Vetinnova

Population management and medicine

Health surveillance of wild species in the environment by collecting samples for analysis in a “One Health” approach. Conservation Medicine: reinforcement, reintroduction and conservation programs for protected species.

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Parasitology

Parasitological diagnosis of animals admitted to GREFA’s wildlife center. Molecular analysis and characterization of pathogens of importance for wildlife and public health such as Trichomonas spp. or Chlamydia spp. Diagnosis and characterization of haemoparasites in animals admitted to the center.

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Post-mortem studies

Post-mortem diagnosis of cause of death in wild species. Development and improvement of necropsy protocols, carcass utilization and external anatomopathological studies. Diagnosis of environmental crimes against wildlife.

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Toxicology

Analysis of the presence of microplastics in wild species.

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Clinical microbiology

Clinical diagnosis of animals admitted to GREFA’s wildlife center. Study of bacteria of public health importance such as Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. or Escherichia coli. Detection of antibioresistance in wildlife.

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Blood analysis

Clinical diagnosis of animals admitted to GREFA’s wildlife center (hematology, biochemistry and proteinogram), as well as animals that are part of in situ projects. Determination of reference values and study of the health status of wild animal populations.

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Factors influencing the curing conditions of beef and new optimization alternatives for the process.

Several quality parameters of beef have been determined over a 31-day maturation period, applying two different methods: dry maturation and wet maturation. The variation in humidity, pH, tenderness, and volatile profile has been analyzed every 2-3 days throughout the maturation period. The loss of moisture should be regarded as a decrease in the weight and size of the product, which impacts the producer`s interests. Based on the obtained results, a principal component analysis has been conducted to determine the optimal maturation moment, where tenderness and desirable aromas are maximized, while undesirable aromas of raw meat are minimized.

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Optimization of quality and food safety parameters associated with the improvement of welfare in slaughter animals in an organic farming system.

The objective of this project is to investigate and compare the amounts of flavor precursor compounds present in pork samples from three different types of pigs (white breed pigs from organic and conventional farming, and Duroc pigs), taking triplicate samples from three distinct parts of the animal (leg, loin, and tenderloin). The purpose of this study is not to identify which samples have a more pleasant or unpleasant flavor, as the most reliable way to conduct such assessments today is through expert tasting, but rather to identify the volatiles responsible for and precursors of aromas that emanate from the samples and the relationships among them. To address this objective, a study of physicochemical parameters (pH, moisture, and tenderness) was conducted, along with an analysis of volatile compounds using SPME-GC/MS. Finally, a principal component analysis (PCA) and a discriminant analysis (DA) were performed to explore the distribution and grouping of the samples based on various factors.

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Detection of antibiotics in pork for the use of new animal welfare technologies during life and at slaughter, ensuring food safety and improving meat quality.

The aim of this project is to improve food quality and ensure safety in the consumption of the product generated by reducing or even eliminating antibiotics in meat products. To achieve this goal, a program will be implemented to enhance animal welfare, boost their immune system, and eliminate stressful situations, thereby reducing the preventive medication administered to the animal. To obtain empirical results, it will be necessary to study antibiotic levels at ´trace´ levels. This will require the development of a sampling protocol and the selection and design of analytical instrumentation to obtain reliable results of these drug levels using a validated equipment for this purpose.

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Improvement of food safety through the reduction of nitrifiers and specific control of curing parameters in the ham manufacturing process.

The amount of fat and the weight of the ham are criteria used in the selection of raw materials and determine the processing time of the ham. While in northern European countries, consumers prefer lean hams, in some Mediterranean countries, part of the population accepts a certain amount of infiltrated fat in this product, which allows for an extended maturation period, resulting in sensory characteristics that are highly valued. In Iberian hams and long-cured serrano hams, the presence of infiltrated fat and a certain amount of surface fat slows down the drying process and impregnates the muscle, enhancing the chewing process during consumption and providing a creamy sensation in the mouth along with a highly appreciated aged flavor. The pH of the meat is another important parameter affecting the maturation of the ham. In this regard, most authors recommend avoiding hams with a pH > 6.2 for microbiological safety reasons, to improve salting, to reduce the percentage of spoiled hams, and to avoid issues such as appearance, phosphate precipitates, and soft texture. This issue is more significant in large hams. Furthermore, within the same ham, pH values vary considerably between muscles. To obtain an easy and representative measurement of the ham, it is advisable to take the measurement in a sizable external muscle, such as the semimembranosus.

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Temporal evolution of antibiotic levels in pork meat, viscera, and fatty tissues to ensure compliance with legal requirements of countries outside the European Union.

In the production of livestock, a wide variety of pharmacological products are used, whether for therapeutic, zootechnical purposes, or as growth promoters. The vast majority of these products are likely to leave residues in the food derived from treated animals, either in their original active form or as metabolites. The administration of these substances for therapeutic purposes is often necessary, but when used fraudulently, indiscriminately, and abusively, without adhering to the principles of good veterinary practice, the presence of residues in food can pose a serious risk to consumer health. In the context of pig farming for consumption, the presence of pharmacological residues in meat, viscera, and fatty tissues is closely related to the structure and chemical characteristics of each drug, the type of administration, the amount administered, the animal`s lifestyle, interactions with other drugs, and a long etcetera that makes this topic a field of research that has not been thoroughly addressed in its complexity. So far, there are many more statistical studies than empirical ones due to the complexity of combining all the variables in experimental execution. In this work, a study has been conducted on the legal twists, health risks, and the temporal evolution of antibiotics in pork intended for consumption, with a final section dedicated to some aspects related to export regulations to non-EU countries, such as Russia, where there is particular controversy regarding the maximum allowed levels of drug residues in its meat products.

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Combination of water activity and pH to improve food safety in microbiological quality outcomes.

The synergy of variables in critical environments allows for the achievement of a highly ambitious goal, which consists of preserving the meat product with minimal alteration so that it retains the desired organoleptic properties, while at the same time ensuring the microbiological safety of the food. This synergy between factors represented a major advance in the development of the food industry, providing solutions that went beyond the state of the art known at that time. Smart critical environment technology has advanced in parallel with the growing knowledge of the behavior of different microorganisms in various situations, including understanding stress conditions in microorganisms, as well as homeostasis and metabolic exhaustion.

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Study of livestock feeding for the improvement of food safety in microbiological quality outcomes.

Different studies have confirmed the possibility of increasing the endogenous preservation capacity of meat through the ingestion of by-products from plants rich in active preservative compounds. Dietary supplementation techniques using natural preservatives incorporated into animal feed have proven to be highly effective, as many active compounds are metabolized and deposited in the cell membranes of muscle and adipose tissue, where they carry out their action more effectively. Among the plants studied, aromatic-medicinal plants (AMPs), which are rich in phenolic compounds, have attracted particular interest because their assimilation through the diet of lambs leads to optimal antioxidant and/or antimicrobial activity. In this context, the dietary use of natural oil extracts with specific properties has been shown to be effective in increasing the preservation capacity of meat.

