Tropical diseases, like silent intruders, have left their mark on vulnerable communities, leaving visible and invisible scars. From Santander, a group of scientists has taken on the role of guardians, determined to unravel the secrets of these often microscopic enemies.
At the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), for more than 30 years, the Center for Research in Tropical Diseases (CINTROP) has combined innovation, commitment and knowledge to offer solutions that not only heal bodies, but also transform lives and strengthen communities.
From its laboratories, the members of CINTROP have not only developed tools for the control and diagnosis of tropical diseases, but have also contributed to the scientific development of the country with nine patents and hundreds of publications in international journals.
A constantly evolving legacy of science
“CINTROP began with research on Chagas disease, and over time we expanded our focus to other pathologies, such as dengue and leishmaniasis,” explains Jonny Edward Duque Luna, professor of Medicine at UIS and director of the group. This growth has not been linear, but the result of adapting to the changing needs of the communities and the epidemiological challenges of the country. “In recent years, we have incorporated diseases that are not necessarily vector-borne, thanks to the integration of new members with different specialties,” he adds.
Currently, CINTROP is composed of four senior professors, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students, and even postdoctoral researchers. Its members also include Fernando Rodríguez, Patricia Escobar and Bladimiro Rincón Orozco, three academics who have diversified the group’s lines of research.
“The research work we do here always has a practical component,” Duque points out. “We have developed projects ranging from designing traps to control vectors to implementing rapid diagnostic systems that can be used in communities with limited resources.”
Advances in technological innovation
One of CINTROP’s pillars is the creation of practical and affordable solutions to combat tropical diseases. Luis Alejandro Ortiz, biologist and research assistant, is behind one of the group’s most recent innovations and perhaps one of the most important and practical ones created so far. “I designed a device capable of detecting the parasite that causes Chagas disease using CRISPR-Cas technology. This system is not only highly sensitive, but also portable and inexpensive, making it ideal for use in rural communities,” explains Ortiz.
This technology, which uses blue light to activate a fluorescent reporter and allows results to be measured with a simple cell phone, puts CINTROP at the scientific forefront. According to Ortiz, only two other laboratories in the world are applying similar methods. “It is a source of pride to know that we are competing at the same level as renowned international institutions,” he says.
The innovative approach has also led to the development of technologies aimed at the community, such as vector traps that can be installed and operated directly by the inhabitants of the affected areas, oils and repellents against these vectors, and studies of ticks to learn how to attack them, among other issues. “Before, the traps relied on live bait, which complicated their implementation,” says Duque. “Now we have patented simpler and more effective traps, which anyone can use to reduce the risk of disease transmission.”
An impact that transcends the laboratory
Beyond its technological advances, CINTROP has had a direct impact on communities. “Whenever we develop a project, we take it to the affected areas and offer recommendations to reduce risks,” explains Duque. For example, in areas where dengue is prevalent, the team has trained residents to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group took a leading role in monitoring genetic variants of the virus in Colombia. Bladimiro Rincón Orozco, one of the leading researchers in this effort, who directs the Laboratory for the Study of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, details how his lab was key to making public health decisions. “We were the first to initiate genomic sequencing in the country, which helped determine which variants were circulating and to guide vaccination and restriction management policies,” he says.
Epidemiological surveillance work has not stopped with the end of the pandemic. Currently, the group collaborates with international institutions to monitor emerging and re-emerging diseases such as dengue, Zika and Oropouche virus. “We are working on an observatory to track these diseases in real time, with a special focus on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children,” adds Rincón.
Training of talent and generation of knowledge
In addition to its impact on public health, CINTROP stands out as a hotbed of scientific talent. “Many of our students have continued their careers at internationally renowned institutions. Some even return as PhDs to contribute to the country,” says Duque. This focus on comprehensive training has been made possible by access to state-of-the-art equipment and an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Laura María Chaparro, a master’s student, emphasizes the importance of the infrastructure available at CINTROP. “We have an experimental model to evaluate therapeutic alternatives against cutaneous leishmaniasis. We also have specialized areas for formulations and cell cultures, which allows us to take our studies from the initial phase to in vivo testing,” she explains.
Challenges and prospects
Despite its many achievements, CINTROP faces significant challenges, especially in terms of funding. “Scientific research in Colombia is going through a critical moment. The lack of resources limits our ability to initiate new projects,” warns Duque. However, the team remains optimistic about the future. “We have the support of the university and international collaborators. We believe we can overcome this stage and continue to generate impact,” he concludes.
For Ortiz, being part of CINTROP is more than a job: “It is a place where I can do what I am passionate about, contribute real solutions and be part of a group that is changing lives.”
An enduring legacy
With nine patents, more than 250 publications and an international collaboration network, CINTROP is an example of how science can transform realities. As Duque sums it up: “Our work is not only measured in immediate results, but in the legacy we leave in the communities, in the students and in science itself. This is something that will last beyond us”.
Since its foundation, CINTROP has demonstrated that it is possible to do world-class science from a region like Santander. Thanks to the commitment of its team and the support of the UIS, this research group continues to lead the way in the fight against tropical diseases, with the hope of building a healthier future for all.
