Helena Santos

Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Brazil

I hold a B.Sc in Biomedical Science from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Prior to joining the master’s program, I worked in a clinical laboratory and I received a specialization degree in Clinical Pathology at Federal Fluminense University. My master\'s degree was in Pathology at the Federal Fluminense University, whereas my Ph.D. in science (Microbiology) was completed at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. I gained additional experience through a doctoral internship in the molecular parasitology Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, USA. I have 14 years of research experience, in which I gained expertise in traditional diagnostic parasitology, survey epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections, in vitro culture protozoan culture and development of molecular methods. My diagnostic test development went hand in hand with epidemiologic surveys and involved PCR/sequencing, real-time PCR and PCR/System LUMINEX, as well as antigen detection. I have a decade’s experience in intestinal parasite research. This started when I was a master’s fellow evaluating a Multiplex-PCR for detection and differentiation of E. histolytica from E. dispar. Thereafter, I developed a monoclonal antibody directed against E. histolytica and experimental amoebic liver abscess in hamsters. In my Ph.D., I applied molecular techniques and innovative multiplex in the differential diagnosis of species of ameba using PCR/sequencing as well as real-time PCR and PCR/System LUMINEX. I work at FIOCRUZ, where I started to field with Blastocystis molecular diversity in human and animal populations, and conduct research with intestinal parasite mainly, Trichomonadids, Entamoeba spp, free-living amoeba Giardia, and Balantidium coli. My research focused on molecular parasitology and diagnostic development. I teach molecular biology methods and teach on parasitology. Additionally, I am the author of articles in the field of parasitology. I am currently Head of the Laboratory of Integrated Studies in protozoology of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute/FIOCRUZ and vice curator of the FIOCRUZ protozoan collection. I am also an undergraduate student in systems analysis and development.

Helena Santos

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