The Virology and Molecular Parasitology Laboratory (LVPM) of the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz) has carried out research, teaching, technological development, innovation since 1994 and contributes to the training of human resources, dedicating itself to the study of Hepatotropic viruses, of the Herpesviridae and Arbovirus family, with an emphasis on molecular biology, phylogeny, epidemiology, carcinogenesis and resistance to antivirals. 

The LVPM develops basic and applied research on viruses and parasites of public health importance: viral hepatitis (B, C and delta) herpesviridae family (herpes 1, 2, 6, 7 and Kaposi's Sarcoma, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr ), arboviruses (Zika and Dengue), trypanosoma cruzi e Leishmania sp. 

The research carried out addresses diagnosis, epidemiology, molecular, genetic and immunological characterization, evolutionary history and dissemination dynamics, investigation of mutations associated with drug resistance, carcinogenic factors and co-infections.  

In the area of ​​technological development, it stands out in the development of kit prototypes for molecular diagnosis and detection of viable parasites in Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. 

In test optimization for simultaneous detection and quantification of herpesviruses responsible for neurological manifestations, exanthematic diseases and cancer and in the evaluation of CRISPR-Cas9, LAMP, microRNA and aptamers for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. 

In the area of ​​scientific dissemination, the laboratory stands out for participating and developing didactic material for campaigns for the prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitis. 

The Laboratory, accredited for the period 2023-2028, was formerly called the Laboratory of Molecular Virology. 

Head of the Virology and Molecular Parasitology Laboratory 
Otacilio da Cruz Moreira (Curriculum lattes) 

Deputy Head of the Virology and Molecular Parasitology Laboratory 
Vanessa Salete de Paula (Curriculum lattes)