Department of Pediatrics

Molecular Parasitology Testing Unit

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The Molecular Parasitology Testing Unit is a cutting-edge research entity that tests clinical participants for parasitic infections, particularly in vaccine development. In addition to parasitological testing, the unit actively identifies clinical biomarkers associated with parasitic diseases. This critical research supports efforts in vaccine development and public health interventions.

The unit collaborates closely with the Preclinical Testing and Quality Control Units at the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. Furthermore, the unit partners with renowned institutions such as The George Washington University, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatan. These collaborations are crucial in advancing global health initiatives to control and prevent parasitic diseases.

Research Focus

  • Parasitic Disease Diagnostics: Advanced molecular assays diagnose parasitic infections in human participants, focusing on identifying parasites before and after vaccination.
  • Clinical Biomarkers: The unit is at the forefront of discovering biomarkers critical for understanding the immune response to parasitic infections.
  • Vaccine Development Support: By testing for parasitic infections and biomarkers, the unit plays a vital role in developing vaccines to prevent parasitic diseases.
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Laboratory Facilities

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Photo of Dr. Rojelio Mejia
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Unit Director, Rojelio Mejia
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The Molecular Parasitology Testing Unit, leveraging state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, operates within the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development. We provide the infrastructure to conduct advanced molecular testing and biomarker research in parasitology.

Contact Us

If you want to learn more about the Molecular Parasitology Testing Unit or collaborate with us, please contact us at rmejia@bcm.edu.