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Search for natural alternatives to preservatives and antioxidants that are precursors of nitrosamines.

Given the focus that European directives are placing on the progressive reduction of nitrate and nitrite salts in processed meats, and the increasing awareness of modern society regarding food safety and quality, it is essential to open new lines of research that will allow us to advance in the search for new additives for use in meat products and fresh meat. These new additives should provide a healthier product that can be consumed safely in the long term. For this reason, an alternative to nitrosamine precursor products is being sought through the combination of antibacterial agents and colorants that together can offer meat the same advantages as nitrifying salts, without compromising consumer health. Some natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, offer an alternative to the use of artificial nitrosamine precursor additives in meat products due to their coloring properties. These active ingredients can be incorporated through direct addition or by dietary supplementation in livestock. Endogenous preservatives are deposited in muscle and are highly effective in enhancing the action of preservatives used in product processing. Studies are also being conducted on the use of blocking and inhibiting agents of nitrosamines in meat products to prevent undesirable reactions in the food that could affect the safety of the product.

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Veterinary pathology as a useful tool for the development of new vaccines and treatments against respiratory viral pathogens.

The objective of this line of research is focused on the histopathological evaluation and categorization of lesions caused by viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, MERS virus, influenza virus) in the respiratory tract in murine models. It also focuses on the development, standardization and implementation of immunohistochemical techniques for the in vivo evaluation of the presence and distribution of these viral pathogens in the respiratory tract and their role in the pathogenic mechanisms of injury. These tools will contribute to the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of new vaccines and treatments.

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Evaluation of pathogenic mechanisms and immune response in wild boar and domestic pigs against African swine fever virus.

The objectives of this line of research are to deepen the knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms and immune response in wild boar and domestic pigs against African swine fever virus (ASFV). Using ancestral Caucasian isolates of ASF virus genotype II that originally circulated after the reintroduction of the disease in Europe in 2007, comparative experimental inoculations will be carried out in domestic pigs and wild boar, as well as time course studies. This will allow a comparative assessment of disease course, clinical signs, macroscopic and histopathological lesions, viraemia levels, viral shedding pathways, viral load in target organs and virus-cell interactions, together with characterization of the systemic and local immune response. The results will contribute to the development of new vaccines to control the spread.

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Study of pathogenic mechanisms and immune response against Rift Valley fever virus in livestock.

Understanding the pathogenesis of Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) infection in susceptible hosts is a prerequisite for developing models for testing RVFV vaccines and to identify new targets for clinical interventions. In general, domesticated ruminant models of RVFV have not been studied in detail over the course of infection, so that questions such as initial target organs for virus replications and virus-cells interactions, virus spread mechanisms depending on the route of infection, viremia titers as well as virus burden and target cells in specific tissues remain unclear. Due to the phylogenetic closeness with humans, sheep is a good model for conducting pre-clinical evaluations of vaccines as well as for studying RVFV-associated disease in humans and other livestock since pathological, virological and immunological assessments can easily be performed in this small ruminant highly sensible to RVFV infection.

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Veterinary epidemiology of infectious diseases.

Our group works in epidemiology and veterinary preventive medicine of emerging and/or zoonotic pathogens in livestock, wildlife, and pets, such as African swine fever viruses, avian influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. We address veterinary health issues from a One Health perspective, combining risk analysis, studies using geographic information systems, spatiotemporal and conventional statistics, data science, and artificial intelligence. This approach allows us to identify the dynamics of diseases and their risk factors, as well as to generate predictive models to improve and focus preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. It also enables us to develop tailored surveillance and control strategies for each epidemiological scenario or ecosystem. Some examples of our work include: Early warning system for the entry of avian influenza in Spain, DiFLUsion. Interactive global map of notifications for African swine fever, avian influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. Cartographic viewer of wild boar distribution in Eurasia.

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Antimicrobial resistances in the environment.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. At EySa, we evaluate the role of the environment in the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistances. Our two main lines of study are: - Dissemination of antimicrobial resistances in terrestrial environments and their impact on wildlife and the food chain. - Assessment of the environmental risk of veterinary antimicrobial medications. These approaches are carried out through direct detection of DNA in the environmental resistome and the development of geospatial models of habitat vulnerability to antimicrobials.

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Detection and characterization of zoonotic and/or emerging pathogens.

This line of research comprises two main fronts: - Studies on the baseline health status in urban and wild animal populations. - Identification of etiological agents and risk factors in wildlife mortality/morbidity events. Some examples include studies on infectious agents that may impact the conservation of flagship species such as the Pyrenean capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus) and the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), in collaboration with wildlife rehabilitation centers and national and international institutions (Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Charles Darwin Scientific Station).

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Neuroscience zoological perspective

Physiology of the nervous system and Psychobiology of animal behavior

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Extraction and analysis of bioactive compounds in feed and environmental samples

Development and application of sustainable extraction techniques (Green Chemistry) and analysis by liquid/gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to determine polyphenols and other bioactive compounds in feed and environmental samples (water, soil...). Determination of metabolites in samples of animal origin by high resolution mass spectrometry.

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Determination of total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in samples of animal origin or feed

Determination of total polyphenol index (TPC) by Folin method and antioxidant activity (AA) by DPPH and ABTS methods in samples of animal origin and feed

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Detection of antimicrobial resistance

Biosensors for the detection of key antibiotic resistances and of bacterial biofilm growth.

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Pathogen detection

Biosensors for pathogen detection, mainly for viruses and bacteria detection.

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Antibiotics detection

Biosensors for the detection of antibiotics.

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Early diagnosis of infectious diseases through the detection of key host immune-derived biomarkers

Biosensors for the early diagnosis of infectious diseases through the detection of key host immune-derived biomarkers, such as miRNAs, cytokines, etc.

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Advanced prostheses and implants based on 3D printing

Use of 3D printing technology to design novel customised prosthetic implants. Implementation through bioactive coatings and tissue engineering elements (molecules, cells or cell products, resorbable biomaterials)

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Cell Therapy, Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, ATMP

Research on the therapeutic potential of different stem cell types (adult and perinatal SC). Determination of the culture conditions needed to use SC as therapeutic product per sé, or as part of a tissue engineering product. Research on the therapeutic potential of stem cell products (exosomes, secretome...). Development and evaluation of biomaterials to be used as tissue substitutes (mainly bone) in reconstructive surgery, or as a scaffold in tissue engineering. Our goal is developing products for humans, but since preclinical evaluation takes place in animals (rat, rabbit, minipig), we have sometimes collaborated with veterinarians, finding novel applications to our research.

