The Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Vectors (LBMPV) of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz) has been dedicated for more than 40 years to the study of parasitic protozoa and the interactions of pathogens with their insect vectors, with emphasis on Leishmania and sandflies. 

With recognition from the national and international scientific community for advances in areas such as innate immune responses of insects against infection by Leishmania and other pathogens, the Laboratory has contributed significantly to the knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the transmission and control of leishmaniasis and other neglected diseases. 

This information has been the basis for proposing and executing projects with a more applied nature, such as the development of transmission blocking vaccines, the use of Wolbachia, the paratransgenic manipulation of intestinal commensals of vectors and the study of entomopathogenic fungi. 

It is one of the few laboratories in the world with sandfly colonies. 

In addition, the Laboratory develops research on mosquitoes that transmit malaria and also participated in the development of a kit for the diagnosis of Covid-19.

Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Vectors 
Antonio Jorge Tempone (Curriculum lattes) 

Deputy head of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Vectors 
André Nobrega Pitaluga (Curriculum lattes)