackflies. I am working on a blackfly problems a long Salado river at Buenos Aires Province. I found 4 species of blackflies breeding in this river and closer chanels. One species, Simulium chaquense is a big problems for more than 1.500.000 people living in the area. I want to go deep in this problem trying to give some solutions to those people.

My research interests are in the areas of molecular epidemiology of tropical diseases and identification of potential bio-markers for the diagnosis and control of diseases. In the area of tropical diseases I focus on control of leishmaniasis and malaria with particular interest on sandfly.