Dr.
Grijalva's Home PageMap of Ecuador
General study areas marked in Red (click to enlarge)
Page Updated on 09/25/05
Updated September 25, 2005 |
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Epidemiological, entomological, zoological and clinical studies in rural communities of Ecuador: Activities will focus on collection and analysis of biological material in the field (mobile laboratory) and further analysis of samples and data at the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory in Quito, Ecuador as well as Ohio U. laboratories in Athens. In addition, community education and development programs will be carried out. When? June 27th to July 30th 2002, following the IX Tropical Disease Workshop in Ecuador Opportunities for involvement and eligibility: Ohio University Students: Undergraduate, Graduate and Medical Students with diverse interests are encouraged to participate in the Tropical Disease Research. Faculty, staff and professionals interested in joining the program please contact to Dr. Mario Grijalva (grijalva@ohio.edu). Enrollment and participation is limited. Participants can choose to take part in one or more of the aspects of the research according with their particular interests. The estimated program fee for the 30 day program are estimated on $2,000 (Excluding international airfare). Fee includes in country travel, food and lodging expenses . Limited number of mini-travel grants might be available (contingent upon funding). See funding opportunities below.
Project Description Area
of study and population:  Two
communities with a population between 500 and 1000 inhabitants,
located in the rural area of Loja Province, in the Southern region
of Ecuador. The sampling scheme will aim to target all the
members of the community. Informed consent will be obtained
from each participant. Research will be conducted as a unlinked
study following Ohio University IRB policies and
procedures. Clinical services will be provided by local
physicians commissioned by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health to
care for the community. Community volunteers and PLAN
International staff will assist in all activities.
Specific
field activities:
Entomological survey (mosquitoes and triatomids):
Serological studies:
Other laboratory tests:
Chagas' disease Reservoir Studies
Clinical Studies: Clinical Faculty: Dr. Robert Gotfried
Community education and development :
Laboratory Activities These activities will be conducted at the Infectious Disease Research Laboratory, located in Quito, Ecuador or at the laboratories of Tropical Disease Institute faculty at Ohio University. Activities will include confirmatory serological, molecular diagnostic test (PCR), epidemiological analysis, GIS analysis, etc. Funding Opportunities for Research by Undergraduate, Graduate and Medical Students The summer Research & Scholarly Advancement Fellowship Program (see details in a pdf file)is sponsored by the College of Osteopathic Medicine. This program is specifically tailored for Phase II medical students who are interested in basic biomedical research. For more details, contact Judy Rioch by email: rioch@ohio.edu or phone: 740-593-2336. The Student Enhancement Awards are sponsored by the Ohio University Council for Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. This program assists undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, under the guidance of a faculty mentor, by providing funds for research and presentation of their research at professional conferences. The awards are based on competitive research proposals and provide funding ($6000 maximum) for up to one year. For more information visit the web site at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs: The Provost’s Undergraduate Research Fund awards up to $1500 for students conducting original research projects, creative projects, and scholarly work. The funds can be applied to research related travel, materials, or supplies. Application forms are available at www.ohio.edu/honors.
Travelers healthVaccinations and Travel Health Information CDC recommendations for travel to Ecuador will be followed.
Bed nets, insect repellent (20% DEET recommended) will used in tropical areas. Critical
Items:
Clothing:
Other:
Contact information: Mario J. Grijalva, Ph.D. |
Approximately
70% of the territory of Ecuador consists of tropical areas. The
climate and sociological-political-economic conditions of this
region predispose the population for a number of
vector-transmitted diseases, such as Chagas' disease, malaria and
dengue fever. In order to design appropriate control and
intervention strategies it is necessary to study the biology of
the vectors and reservoirs, the prevalence of disease and the
socio-economic factors that favor the spread of these maladies.
The logistical arrangements to conduct research in these
geographic areas are difficult to establish due the inadequate
infrastructure. Maximization of resources by the use of
multidisciplinary teams in combination with the involvement of
local governmental and non-governmental agencies, health care
institutions and community members are crucial for the acquisition
of useful data. However, the coupling of the research with
community education and development programs and basic health care
(provided by the local health care system) can have a major impact
in improving the health status of the people 
Geographical
Information System:
Intra-domiciliary,
peri-domiciliary and sylvatic triatomid search
Blood
collection (finger prick and venipuncture)
Microscopic
examination of fecal samples (intestinal parasites)
Physical
examination
Seminars,
discussions and round tables will be conducted with the
participation of targeted groups of community members such as
