Unidad de Protozoarios y Endosimbiontes Patógenos

The Protozoa and Pathogenic Endosymbionts Unit is dedicated to the study of free-living amoebae (FLA) and their intracellular microorganisms, the presence of FLA in soil and water, and infectious diseases caused by these free-living amoebae. Its main interest is the study of the genomes of these free-living amoebae (chemotherapy for protozoa, genetics, and phylogenetic analysis). However, it also aims to describe the mechanisms of pathogenicity of classic amoebae such as Balamuthia mandrillaris, Acanthamoeba sp. [T-4], and Naegleria fowleri. The laboratory plays an important role in society and works closely with microbiological research groups. Currently, they have developed the areas of basic protozoology and molecular biology to search for new species of free-living amoebae in our territory, classify them, and establish a national strain collection. This involves the standardization of PCR for the main free-living amoebae (mainly pathogenic to humans).