Investigators: B. Travi, P. Aguilar, P. Melby, A. Castellanos, B. Bolling
Our group has developed sensitive and specific field-applicable diagnostic tests for multiple infectious agents, principally parasites (Leishmania, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba, Plasmodium and Trypanosoma cruzi). Taking advantage of this expertise we also developed a diagnostic test for Zika virus that does not require sophisticated equipment or extensive laboratory personnel training. The same approach will be applied to additional infectious agents that are transmitted by blood feeding insects and will help to rapidly identify outbreaks and clinical cases. The tests’ validation studies will be performed in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Harris County Mosquito Control District.