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Viral-environmental epidemiology

Monitoring of natural and anthropogenic environments for disease surveillance, especially viral outbreaks.

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Biomedical and biotechnological applications of phages

Development of bacteriophages as alternative biomedical tools in the fight against multi-resistant bacteria, including their use in diagnosis, prevention and therapy. Isolation and characterisation of new bacteriophages, directed evolution for their optimisation, emergence of resistance and nanotechnology.

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Nanobiotechnology applied to the manufacture of DNA vaccines

We have designed & patented silica-based physiologically responsive particles to encapsulate, store, and transfer DNA. Unlike existing vectors (e.g., viral or lipidic particles), these DNA@SiO2 systems are very stable at room temperature. We also demonstrate how they protect the encapsulated DNA from exposure to different biological and physicochemical stresses, including DNase, denaturation temperatures (>100 °C), or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Remarkably, upon cellular uptake, these vectors dissolve safely unpacking the DNA and transfecting the cells. The versatility of the design is such that it can encapsulate genes without gene/size restrictions, in single or multiple layers of silica, so different genes can be expressed sequentially. This allows the time-controlled transcription of several genes, mimicking viral gene expression cascades, or even ´fine-tuning´ gene expression in transfected cells on demand. In addition, the method is easily scalable, reproducible, and inexpensive, enabling large-scale production and batch-quality testing, all of which are important for the personalized therapeutics industry. The high stability of these DNA vectors allows for easy and low-cost transport from the point of production to virtually any destination, making them unique as gene delivery tools. More info here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590049823000176/pdfft?md5=ca0c16339faf79dc7061b3940ac98989&pid=1-s2.0-S2590049823000176-main.pdf

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Development of encapsulation systems for medicines based on solid lipid particles

The encapsulation system based on nanoparticles of a lipid nature serves to change the bio-distribution of any drug, thus modifying its tissue concentrations, targeting and toxicity. More info: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/13/1/93/pdf?version=1610543511

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Design of a nano-biosensors for the screening and rapid detection of different pathologies

Different types of immunoassays to measure the presence or concentration of analytes in biological fluids are based on the ability of an antibody to recognize and bind to a specific analyte in a complex mixture of macromolecules. Nanoparticle-based biodetection tests exhibit interesting properties including: increased sensitivity, specificity, portability, and versatility for the detection of a variety of biomarkers. Lateral flow assays (LFAs), also known as ´lateral flow tests´ or ´lateral flow immunoassays´ represent one of the fastest growing qualitative and quantitative immunoassays that can be used for the detection of many different antigens for the early detection of diseases and monitoring of patients. LFA assays have long been used to determine pregnancy, but are now synonymous with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) antigen tests. These tests are highly specific, robust, low-cost, require a small amount of sample volume, are fast, and have an easy-to-use assay format. They can be qualitative or quantitative, combined with reading technology. In addition, its development and operating costs are very low compared to other diagnostic methods such as molecular profiling, and due to its versatile nature, it could also be used to detect cancer as a liquid biopsy test.

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Fish welfare

Current research in IRTA focusses on fish stunning methods and evaluate consciousness in fish. We are also developing and validating operational welfare indicators in fish to set up and implement a fish welfare certification scheme.

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Virus-Host Interaction

We investigate the interactions of animal and human highly pathogenic viruses with the host they infect, and the innate immune response, with the aim of identifying crucial cellular components in the infection that will be used as targets to develop new vaccine or antiviral strategies. For this purpose, we use high-throughput, proteomics and trancriptomics.https://www.inia.es/en-en/Research/Animalresearch/Biotechnology/Virus-Host-Interactions/Pages/Home.aspx

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cardiac fibrosis

Study of the molecular basis of fibrotic pathology and the molecular mechanisms related to TGFβ and Hsp90 for their treatment in vitro and in vivo. Study the effects of new pharmacological strategies based on biotechnology, CRISPR/Cas mutations or modified plasmids for their use as teragnostic particles in vitro and in vivo. Study of antifibrotic therapy and telomeric protection against SARS-CoV2 infection. Generation of new nano-transport systems to reach therapeutic targets. Generation of new diagnostic tools.

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Antiparasitic chemotherapy of zoonoses

Our group develops the research line ´New chemical entities for drug discovery´ in the field of parasitic diseases, especially those produced by pathogenic protozoa. Since its creation, the group has developed several series of compounds that are highly active against various parasitic protozoa (T. cruzi, T. brucei spp., T. vaginalis, Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp.). Several lead compounds also demonstrated in vivo efficacy in mouse models of trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and malaria. At present, the group continues the study of these lead compounds, as well as the development of new ones, designed to attack specific targets of these parasites. The groups is primarily working on the design and synthesis of new active molecules. We collaborate with groups from the CSIC or other institutions in Spain and abroad (computational chemists, biochemists, parasitologists, pharmaceutical technologists, crystallographers) to achieve the proposed objectives.

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New vaccine strategies based on recombinant vector

In our group, we are working on developing new vaccine strategies using recombinant viral vectoes such as adenovirus. These vectors are used to express antigens from viral disease such as peste des petits ruminants or bluetongue. The immune response induced by these vaccines is assessed in animal models and in sheep. The most promising constructs are then tested in challenge experiments to determine their protective capacity.

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Protein-based nanomaterials as substitutes of antibiotics in animal medicine

Dr. Neus Ferrer is developing protein-based nanomaterials as substitutes of antibiotics in animal medicine. The dry period of dairy cows is addressed to achieve a cellular regeneration of the mammary gland aiming at optimize milk production in the subsequent lactation. The preventive use of antibiotics in this period has become questionable. Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop non-antibiotic preventive alternatives based on the administration of protein-only nanoparticles or encapsulated proteins to improve cow dry period tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. The project is performed in collaboration with Dr. Elena García Fruitós and Anna Arís from the IRTA More information: https://ibb.uab.cat/wp-content/themes/viral/modules/ibb_membres/view_grup.php?CodiGrup=33

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Comparative Molecular Physiology

Our primary interest focuses on the molecular basis of gamete (germ cell) formation and function towards the development of biotechnological inventions for animal production and conservation biology. Present research lines include: (1) Comparative studies on the evolution, structure and function of molecular water channels (aquaporins); (2) Molecular physiology of aquaporins and ion channels in male and female gametes; (3) Development of new biotechnological methods based on aquaporins for cell preservation; and (4) Molecular endocrinology of spermiogenesis. Research Keywords: Spermatogenesis, oogenesis, endocrinology, aquaporin, physiology, evolution, cell preservation More info: https://ibb.uab.cat/wp-content/themes/viral/modules/ibb_membres/view_grup.php?CodiGrup=28

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Genome Integrity and Instability

