One Health Modeling and Perspective Center

CEMPOH of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy, Universidad de Las Américas

Our purpose is to develop interdisciplinary research that addresses emerging challenges related to human, animal and environmental health, advancing the understanding and promotion of global health.

Research

Research into the drivers that affect human, animal and environmental health, aimed at improving preparedness and response to health emergencies.

Outreach

Science communication to promote a culture of global health among the public.

WHAT WE DO

Here are some of our latest projects

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We study the health of Chilean frogs, sentinels of the environment

What frog skin tells us.

We study the skin of Chilean frogs and its protective bacteria to understand how human activity, invasive species and disease affect their health.
Funding: FONDECYT Initiation Grant No. 11240453.

We map pollution and antimicrobial resistance in the Aconcagua River

Tracing antimicrobials along the river.

We analyze water, sediments and wild birds from the Aconcagua to identify where antimicrobials, metals and resistant bacteria accumulate, and why.

Funding: FONDECYT Research Initiation Grant 2026, National Research and Development Agency (ANID).

We assess how antimicrobials from the city reach an urban wetland

From wastewater to wetland.

We measure antimicrobials and resistance genes in the Mapocho River and the Trapiche wetland to find out what persists after wastewater treatment.

Funding: Regular Research Project Competitive Fund 2025, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA).

PUBLICATIONS

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Functional and biochemical characterization of a putative antibacterial type six secretion system effector of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella Dublin

This project, led by Dr. David Pezoa, aims to functionally and biochemically characterize a type six secretion system (T6SS) effector of Salmonella Dublin and to understand its role in infection and bacterial competition. This will expand knowledge of Salmonella virulence and contribute to new food safety strategies. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Initiation

Granulomatous response led by Gamma delta (gd) T cells against cattle non-fertile Cystic Echinococcosis cyst is disrupted by Fasciola hepatica natural co-infection

In this project, led by principal investigator Dr. Rodolfo Paredes with Dr. Christian Hidalgo as co-investigator, tissues infected with Echinococcus granulosus and Fasciola hepatica are examined to evaluate the innate and adaptive immune response from a histological perspective. The project seeks to understand the role of gamma-delta T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of cystic echinococcosis in cattle. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Regular 1231620.

Wetland Ecosystems Laboratory Transfer: Development of sustainable biotechnological applications for the O’Higgins Region

Led by Dr. Gemma Rojo, with Dr. Christian Hidalgo as co-investigator, this project establishes a wetland analysis laboratory so that the local community can take part in wetland conservation. Hidalgo studies snails to assess the presence of trematode parasites as an indicator of wetland health. Funding: FIC O’Higgins Project.

Risk-taking behavior relates to oxidative status and Haemosporidian infection in Zonotrichia capensis

This project, stemming from Dr. Yanina Poblete’s postdoctoral research, aims to assess whether risk-taking behavior is associated with malaria infection and whether this relationship affects the oxidative status of wild birds.

Genomic characterization of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from birds from commercial farms and identification of antigens as possible components that could be part of a preventive therapy

This project, led by principal investigator Dr. Leandro Cádiz, aims to characterize the genome of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from poultry…

Oral subunit vaccine against Salmonella Infantis, S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium for broiler chicks: innovation in the functionalization of carrier particles to improve mucosal and systemic immunity

A FONDEF project that aims to develop a product that improves the protection of broiler chickens against three serovars of Salmonella enterica through oral administration.

Characterization and Abundance of Plasmid-Dependent Alphatectivirus Bacteriophages

Parra, B., Lutz, V.T., Brøndsted, L. et al. (2024) Microb Ecol 87, 85

Perceptions of health and ecosystem risks from free-roaming domestic animals in Mediterranean wetlands: One health perspective

Poblete Y, Bidegain I, Pillo FD, Fresno M,
Salazar C, Palma T, and Jiménez R (2024). Int. J. One Health, 10(2): 183–195.

Inventario de aves en dos humedales urbanos de Temuco (Chile): una base para el monitoreo de especies.

Tardone, R. A., Pincheira-Ulbrich, J. M., & Alarcón, X. X. (2024). Neotropica, 24, e20231585.

TALKS

We visit schools and educational centers and give talks on One Health topics chosen by the organizations that request them.

WORKSHOPS

We organize workshops for higher education students and professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of One Health topics.

SEMINARS

We organize seminars with national and international experts, open to the whole community, to share One Health knowledge and practices.