Elsio Wunder

I am a trained veterinarian with extensive international research experience, focused on understanding the pathogenesis of leptospirosis. Despite the importance of leptospiral infection throughout the world, and the role of the environment and mammal host in the epidemiology of infection, little is known about the determinants of pathogenesis, which impacts diagnosis and prevention. I have more than 15 years of experience working in leptospirosis research laboratories, both in veterinary and public health settings. My experience has given me an in-depth understanding of the practical research laboratory issues as well as the challenges in the biology and pathogenesis of the disease. My PhD thesis centered on translational research applications to identify leptospiral determinants enabling the bacterium to penetrate and disseminate in the host. As part of this work, I developed and evaluated qPCR-based DNA detection assays for diagnosis and dissemination studies, improved methods for genetic transformation of Leptospira, and developed in-vitro assays that were used to determine the ability of the pathogen to cause infection, like translocation and adherence assays. My research has concentrated on the use of those skills and techniques to better understand the pathogenesis of leptospirosis and identify suitable and potential protein candidates to improve diagnostic and prevention, focused on vaccine development.