The research activity of the research group has as a main objective to study of the mechanism(s) that are responsible for the origin and maintenance of mammalian genome integrity. We reach our main goal through a multidisciplinary approach, combining computational analysis and whole-genome comparisons with cutting-edge experimental technologies in both somatic and meiotic cells. More specifically, the group is currently working in the following research lines: 1. Investigate the conservation and functionality of the high-structural organization of mammalian genomes, both in the somatic and the germ line. 2. Analysis of the signalling pathway that controls the progression of meiotic recombination in mammalian meiocytes. 3. Identification of the role of the DNA damage response machinery in the DSB repair occurring during the meiotic prophase. 4. Study how the DNA damage response mechanism controls the oocyte pool in mammals. 5. Identification of non-annotated genes in the mammalian genome required to complete meiosis. 6. Identification of the genetic basis of reproductive isolation and barriers of gene flow in mammalian natural populations. 7. Development of a cell line repository of endangered mammalian species. 8. Implementation of integrative bioinformatics and informatic tools for the analysis of the conservation and function of vertebrate genomes. 9. Study the impact of COVID-19 on fertility. More information: https://ibb.uab.cat/wp-content/themes/viral/modules/ibb_membres/view_grup.php?CodiGrup=27

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Evolutive Immunology

Using a combination of molecular, in vitro and in vivo methodologies we aim to understand host-pathogen interactions and how we can modulate the host immune system to have a good performance against pathogens. We develop our research using zebrafish as a model organism due to its high versatility and the availability of mutants. We do both basic and translational research on fish immunology in three main areas: (1) development of vaccines for animal health, (2) evolution of pathogen recognition in vertebrates and (3) development of diagnostic tools. More info at: https://ibb.uab.cat/wp-content/themes/viral/modules/ibb_membres/view_grup.php?CodiGrup=46

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Tichinella

For more than 30 years, we have been working on the Trichinellosis research line, both in domestic pigs (white and Iberian) and in wild boars. Scientific studies have focused mainly on both epidemiology and the diagnosis and prophylaxis of this important parasitic zoonosis.

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Analytical epidemiology

Epidemiology and control of shared infections such as tuberculosis, African swine fever, vector-borne infections and infections of wild birds; Pathology.

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Immunology

Molecular biology of infectious diseases; Human neurological and allergic infectious diseases; Vaccines for the control of vector infestations and transmission of pathogens.

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Epidemiology, ecology and evolution of arthropod vectors and vector-borne pathogens

Genetics and molecular epidemiology of vector-borne diseases; Molecular biology and biology of host systems, vectors, pathogens and their interactions.

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Ecology and wildlife management

Population`s genetics; Ecology and behavior at the fauna-livestock interface; Integrated monitoring of wildlife populations.

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Animal Science

Biotechnology of reproduction.

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Immunology, Virology

immune response of fish and shellfish

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Development of experimental models of animal and human diseases in zebrafish

The experience gained in fish health and animal experimentation has led the group to develop a new line of research using zebrafish as a model for the study of diseases of interest in public health and veterinary and human medicine.

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Assessment of skeleton genesis, skeletal and muscular abnormalities in different stages of production of farmed fish.

The objective of this line of research is the multidisciplinary approach to the main skeletal abnormalities, muscle growth and development in species of interest in aquaculture, mainly Senegalese sole, through the use of radiological, morphopathological and molecular techniques, with the purpose of develop tools aimed at the diagnosis and monitoring of skeletal abnormalities and growth under different production conditions.

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Morphopathological study and local immune response in mucosa

The objective of this line of research is to address the knowledge of the intestinal, gill and skin mucosa, with the aim of improving health and developing protocols for evaluating the effect of diatas and treatments. To do this, we carried out a multidisciplinary approach using histopathological, immune and genetic techniques.

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Pathogenesis and diagnosis of common and emerging diseases in mammals, birds and aquatic animals, with special emphasis on species of interest in aquaculture

Morphopathological and pathogenic characterization of common and emerging diseases, especially those that have an impact on animal production and the environment, using histopathological, immunohitochemical, molecular and electron microscopy techniques. The final purpose is to obtain new diagnostic tools and biomarkers that are of practical application to diagnosis, prevention, disease control and monitoring of animal health and welfare

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Pig as a experimental model

the group is interested in using large animals for cellular therapies. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that play a crucial role in both initiation and modulation of the immune response. Due to their physiological properties and the availability of clinical grade reagents, immunostimulatory DCs have been safely and successfully used in clinical trials designed to stimulate immune responses against tumours and pathogens. Our work aims to address fundamental questions in DC therapies by using immunologically relevant animal models, more informative than mice. Domestic pigs share many similarities with humans and represent an excellent animal model for immunological studies. We have previously set up a model in pigs for DC tracking in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging that we will use in these experiments.

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Reverse vaccinology

A major drawback in vaccine development in animal health is the fact that antigenic peptides presented by MHC class I (in pigs SLA-I) have not been fully characterized, hampering the rational design of vaccines. Identification and characterization of B- and T-cell epitopes (also known as antigens) for a given pathogen has proved crucial for understanding the basic mechanisms of immunological protection and for the rational design of effective vaccines. Protective immunity is usually mediated by B lymphocytes, CD8+/CD4+ T lymphocytes or both. Recognition of epitopes by lymphocytes from different species and individuals is restricted by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules – named swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) in pigs- which is responsible for foreign antigen presentation. In the case of viral infections, classical SLA class I (SLA-I) molecules act as molecular cradles that present endogenous and foreign peptides or epitopes to cytotoxic CD8+T cells (CTL) at the cell surface of healthy and infected cells. Thus, they provide the immune system with a mechanism for interrogating the viral proteome from the outside of infected cells. Our team and in collaboration with other international groups have applied reverse vaccinology to identify cross-reacting MHC class I T-cell epitopes from two different Swine Influenza virus (SwIV) H1N1 lineages in pigs presented by SLA-1*0702.

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Afrcan swine fever immunology

ASFV causes severe disease of domestic pigs that can result in up to 100% mortality with concomitant serious socio-economic impacts. Nowadays, there is no vaccine against ASFV. Historically, vaccine development has been brought about by an essentially empirical approach where antibodies were usually the major protective factor. However, there are numerous pathogens for which this approach has not proved protective, including ASFV, for which the reasons remain unclear. Thus, other vaccination approaches are required, which can only be informed by a deeper knowledge of immune responses during host-pathogen interactions. The work in the group is directed into a better understanding of the immune responses required for protection in order to provide the information for rationally design a vaccine against ASFV or SwIV.

