Since 2013, I develop Research in Public and Wildlife Health at Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), attached to the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the most prominent science and technology health institution in Latin America.
With an emphasis on Animal Evolution, my endeavors in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology led me to the following topics: Evolution, Coevolution, Molecular Systematics, Phylogeography, and Cytogenetics.
I contribute to the development of Scientific Research in inhospitable environments through unconventional abilities such as Speleology, Rock and Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, High Altitude Mountaineering, and Scuba Diving, passions that started in 1991.
EDUCATION
PhD in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (2010), MSc in Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (2005) and BSc in Biological Sciences (2001), all from the University of São Paulo (USP).
New morphological features and phylogenetic insights of Dioctophyme renale from wild carnivores and a domestic dog in South America Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes, Arnaldo Maldonado, Natalie Olifiers, Cecilia Bueno, Roberto do Val Vilela, Raquel de Oliveira Simões, Melissa Carvalho Machado do Couto Chambarelli, Kildare Miranda, Eduardo José Lopes-Torres International Journal for Parasitology Parasites and Wildlife, 2026 Dioctophyme renale (Nematoda: Dioctophymidae) is a globally distributed monotypic nematode species of significant zoonotic relevance. This parasite infects a broad range of mammalian hosts, including wild and domestic carnivores, as well as humans. In Brazil, infections have been reported in both domestic and wild animals, although morphological and molecular data remain limited. This gap, combined with its zoonotic potential, highlights the need for further research. The present study provides an integrative taxonomic description of D. renale specimens recovered from mammals in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome, including 22 wild carnivores that were roadkill victims and one domestic dog. This highly urbanized biome is considered a conservation hotspot. A total of 68 nematodes were recovered from the maned wolf ( Chrysocyon brachyurus ), brown-nosed coati ( Nasua nasua ), lesser grison ( Galictis cuja ), and one domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ). These wild species, affected by deforestation and roadkill, are increasingly exposed to humans and domestic dogs. Ultrastructural analyses revealed novel morphological features relevant to species diagnosis, including five cephalic papillae in the lateral field and distinctive details on the ventral surface of the copulatory bursa. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 18S rRNA gene placed D. renale into two well-supported clades differentiated by geographic region, whereas the mitochondrial COI marker grouped Brazilian samples within a South American clade alongside sequences from Argentina and Peru, suggesting genetic structuring driven by geography rather than host species. A more comprehensive understanding of this structuring will require broader sampling across hosts and localities. The novel morphological traits identified herein, together with molecular data, refine the species diagnosis and provide new insights into the phylogeny of D. renale , contributing to the understanding of genetic diversity within the genus. • DNA evidence uncovers a distinct South American lineage of D. renale • Wild and domestic carnivores share the same zoonotic D. renale strain • Zoonotic helminth transmission links wild and domestic carnivores • Integrative taxonomy reveals new morphological traits
Exposure Without Active Infection: Surveillance of Influenza A Viruses and Coronaviruses in Antarctic Seabirds Jennifer Oliveira Melo, Leonardo Corrêa da Silva Junior, Martha Lima Brandão, Bruno Rocha Pribul, Luciana Trilles, Roberto do Val Vilela, Dilmara Reischak, Marilda M. Siqueira, Paola Cristina Resende, Maria Ogrzewalska Viruses, 2026 Understanding the circulation of influenza A viruses and other respiratory pathogens in Antarctic wildlife is essential for anticipating outbreaks and evaluating potential impacts on vulnerable populations. During the austral summer of December 2024 and January 2025, we conducted viral surveillance in six bird species breeding at Lions Rump, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. A total of 199 individuals were sampled, including Pygoscelis papua (gentoo penguin; n = 81), Pygoscelis adeliae (Adélie penguin; n = 79), Pygoscelis antarcticus (chinstrap penguin; n = 34), Stercorarius antarcticus (brown skua; n = 2), Chionis albus (snowy sheathbill; n = 2), and Eudyptes chrysolophus (macaroni penguin; n = 1). All cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs tested negative for influenza A viruses and coronaviruses by RT-PCR. Blood samples from 177 birds were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which detected influenza A virus antibodies in 20 individuals (11.3%). Hemagglutination inhibition assays identified subtypes H6 and H11 in two penguins and H1, H5, H6, and H9 in one skua. These findings reveal no evidence of active viral infection during the sampling period but provide serological evidence of past exposure in seabird populations at Lions Rump. Continued surveillance is essential to characterize viral dynamics in Antarctic ecosystems and to support early detection and preparedness for potential incursions of emerging high-pathogenicity influenza A viruses.
