Projects – CEMPOH

OUR PROJECTS

Highlights

Tracing antibiotic resistance in the Aconcagua Basin

Funding source

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

Can songbirds spread avian flu?

Funding source

FONDECYT Research Initiation Grant 2025, National Research and Development Agency (ANID)

How a liver parasite damages its host

Funding source

FONDECYT Research Initiation Grant 2025, National Research and Development Agency (ANID)

How drought spreads in central Chile

Funding source

FONDECYT Research Initiation Grant 2025, National Research and Development Agency (ANID)

Secrets revealed through frogs' skin

Funding source

FONDECYT Initiation Grant No. 11240453

Forever chemicals: from fertilizer to crop

Funding source

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Other projects

Investigating the Role of Prominin in Fasciola hepatica Pathogenesis and Host Liver Damage

Led by Dr. Christian Hidalgo, this project seeks to characterize a protein called prominin in the parasite Fasciola hepatica, a zoonotic trematode that causes a disease known as fascioliasis (distomatosis). The overall aim of the project is to elucidate the role of prominin in the development of the parasite’s spines and stem cells, as well as its presence in host tissue. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Iniciación 2025

Understanding the role of Passeriformes in the circulation of the virus of influenza A

Led by Dr. Yanina Poblete, this project seeks to understand the role of passerines in the circulation of the influenza A virus. Its main objective is to determine whether habitat use, and the overlap between areas used by passerines and natural reservoirs of influenza A, are related to infection in passerines and to the circulation of the virus, using the Río Cruces wetland and the Valdivian forest as the study area. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Iniciación 2025

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, whose principal investigator is Dr. Rodolfo Paredes and where Dr. Christian Hidalgo is co-investigator, tissues infected by Echinococcus granulosus and Fasciola hepatica are investigated to understand the role of gamma-delta T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of cystic echinococcosis in cattle. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Regular.

Epidemiology and characterization of influenza A virus in domestic dogs and cats in central Chile

The project led by Francisca Di Pillo seeks to explore the role of pets in the epidemiology of the influenza A virus. Through semi-structured surveys of owners and the diagnosis of influenza A in pets, the project aims to establish the risk factors that influence the occurrence of influenza A in pets. Funding: Regular Research Projects – UDLA: PIR202411

Assessment of Haemosporidians in urban versus natural environments in Zonotrichia capensis

Led by Dr. Carolina Contreras, this project seeks to assess the links between physiology and the occurrence of malaria infection in Z. capensis. It explores the evolutionary and ecological bases linking health indicators and the occurrence of disease in wild species. Funding: UDLA Internal Regular Grant 2025

Presence of Escherichia coli resistant to relevant antimicrobials in surface water samples from the Batuco wetland

Led by Dr. Rodolfo Tardone, this project looks for Escherichia coli bacteria resistant to various antimicrobials in aquatic ecosystems, in order to broaden knowledge of the ecology of antimicrobial resistance in natural environments under anthropogenic impact. Funding: Regular Research Projects – UDLA: 22/44.

Distribution and molecular characterization of bacteria of the genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in dogs from different regions of Chile.

This project, whose Principal Investigator is Dr. Ignacio Troncoso, aims to characterize the distribution of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia across different regions of Chile in order to improve knowledge of these diseases. Funding: Regular Research Projects – UDLA 2025

One Health in Ibero-America and the Caribbean in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss (USCC).

This project, in which Dr. Marcela Fresno participates as a collaborator, seeks to consolidate and strengthen academic relationships that enable the exchange of scientific evidence, experiences, methodologies and technology on a range of topics related to the effects of climate change on vulnerable ecosystems, the actions to mitigate it, and its impact on environmental, animal and human health. Funding: CYTED 421RT0117.

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

In this project, led by Dr. Gemma Rojo and with Dr. Christian Hidalgo as co-investigator, the aim is to establish a wetland analysis laboratory, with a view to subsequent technology transfer and to fostering wetland conservation by the local community. Funding: FIC O’Higgins Project

Assessment of Antimicrobial Residues and Resistance Genes in Urban Wetlands: A Case Study in Santiago, Chile, under the One Health Approach

Project led by Dr. Marcela Fresno that seeks to identify antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in urban wetlands of the Santiago Metropolitan Region. Funding: Regular Research Projects 2025 – UDLA

From the wild to the backyard: Decoding the epidemiology and evolutionary journey of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in the interface of aquatic wild birds and backyard animals in central Chile

Project led by Dr. Christopher Hamilton-West, with Dr. Francisca Di Pillo as co-investigator. The project seeks to study the potential of the new H5N1 2.3.4.4b avian influenza virus to reassort with viruses of South American lineage and to spread to new animal populations, including mammals, kept in backyard production systems. Funding: FONDECYT-ANID Regular.

Assessment of Public Health Priorities and Determinants under the One Health Approach in the Municipality of Quito

As a member of the OHLAIC network, Dr. Marcela Fresno participates in this project, which seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive approach to health within the Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito through the adoption of the “Una Salud” or “One Health” approach. Funding: Municipality of the Metropolitan District of Quito / OHLAIC Network.

Antimicrobial resistance, virulence determinants and genetic profiles of Enterococcus species from poultry

Led by Dr. Leandro Cádiz, this project seeks to characterize Enterococcus strains isolated from clinical cases in poultry, in order to understand which factors contribute to the pathogenicity and resistance of Enterococcus in poultry settings. Funding: Universidad de Chile LPA012024/25.

Genetic consequences of deforestation in the Magellanic Woodpecker (Campephilus magellanicus) across its distribution in Chile

Led by Dr. Yanina Poblete, this project seeks to assess how deforestation patterns shape the genetic structure of the Magellanic woodpecker across its distribution in Chile, in order to contribute information on the vulnerability and connectivity of its populations. Funding: Regular Research Projects – UDLA: DI-41/22. Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Cornell University.

Development of an agroecological model for the control of avian coccidiosis and creation of an innovation network for its implementation in family farming.

A project in which Dr. David Pezoa is co-investigator, which seeks to develop an agroecological model for the control of avian coccidiosis and to create an innovation network for its implementation in family farming. Funding: FONTAGRO Project ATN/RF-18136-RG.