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Pig Influenza

In the last decades, the mouse model tremendously contributed to the progress of research in immunology. However, it is worth noticing that research in large/unconventional animals has given pivotal information to immunology in general. The need for translational immunological research, the development of new animal models more adapted to the scientific question, and the acquisition of new knowledge in comparative immunology is increasing in importance every year. The main aim of the group is to provide insights into immunological host-pathogen interactions by studying the immune system of the pigs in the context of natural relevant viral infections, such as Influenza virus (IV) or African swine fever virus (ASFV). Also, pigs will be used as model for celular therapies. Besides its importance as a zoonotic agent, Swine Influenza Virus (SwIV) is also important for its impact in the pig farming industry. Swine influenza is a relevant porcine respiratory disease, whose importance has been often underestimated due to the impact of other respiratory pathologies. Our data in collaboration with HIPRA S.A. have shown by phylogenetic analysis that circulating SIV strains in Spain belonged to the lineages “Avian-Like” H1N1, “Human-Like” H3N2, and “Human-Like” H1N2, showing tight relationships with early or contemporary strains described in Europe. Also, our results indicated that reassortment events could have influenced the evolution, indicating that circulating SIV strains in pig farms could be a potential zoonotic agent. Thus, control of SwIV is very important not only to prevent pulmonary lesions in pigs but also to control a zoonotic infection.

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MOST FREQUENT INFECTIONS, ANTIBIOTIC CONSUMPTION AND PRESENCE OF RESISTANCE

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EFFICACY OF PHYTOPHARMACS IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

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USE OF NUTRACEUTICALS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR FUNCTIONALITY IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

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DRUG RESIDUES IN DIFFERENT FLUIDS AND ANIMAL TISSUES

Determination and quantification of drug residues in different fluids and tissues

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PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF ANTIMICROBIALS IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Pharmacokinetic study of different antimicrobials such as fluoroquinolones, macrolides, beta-lactams in different animal species such as rabbit, sheep, goat, horse, sea turtle ... Susceptibility tests, cut point calculation, PK / PD integration

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Ecology and evolution of zoonoses of relevance in public health

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Vector-borne diseases

Epidemiology of tick-borne diseases of interest in animal (piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis) and human health (Lyme borreliosis, rickettsiosis and Q fever) Molecular genetics of tick-borne pathogens

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Ictiopathology

Laboratory diagnosis and support in the eradication of the main salmonid diseases.

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Mycobacteria

Study of tuberculosis in species that can contribute to the maintenance of bovine tuberculosis in Asturias. Especially in the badgers and wild boars. Bovine paratuberculosis. Isolation and typing of strains in both domestic and wild ruminants. Molecular epidemiology and diagnostic tests.

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WILDLIFE HEALTH

Tuberculosis (badger and wild boar): Biosecurity / Vaccine efficacy in badgers / epidemiology / development of diagnostic techniques Amphibian diseases: Ranavirus (epidemiology / diagnostic techniques) Vector-borne diseases: Flavivirus (epidemiology and vaccine efficacy tests)

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HEALTH AND PATHOLOGY OF RUMINANTS

Infectious and parasitic diseases of ruminants (paratuberculosis, toxoplasma) Sporadic and reproductive pathology Pathogenesis and immunopathology of the main diseases

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RESPIRATORY PATHOGENS OF BACTERIAL ETIOLOGY

Porcine Respiratory Complex: virulence factors, diagnosis, alternatives to the use of antibiotics for treatment and vaccines (Streptococcus suis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae ...) Epidemiological studies of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance in Francisella tularensis isolated from human and animals in Castilla y León

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CONTINENTAL AQUACULTURE AND ICTYOPATHOLOGY

Continental aquaculture Infectious fish diseases Immunoprotection against fish diseases Saprolegnia infections Cell cultures and in vitro assays in aquaculture

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DIGESTIVE DISEASES OF SWINE

Enteric infectious processes in pigs Modulation and improvement of digestive microbiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics Monitoring and reduction strategies for the development of resistance to antibiotics in pigs. Alternatives to the use of antibiotics in animal production

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TROPICAL AND PARASITIC DISEASES

CONTROL OF DISEASES PRODUCED BY HELMINTH PARASITES IN RUMINANTS Detection of antihelmintic resistance Search for new molecules with antihelmintic activity Development of new ´point of care´ diagnostic methods for on-farm detection of gastrointestinal nematode infections Search for genetic markers related to resistance to infection by gastrointestinal nematodes

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Emerging and Transboundary Diseases

Team Manager: Miguel Angel Jiménez-Clavero majimenez@inia.es International Reference Laboratories UE and FAO for African Swine Fever: Technical Director EURL and WRC FAO for ASF : Maria Luisa Arias Neira arias@inia.es

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Molecular and Cellular Biology of Prions

Team Manager: Juna María Torres Trillo jmtorres@inia.es

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Fish Immunology and Pathology

Team Manager: Carolina Tafalla Piñeiro tafalla@inia.es

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New Strategies for the Control of relevant Pathogens in Animal Health

Team Manager: Noemí Sevilla Hidalgo sevilla@inia.es

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Immunoprofilaxis of Vector-Borne Viral Diseases

Team Manager: Alejandro Brun Torres brun@inia.es

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Epidemiology And Environmental Health

Team Manager: Ana de la Torre Reoyo torre@inia.es

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Immunotherapies

Basic and traslational research focus in new immunotherapies for pets.

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Development of vaccines against the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

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Peripartum diseases in cattle: description of biomarkers and assessment of their economic impact

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Food-borne zoonoses

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Epidemiology and diagnosis of infections caused by protozoan parasites

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Study of the virulence factors, pathogenesis mechanisms, and biological variability of protozoan parasites

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Development of control tools (drugs and vaccines) for protozoan diseases in ruminants

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Development of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experimental models for protozoan diseases in ruminants

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Minimal Invasion Surgery, Cell Therapy, Bioengineering, Assisted Reproduction, Cardiovascular

The main strategic lines of research that make up the scientific program of this Group are structured in 5 areas: Minimal Invasive Surgery (A), Cell Therapy (B), Bioengineering (C), Assisted Reproduction (D) and Cardiovascular (E), coordinated by Dr. Francisco Miguel Sánchez Margallo. A. Area of Minimally Invasive Surgery A. 1. Laparoscopy. A. 2. Endoscopy A. 3. Microsurgery A. 4. Anesthesiology A. 5. Endoluminal Diagnostics and Therapeutics B. Cell Therapy Area C. Bioengineering Area D. Assisted Reproduction Area E. Cardiovascular Area

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Escherichia coli.

An active line is the study of verotoxigenic and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, analyzing the epidemiological importance of wild ungulates as a natural reservoir and their interrelation with infection in sheep and cattle, and in the human species, by phenotypic and genotypic typing.

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Antibiotic resistance

Characterization of antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of medical and veterinary interest, and the search for alternatives to the use of antibiotics in the field of animal health and medicine.

