Tuberculosis
The members of the Center actively collaborate with Dr. Carlos Martín’s research group, with the participation of Dr. Ignacio Aguiló and Santiago Uranga, in the creation of a vaccine against human tuberculosis, which is in a very advanced state of development. These experiments are carried out on mice that are located in the area with the highest level of biosafety in mice. They have the active collaboration of the Centre’s staff in their work, which has been reflected in scientific publications.
Vectorial Diseases
Another line of research that is also developed at the Center is the study of vectorial diseases transmitted by different species of mosquitoes. Among these, Blue Tongue, a viral disease affecting ruminants of great importance for animal health, which has affected Spain and other European countries in the last decade and has re-emerged again. These studies are directed by Dr. Javier Lucientes, a recognized national expert on the subject and special advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture for entomological control. The other vectorial disease in which the Centre is participating is canine Leshmaniosis, directed by Dr. Juan Antonio Castillo, and whose objective is to develop a vaccine against it, in collaboration with the Centre of Molecular Biology of the CSIC in Madrid and the company CZ Veterinaria. The Centre has aspecial facility for mosquitoes built with the financial support of projects and contracts aimed at financing these lines of research.
Toxoplasmosis
Studies have begun at the Centre on the capacity of transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, a pathogenic protozoan shared by animals and people, through meat products, for which Dr. Susana Bayarri and Dr. María Jesús Gracia are responsible.