International Research Opportunity

Location:             US Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Peru

Institution:  US Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Peru

Principal Investigator:   Andres G. (Willy) Lescano, MHS, MHS, PhD

Mentoring team:  

Brief Project Summary:    

NAMRU was established in 1983 as part of a network of research laboratories of the U.S. Department of Defense, which includes four other laboratories located in Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand and Kenya. NAMRU has nine doctoral-level U.S. scientists permanently stationed in Peru and over 30 Peruvian MDs and PhDs. A staff of approximately 300 people supports all activities. Six departments conduct research: virology, parasitology, bacteriology, entomology, veterinary, and emerging infections. Research is conducted at two state-of-the-art laboratories in Lima and Iquitos supporting a broad range of activities ranging from classical microbiology to the most advanced molecular techniques available in Peru. The laboratory in Lima is the only virology bio-safety level-3 facility (BSL-3) available in the country, capable of performing isolation and serologic diagnosis on most viral pathogens.
Research at NAMRU-6 is focused on the epidemiology and pathogenesis of acute viral, parasitic and bacterial diseases. NAMRU-6 also has an active Entomology research program that studies arthropod vectors of infectious diseases and methods to improve personal protection and control measures. Research activities include basic studies of immune response and pathogenesis as well as advanced applied research to evaluate and test new vaccines, prevention and treatment modalities, diagnostics and novel insect control measures. The goal of NAMRU-6’s research and surveillance efforts is to enhance the operational readiness of U.S. forces and to improve the public health of the populations of the countries in the region.
The Department of Parasitology conducts research studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitic diseases of regional importance such as malaria, leishmaniasis, intestinal parasites, filariasis and Chagas disease. Some of our projects include:

• In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the efficacy of drugs against malaria, leishmaniasis and other parasitic diseases
• Assessment of molecular markers associated with resistance to anti-parasitic drugs
• Identification of immunological markers of disease severity in malaria, leishmaniasis and other parasitic diseases
• Determination of new vectors and reservoirs of zoonotic parasitic diseases
• Assessment of risk factors for health and safety issues in travelers
• Evaluation of the impact of humanitarian assistance programs and public health interventions
• Evaluation of strategies for research training and capacity building

Preparatory Reading / Training to be completed in advance of departure:

Special health concerns to be addressed in advance of departure (immunization, prophylaxis, etc):