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Tuberculosis

For more than 25 years, we have been working in the tuberculosis research line, both in domestic animals and in wild artiodactyls, as well as in humans, contributing to characterize the epidemiology of animal tuberculosis, to improve the control of wild tuberculosis and to eradication of domestic tuberculosis.

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Leishmaniosis

This line focuses on the study of the disease in dogs, especially in the development of vaccines against canine Leishmaniosis and new diagnostic techniques.

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Ticks

Study of the distribution, speciation and characterization of ticks at different geographical levels. Tick-borne diseases, especially piroplasmosis and some arbovirosis, are also studied.

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Mosquitoes and sandflies as disease vectors.

Surveillance studies of Aedes albopictus and flavivirus transmitting vectors such as Usutu or West Nile virus. Epidemiological studies are being conducted among hosts susceptible to these flaviviruses, especially among mosquitoes, birds, horses and humans. As for sandflies, studies of distribution and speciation and analysis of phlevovirus (Tuscany, Sicily, etc.) are carried out on insects and other hosts (animals and humans).

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Exotic diseases subprogram

- Pathogenesis and prophylaxis of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and other Pestivirus infections - Pathogenesis and prophylaxis of African Swine Fever (ASF) - Arboviruses and vectors - Pathogenesis, diagnosis and control of avian viral infections - Pathogenesis and prophylaxis of Coronavirus infections - Prion diseases

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Exotic diseases subprogram

- Immunopathogenesis and protection against PRRSV (Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) - Pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of infections caused by ssDNA viruses - Viral Evolution - Respiratory bacterial infections - Zoonotic bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance with one health perspective - Tuberculosis - Microbiota, gut health, and alternatives to antibiotics

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Epidemiology & risk assessment subprogram

- Descriptive and analytical epidemiology - Risk Assessment - Disease transmission modelling - Sociology in Animal Health - Biosecurity at farm level

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Bacterial taxonomy

Traditional systems of bacteriological diagnosis are sometimes not sufficient to achieve a definitive identification of the etiological agent. As a result, certain pathogens may be misidentified or unidentified. In these circumstances, it is advisable the use of alternatives to traditional techniques. One of the methodologies used by our group is the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The application of this methodology, together to other phenotypic, quimiotaxonomic and genetic methods has led to the description by our group of new species and bacterial genera isolated from different animal species and associated, in some cases, to different clinical process (Corynebacterium mastitidis, Corynebacterium suicordis, Uruburuella suis, Pseudomonas simiae, Streptococcus entericus as a few examples). - Association of old pathogens to new clinical process and/or new animal hosts. - Descripction of new bacterial species

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Molecular typing

The epidemiological study of infectious diseases is used to determine the clonal relationship between various isolates of the same bacterial species. Different techniques can be used to distinguish and classify strains of a given bacterial species. This discrimination at the strain level is useful for understanding different aspects of the epidemiology of bacterial diseases. Our group has long been using various techniques such as pulsed field electrophoresis or multicolcus sequence typing for the molecular characterization of a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens in different livestock species. The application of these techniques has allowed to obtain results, in some cases, of great epidemiological value. - Resarch of existence and extent of an outbreak - Identification of reservoirs and sources of infection - Monitoring the dissemination of particular clones, etc..

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Clinical diagnosis

One task that has always demanded great attention by our group, both from the point of views of teaching and research is that related with animal diseases. This line of work has been a huge boost from the beginning, doing continued efforts to deepen the knowledge of the different pathogens involved in outbreaks of disease. The group has a great background in ovine mastitis, in the diagnostic of infectious diseases of wild and exotic animals, as well as bacterial diseases in pigs and fish. - Development of new techniques for more efficient diagnosis - Advance in the knowledge of the transmission mechanisms and survival to technological treatments.

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Application of MALDI-TOF technique in the clinical microbiology and Agri-food field

MALDI-TOF technique has been traditionally used for proteomics studies, mainly, for the identification and characterization of proteins of interest. Recently, this analitycal technique has been demonstrated to be useful in the microbiology field not only for identification but also for characterization of microorganisms, mainly bacteria and fungi. - Microbial identification based on the MALDI-TOF mass profile. - Typing and subtyping studies susing MALDI-TOF approach. - Protemic assays: usefulness in Veterinary/Food Safety

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Characterization of the emergence of foodborne pathogens subjected to surveillance and monitoring programs through quantitative epidemiology

Development and application of quantitative tools to the study the epidemiology of important diseases in public and animal health, including the evaluation of control and eradication programs of animal diseases, the spatial analysis, the molecular epidemiology and the identification of risk factors related to human and animal pathogens, and the evaluation of diagnostic techniques. Assessment of the phenotypic and genetic diversity in foodborne pathogens recovered in the frame of surveillance and monitoring programs Detection of factors associated with the dissemination of emergent strains/phenotypes/genotypes in the animal reservoir Reconstruction of the phylogeny of emergent strains/phenotypes/genotypes of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp. y Escherichia coli

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Evaluation of the performance of diagnostic tests for diseases of importance in animal health and assessment of their application in the frame of control and surveillance programs

Development and application of quantitative tools to the study the epidemiology of important diseases in public and animal health, including the evaluation of control and eradication programs of animal diseases, the spatial analysis, the molecular epidemiology and the identification of risk factors related to human and animal pathogens, and the evaluation of diagnostic techniques. Assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests of routine use and new development using techniques not based on a gold reference (Bayesian latent class models) Design of protocols for the optimization of diagnostic strategies through the modification of cut-offs and other factors of the techniques Determination of the reliability of control, eradication and surveillance programs for animal pathogens (probability of detection at the group level, probability of disease freedom, estimating prevalence-adjusted estimates, etc.)

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Antimicrobial resistances in pathogens, food-borne zoonotic agents and indicators

Annual surveillance programs in Antimicrobial resistance are established. Microorganisms are obtained in active sampling conducted in collaboration with the Central Administration, Regional Administration and pharmaceutical companies. Clinical isolates are performed with bacterial collections. Likewise, research in wild animals, urban effluents and clinical isolates was carried out. Evaluate the antimicrobial resistance profiles and their evolution in microorganisms isolated in food animals and food from animal origin and their relation with antimicrobial use. Identify the presence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in wild animals and urban effluents. Studies of safety and efficacy of antimicrobials intended for use by animals. Study the temporal dynamics of resistant bacteria in laying hens.

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Foodborne zoonoses in animals and meat, eggs and other products from animal origin intended for human consumption, mainly Salmonella spp. Campylobacter spp., Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Yersinia enterocolitica

Annual surveillance programs of zoonoses agents are established. Microorganisms are obtained in active sampling conducted in collaboration with different Administrations. Besides, research programs are performed to improve control programs of zoonotic agents. Additionally, the presence of these microorganisms is evaluated in wild animals or urban effluents samples. Analyze the prevalence of zoonotic agents in food animals and food from animal origin. Evaluate the presence of zoonotic agents in wild animals and environmental samples. Improve control programs of food-borne zoonoses. Evaluate different detection methods for the correct identification of foodborne pathogens in various matrices.

