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PIET has 8 units that are dedicated in the following disciplines: Bacteriology, Entomology, Epidemiology, Pharmacology & Toxinology, Immunology, Virology, Zoonosis and Biochemistry. A few of them in addition to the investigations are offering a series of services to the general public.
This unit studies the bacteria that limit the embryonic development of tortoises and impede hatching of the eggs. The group hopes to apply the results of the study to those species of tortoises in danger of extinction thereby increasing their long term chances of survival. It also performs research on the etiology of the mastitis in cows, especially that caused by gram positive bacteria. This laboratory offers a diagnostic service covering a wide spectrum of etiological bacterial agents.
This unit is responsible for the biochemistry laboratory as a complement of the theoretical course of biochemistry. The research activities are made in collaboration with the laboratories of Immunology and Bacteriology with a priority in the area of brucellosis.
The
unit of entomology studies the ecology of vectors of both animal (e.g., stomatitis
vesicular) and human diseases (e.g., Leishmaniasis). In addition, it
studies the dynamic of the “stable fly” population in the South
Pacific region of Costa Rica and the necrotoxic effects associated with
anthropod poisons. It also carries out research projects on the taxonomy
and ecology of phlebotomos in the region in collaboration with the
virology laboratory, as well as on the control of the mosquito carriers of
dengue and malaria. This laboratory offers technical assistance to the
commercial and governmental sectors in the Central American region.
This
unit investigates the epidemiology and risk factors of Leishmaniasis in
Costa Rica. Its principal focus is the identification of the conditions
that favor the reproduction of the vector and the transmission of the
etiologic agent as well as its presence in the animal populations. On a
regional level, it participates in projects on the control and eradication
of Leishmaniasis in Central America.
Pharmacology
and Toxicology This
unit works in the study of the carcinogenic effect of the fern Pteridium
aquilinum that is suspected of contaminating cow milk. Its effects on
the development of stomach, lung and breast cancer have been proven. This
laboratory offers technical services to the nation’s dairy industry.
The
immunology unit develops projects on immunological and molecular characterization
of bacterial antigens, especially those of the Brucella genus. It
investigates the areas related to the movement and antigenic presentation
of non-protein molecules by immune cells as well as the mechanisms of
intervention by bacteria of the Brucella genus. This laboratory
offers specialized diagnostic services in brucelosis as well as technical
expertise in the production and management of biologics, vaccinations and
immunological diagnosis.
This
unit develops projects on the epidemiology of the viral diseases that
affect cattle in Costa Rica. One such project deals with the role of the
anthropods in the transmission of stomatitis vesicular as well as diarrhea-causing
viruses such as bovine coronoavirus. It also works on the isolation and characterization
of animal retroviruses, especially bovine leucosis, bovine
immunodeficiency and caprine encephalitis. The laboratory offers a
diagnostic service which covers a wide range of viral etiological agents.
This
unit develops projects on toxocara, neurocisticercosis, Leishmaniasis and
Chagas disease. Current research is focused on two Leishmaniasis projects;
one in the Dry Pacific region of Costa Rica on visceral Leishmaniasis and
the other in the canton of Acosta on cutanea Leishmaniasis
(“papalomoyo”). This laboratory offers diagnostic services on various
parasitic diseases.
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