Fiocruz in Antarctica – health and environmental surveillance facing the challenges of the 21st century

Abstract FioAntar, FIOCRUZ’s research project in Antarctica, is based on the One Health approach. FioAntar aims to generate relevant information that will help reduce the risk of future pandemics and improve the search for chemical compounds and new biological molecules. After four expeditions to An...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
Main Authors: MARTHA BRANDÃO, LÚCIA MARQUES, ROBERTO V. VILLELA, LUCIANA TRILLES, ADRIANA VIVONI, MARILDA SIQUEIRA, MARIA OGRZEWALSKA, HARRISSON M. GOMES, LUCAS MOREIRA, MAITHE G.P. MAGALHÃES, TATIANA PRADO, THIAGO E. PARENTE, GABRIELA F. DUARTE, MATHEUS CRUZ, MARIZE MIAGOSTOVICH, MARCIA CHAME, SANDRA P. SOARES, WIM DEGRAVE
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2024
Subjects:
Microorganisms
One health
Pathogens
Risk analysis
Surveillance
Science
Q
Antarc*
Antarctica
South Shetland Islands
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202420230742
https://doaj.org/article/5d7660ce6f4a475d88a9fa00edd67af7
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Summary:Abstract FioAntar, FIOCRUZ’s research project in Antarctica, is based on the One Health approach. FioAntar aims to generate relevant information that will help reduce the risk of future pandemics and improve the search for chemical compounds and new biological molecules. After four expeditions to Antarctica under the scope of PROANTAR, Fiocruz has identified Influenza H11N2 virus in environmental fecal samples, as well as Histoplasma capsulatum and Bacillus cereus in soil samples. In addition, in a prospective virome analysis from different lakes in the South Shetland Islands, six viral orders were described, supporting future research related to the biodiversity and viral ecology in this extreme ecosystem. Our findings of environmental pathogens of public health importance are a warning about the urgency of establishing a surveillance agenda on zoonoses in Antarctica due to the imminent risks that ongoing environmental and climate changes impose on human health across the planet. FioAntar strives to establish a comprehensive surveillance program across Antarctica, monitoring circulation of pathogens with the potential to transcend continent boundaries, thereby mitigating potential spread. For Fiocruz, Antarctica signifies a new frontier, teeming with opportunities to explore novel techniques, refine established methodologies, and cultivate invaluable knowledge.

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