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Genetic characterization of microorganisms populations

Different isolates are compared by genetic techniques (Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis, spa-typing, Multi Locus Sequence Typing,Next Generation Sequencing, etc.). Establish epidemiological links between microorganisms detected in animals, food and man, including samples of the environment and wildlife.

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Genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance

Isolates that show a resistance phenotype of interest to public health or animal health, are analyzed in depth using molecular techniques (molecular detection, Next Generation Sequencing, etc.). Linking antimicrobial resistance seen in animals, food and man, including samples of the environment and wildlife. Identify new mechanisms associated with resistance to major antibiotics used in human or veterinary medicine. Evaluate the use of new techniques for detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in our isolates.

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Molecular characterization of human reservoirs potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli, animal and environmental

Characterization of potentially pathogenic E. coli samples from different origins. Detection of virulence genes using quantitative real time PCR to distinguish the samples intended for isolation of a positive strain. Studies of antibiotic resistance in strains from healthy animals. Assess the genetic diversity of STEC isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Detection serogroups / serotypes related-genes associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shigatoxin producing E. coli prevalence studies in healthy animals.

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Genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance

Isolates that show a resistance phenotype of interest to public health or animal health, are analyzed in depth using molecular techniques (molecular detection, Next Generation Sequencing, etc.). Linking antimicrobial resistance seen in animals, food and man, including samples of the environment and wildlife. Identify new mechanisms associated with resistance to major antibiotics used in human or veterinary medicine. Evaluate the use of new techniques for detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in our isolates.

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Molecular characterization of human reservoirs potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli, animal and environmental

Characterization of potentially pathogenic E. coli samples from different origins. Detection of virulence genes using quantitative real time PCR to distinguish the samples intended for isolation of a positive strain. Studies of antibiotic resistance in strains from healthy animals. Assess the genetic diversity of STEC isolates by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Detection serogroups / serotypes related-genes associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shigatoxin producing E. coli prevalence studies in healthy animals.

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Genetic characterization of Campylobacter

Genetic characterization of Campylobacter jejuni and coli strains from different origins (animal, food and urban effluents). Genetic recombination between Campylobacter isolates: antibiotic resistance genes and virulence genes / colonization. Analysis of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter isolates from humans, animals and environment. Genetic diversity using whole-genome MLST in isolates from humans, animals and environment.

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Modification of intestinal microbiota, Healthy Gut

An approach based on the use of natural compounds for the control of zoonotic or resistant bacteria. Study the intestinal microbiota present in food animals before and after the application of a polyphenols treatment. Nutrigenomics studies to identify changes in the expression of certain genes after treatment administration. Modify the intestinal microbiota, favoring the establishment and maintenance of a healthy and balanced intestinal bacterial population (lactic bacteria and bifidobacteria).after treatment administration. Control of enteric diseases and transmission of resistant bacteria in animal production (poultry, fish, ruminant and monogastric) after reduction of enterobacteria and resistant bacteria.

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Marine animal health

The project Marine Animal Health has as main objectives the evaluation, monitoring and improving of health in the marine fauna of the Mediterranean Sea, contributing to conservation of the marine ecosystem. Assessment of health status in the marine fauna of the Mediterranean Sea. Surveillance of infectious diseases involved. Epidemiological studies on the definition of these diseases.

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Preventive medicine

Development of different epidemiological models on the risks of entry different infectious diseases in our country, by identifying the critical points of each disease and modelling their potential spread. The diseases being studied are classified in the list of notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). To date we have developed a model for Bluetongue and others to foot and mouth disease, clasical swine fever and avian influenza. Risk analysis and identification of critical points at the entrance of infectious diseases in Spain. Development of epidemiological models that allow early detection of these diseases and the creation of proper contingency plans.

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New diagnostic methods design

Development of new dignostic molecular methods based in the Methagenomics and PCR metodologies multiple and quantitative for several animal infectius deseases, in order to be able to carry out molecular epidemiology studies and develop techniques to differentiate vaccinated animals from infected. Incorporation of a new line of thermal imaging diagnosis to detect feverish conditions at an early stage and without the need for any manipulation of the animal. Evaluation of the system in different domestic and wild animals in both terrestrial and aquatic Studies of new animal viruses by metagenomics. Development of new diagnostic methods for viral diseases basads in the PCR. Epidemiological studies and development of design methods DIVA. Application of thermography in the study of infectious diseases.

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Proliferative and non proliferative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in small animals

Our participation in Gastrointestinal Course supervised by Dr. I. van der Gaag and Liver Pathology leaded by T. van den Ingh at the University of Utrecht (Netherlands), we started in this line of research. As a resulting investigations have been realized three PhD dissertations and numerous scientific articles in the JCR and communications at conferences national and international. Our research has focused on the differentiation of inflammatory disorders versus lymphosarcoma by means the use of immunohistochemical and molecular techniques. We have also made retrospective studies on epithelial lesions of the stomach and intestine, with special emphasis on cell cycle proteins which could be altered or participate in the transformation and expansion of benign or malignant neoplasms in dogs and cats. 1) Study of cell cycle oncoproteins involved in the development of neoplasms in the stomach and small intestine of pets. 2) Identification of early immunohistochemical biomarkers caracterizen passing a benign lesion to malignant. Prognosis. 3) Histological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization of chronic enteritis linfoplasmocitaria digestive versus lymphoma.

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Immunopathology of tuberculosis in domestic and wild animals

Our colaboration in European in the pathological aspects with Reference Laboratory on Bovine Tuberculosis began our journey in this research. Since then I have worked in the description of many pathological processes induced by different strains of Mycobacterium, both domestic and wild animals. This has led to PhD theses, dissertations, as well as many oral presentations and scientific articles on all related to the immune response to tissue level against different cytokines. 1) Study of the immune response in natural and experimental models in domestic animals with different strains of Mycobacterium. 2) Immune response in camels. 3) Tuberculosis in wild and zoo animals.

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Fish pathology

In recent years, parallel to the development of aquaculture and intensive production has been a rise in infectious diseases, some of which have been major losses. Our work in this field has been to make a correct diagnostic pathology and microbiological isolation to take appropriate preventive measures. It is therefore applied research. Sometimes, these cases are the starting point for further investigations in the field of disease pathogenesis both conventional and specific techniques such as immunohistochemical, molecular and / or MALDI TOF methods. We also collaborate with other centers in carrying out histopathological studies on animal welfare and opportunistic pathogens in aquaculture. 1) Description of injuries caused by an infectious agent in an experimental studies on fish as well as its distribution in the body by means the use of monoclonal antibodies with immunohistochemical techniques. 2) Pathological characterization of infectious diseases in marine aquaculture.

