School of Microbiology

Z7_NQ5E12C0LOF160QDKRNCOGGJA1

Research group

Spanish

Environmental Microbiology

Academic Unit: School of Microbiology

Colombian Ministry of Science

A

Call

894 GrupLAC

OECD

Area

Medical and health sciences

Subarea

Health sciences

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Strategic Focus

Mission: The Environmental Microbiology group seeks to generate knowledge through research to establish the relationship of microorganisms and larger organisms with the environment, whose purpose is to contribute to the care of the environment and the improvement of the quality of life of the human being.

Issues to be impacted:

Aerobiology in Colombia created the need to understand the importance of undertaking preventive measures against aeroallergens. To achieve this, it is necessary to carry out projects that allow identifying in the atmosphere (troposphere) the biological components: pollen, microorganisms, and the epidemiology of associated diseases. From the development, the growth of cities

and the increased demand for water and renewed aquatic systems, GMA carries out research and the application of new technologies in the processes of recovery of aquatic ecosystems based on studies of the Microbiology of Water, taking into account how microorganisms can play an important role in the production and balance of carbon, together with their biotechnological potential.

Research Lines and/or Areas

Aerobiology
Microbial ecology
Bacteria and their metabolic products for industral and environmental purposes
Mycology
Parasites and the environment
Viruses and the environment

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Group Coordinator

Astrid Milena Bedoya

Master’s degree and PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences

Universidad de Antioquia

Coordinator's Email

milena.bedoya@udea.edu.co

Research Group Email

microbiologiaambiental@udea.edu.co

Scientific Cooperation

Collaborative Relationships

Cellular and Molecular Biology from ICB (Biological Research Corporation by its Spanish acronym).
Plant Health Research Group
Immunomodulation
Ruminal and Silvopastoral Biotechnology "BIORUM"
Parasitology group, Universidad de Antioquia
Study and Control of Tropical Diseases program

Environmental Management and Modelling Research Group (GAIA)
Soil Microbiology
Microbiology and environment research group
Botanical studies group
Parasitology and allergy group. University of the Basque Country. Spain.

Highlighted Projects

Strengthening of Science and Technology installed capacities, through a Regional Network of Laboratories, to address problems associated with biological agents of high risk to human health in the Department of Antioquia. 2020/8 to date.
A variable of atmospheric quality for a city with a high level of pollution: aerobiological study of the atmosphere of Medellín and determination of the immunoreactivity of its main bioparticles. 2019/5 to date.
Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in individuals participating in the comprehensive care program for patients with HIV infection in Medellín. 2019/3 to date.
Completion of the reference genome of isolated C. hominis UdeA01. 2019/6 to date.

Key Research Findings

It was published in a specialized magazine: Comparative genomic analysis of the principal Cryptosporidium species that infect humans. DOI:10.7717/peerj.10478
It was published in a specialized magazine: Contrasting microbiota profiles observed in children carrying either Blastocystis spp. or the commensal amoebas Entamoeba coli or Endolimax nana. DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-72286-y.
It was published in a specialized magazine: Seroprevalence of the Hepatitis E virus in individuals living with HIV and who are part of the comprehensive care program for patients with this infection in Medellín. ISSN: 0121-0793
It was published in a specialized magazine: Mystery unveiled: Diacanthodes Singer - a lineage within the core polyporoid clade.DOI:10.1080/14772000.2020.1776784

Services and/or Products Portfolio

Advice on microbiological quality of air and surfaces.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of methodologies for the disinfection of environments and surfaces.
Identification of microorganisms by macro and micromorphological characteristics (identification supported by molecular biology techniques will be implemented).