Applied Entomology Laboratory and Parasitology

Abstract

Vector transmitted diseases are especially abundant in Guatemala, and of interesting in the medical field as veterinarian (public health) as well as those affecting wild animals. Among these diseases, it is worth mentioning: leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, elephantiasis, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, chagas, ricketsiosis. Fever caused by Arbovirus, among many others. Lenap has experience in research about onchocerciasis and chagas emphasis; We recently started working on tuberculosis and dengue.

Research in Lenap encompasses studies at the laboratory and field level, of the vectors and the pares or causative agent of the disease covers pure and applied research approaches, through ecological, evolutionary, behavioral and control studies. Lenap is characterized by a broad vision, since they are not only studied. Biological agents that cause diseases, but also analyze their relationships with the environment and the implications that this may have on control.

LENAP is as a rule that research is carried out together with institutions responsible for the control of diseases, and sometimes other leading entities in public health matters are involved. These institutions include the Ministry of Public Health, International Institutions such as the Pan-American Health / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) or Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Both in Central America and in the country, there are few laboratories that are dedicated to the set of vector, parasites and the environment in which the transmission of the disease is carried out. The University of the Guatemalan Valley, through Medical Entomology Research and Training Unit / Guatemala (MERTUG), has conducted studies about Leishmaniasis, malaria, onchocerciasis and other related topics. Recently, the Ministry of Public Health integrated its team by a medical entomologist, with the aim of making the control of communicable diseases more effective.