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Forensic Veterinary

As part of the Veterinary Pathology, increasingly there are many cases of animal abuse and natural disasters that require accurate and specific description of the process. For this reason, in recent years we have focused in particular on developing a specific methodology, which departs from the routine necropsy can be performed on a cadaver. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a detailed study of the external survey, sometimes for traumatic injuries, hangings, shootings, etc. 1) Development of methods for describing specific study of these cases, not only on the cause of death but also the elapsed playing time. 2) Establish a specific report and diagnostic protocol in Veterinary Forensic, which also includes macroscopic and histopathology descriptions, so as complementary toxicological and microbiological studies.

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Malditof profiling and imaging

The first applications of mass spectrometry in clinical were as a method adapted to highly complex protein sample analysis in laboratories pathobiology, using high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of tumor processes, and other hereditary disorders markers of pathology. Today, one of the main applications of MALDI is bacterial identification in microbiology laboratories (MALDI Biotyoper), which has established itself as a fast and efficient analytical method has allowed the characterization of a large collection of microorganisms importance in the field of clinical microbiology (Clark et al., 2013). Moreover, the MALDI Imaging technology has become a powerful tool for molecular analysis of tissue sections (histological preparations), providing information on the spatial distribution and relative abundance of different components in these sections. This technology is very advantageous because it requires no specific target markers (such as immunohistochemical techniques), can detect in situ proteins, peptides, drugs and metabolites, has high sensitivity and high performance (Deutskens et al., 2011). Finally, in the MALDI Profiling identifying biomolecules (mostly peptide and protein nature) is carried out on biological fluids such as serum, urine and tissue extracts. 1) Application of MALDITOF techniques to the Veterinary Pathology. 2) Using the MALDITOF profiling in the identification of proteins as early biomarkers of joint disease in domestic animals. 3) Study of protein profile in canine digestive tumors by means MALDI Imaging technique, to establish premature protein changes as markers for malignant transformation.

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Epidemiological surveillance of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens

Identification of ticks from domestic animals and wildlife and molecular detection of pathogens (genus Erlichia, Borrelia, Anaplasma, Francisella, Coxiella, Rickettsia y Bartonella) by PCR. Use of molecular techniques for identification of tick-borne pathogens at the species-level Identification of tick species recovered from different epidemiological contexts. Surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in ticks from wild and domestic animals. Implementation of molecular tools for identification of the bacterial species present in ticks.

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New strategies for diagnosis and control of bovine, ovine and caprine brucellosis

Analysis of new approaches for the control of animal brucellosis using available vaccines, and evaluation of current strategies for disease control. Development of new tools for early detection of the pathogen using molecular techniques. Development of new routes of vaccination for control of small ruminants brucellosis Analysis of vaccination strategies for control of animal brucellosis Development of tools for detection and quantification of Brucella spp. in clinical samples

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Diagnosis of swine brucellosis

Use of immunological diagnostic tests (detection of specific antibodies using rose bengale test and ELISA, experimental use of interferon-gamma detection assays) and bacteriology for the detection of infections caused by Brucella suis in swine and in wild boar. Etiological and epidemiological diagnosis of infections caused by Brucella suis in swine Optimization of techniques aiming at the detection of the cellular immune response for specific diagnosis of swine brucellosis Detection of Brucella suis in wild reservoir Implementation of molecular characterization techniques for the epidemiological analysis of outbreaks due to Brucella suis.

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Diagnosis of Q fever in livestock and wildlife using direct and indirect tests

Analysis of clinical samples by means of direct (real-time PCR direct detection) and indirect (serological tests, IFN-gamma detection assay) diagnostic techniques to assess the distribution of Coxiella burnetii on the animal reservoir and to determine the immune response induced in infected animals. Assessment of the distribution of Coxiella burnetii in livestock and wildlife and the potential zoonotic risk as source of infection posed by the animal reservoir. Detection of risk factors associated with a higher infection risk in domestic ruminants. Development of indirect diagnostic tools for early diagnosis of C. burnetii infection.

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Diagnosis of leishmaniasis in the animal reservoir

Research on the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in peri-urban settings. Identification of potential atypical reservoirs of Leishmania. Diagnosis of infection using indirect (indirect inmunofluorescence assay) and direct (PCR) techniques in biological samples from different hosts and vectors. Determination of the prevalence of leishmaniasis in animal reservoirs using serological and molecular techniques Analysis of potential risk/protective factors associated with the presence of the parasite Set up of new diagnostic tools Molecular characterization of L. infantum isolates

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Integrated monitoring and control of Toxoplasma gondii and Hepatitis E virus in food supply chains

Research focused on characterizing the presence of emerging food-borne pathogens (in particular Toxoplasma gondii and hepatitis E virus) along the food chain, from the origin to the point of sale of the product. This researcher line will provide a new framework for the monitoring, tracking and modelling of health risks associated with these microorganisms, and will develop new food control procedures throughout the food chain. Harmonization of the methodology for the detection and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and hepatitis E virus. Detection and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and hepatitis E virus in wildlife. Evaluation of the risk of survival of Toxoplasma gondii and hepatitis E virus in different stages of the pig production chain: farm, slaughterhouse and point of sale of meat products available for consumption. Proposal for corrective measures and control methods for the management of risk associated with meat products.

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Diagnosis of other mycobacteriosis

Diagnosis of other mycobacteria not included in the complexes M. tuberculosis and M. avium.

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Molecular epidemiology of tubeculosis

Epidemiological studies based on molecular characterization data of M. tuberculosis complex members. - Molecular characterization of M. tuberculosis complex members. - Manteinance and update of the Spanish Database of Animal Mycobacteriosis mycoDB. - Clonal complexity studies.

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Molecular epidemiology of tubeculosis

Epidemiological studies based on molecular characterization data of M. tuberculosis complex members. - Molecular characterization of M. tuberculosis complex members. - Manteinance and update of the Spanish Database of Animal Mycobacteriosis mycoDB. - Clonal complexity studies.

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Tuberculosis diagnosis

Improvement and optimization of techniques for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in cattle and other animal species. Study of the immune response against tuberculosis. Sensitivity and specificity studies of the techniques used for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Studies of diagnosis interference in cellular and humoral immune response tests. Study of the immune response against tuberculosis. Development and set-up of new diagnostic techniques in cattle and other animal species. Cellular infection models to perform pathogenicity and virulence studies.

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Tuberculosis control

Experimental and field studies using vaccination for the control of tuberculosis in domestic and wild animals. Vaccination studies as an alternative to the control of tuberculosis in wild animals (wild boar) and goats.

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Animal Health

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