Phenotypic Variation Patterns in Oecomys catherinae (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae): Craniodental Morphometric Analysis and Its Relationship with Latitudinal Variation in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado Biomes Paola Santos da Mata, Thiago dos Santos Cardoso, Cibele Rodrigues Bonvicino, Roberto do Val Vilela Animals, 2025 The arboreal rodent Oecomys catherinae, which has a wide geographic distribution across Brazilian biomes, provides a model for investigating environmental influences on morphological variation. We assessed craniodental differences between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes, as well as along latitudinal gradients, using 45 specimens from 18 localities. Linear morphometric analyses (21 measurements) revealed no significant sexual dimorphism, allowing for pooled analyses. Principal Component Discriminant Analysis (DAPC) confirmed significant morphological divergence between biomes (72% accuracy, p < 0.01). We identified bony palate length (BPL) as the most discriminating variable, with higher values in the Atlantic Forest, suggesting a possible dietary adaptation in response to ecological pressures. Latitudinal effects were modest (adjusted R2 = 0.05) although significant (F1,43 = 3.63; p = 0.03), with southern populations exhibiting larger cranial dimensions than northern ones. We conclude that biome type and latitude played important roles in shaping cranial morphology in O. catherinae populations.
Praziquantel effect on genetic diversity of wild rodent-derived Schistosoma mansoni in experimentally infected mice Thayná Couto de Barros, Roberto do Val Vilela, Rosana Gentile, Karina Varella, Juberlan Silva Garcia, Thiago dos Santos Cardoso, Beatriz Elise de Andrade-Silva, Aline dos Santos Moreira, Beatriz de Lima Alessio Müller, Alexandre Araujo Cunha dos Santos, Daiani Cotrim de Paiva Campbell, Arnaldo Maldonado Júnior Experimental Parasitology, 2025 Praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating schistosomiasis, raising concerns about potential resistance. Frequent use of PZQ may reduce the genetic diversity of Schistosoma mansoni , affecting its adaptability and survival. The objective of this study was to test the impact of Praziquantel treatment and population bottlenecks on the genetic diversity of S. mansoni by experimental infection using a wild strain isolated from naturally infected rodents. Experimental infections were conducted in outbred mice, which were infected with 120 cercariae, and treated with two different doses of PZQ (3× 150 mg/kg and 3× 300 mg/kg) at 50, 51, and 52 days post-exposure, and necropsied 15 days later. Microsatellites and MT-CO1 were used as molecular markers. An 85.5% reduction in parasite load (p = 0.04) was observed after 300 mg/kg PZQ treatment, with greater efficacy in male worms. MT-CO1 analysis identified two haplotypes differing by one polymorphic site, with one haplotype representing 84.2% of the population. Low genetic differentiation was observed for MT-CO1. All seven microsatellite loci studied exhibited polymorphisms, with 3 to 7 alleles per locus. Praziquantel treatment caused population bottleneck, reduced genetic variability in both dosage groups: IT150 (R ST = 0.14043, p = 0.000) and IT300 (R ST = 0.13610, p = 0.005), and eliminated alleles with low initial frequencies. We concluded that microsatellite markers showed genetic differentiation with elimination of rare alleles, confirming the genetic bottleneck effect due to treatment with PZQ. • Praziquantel experimental treatment at the tested doses alters the genetic diversity of the S. mansoni rodent population potentially influencing parasite susceptibility and transmission dynamics. • Microsatellite markers indicated a bottleneck effect on the S. mansoni population, with genetic differentiation between the treated and non-treated groups. • The treated groups exhibited loss of rare allele and a decrease in the frequencies of the remaining allele.
Host diversity mediates the influence of landscape structure on parasite communities in Cerrado agricultural landscapes Wanderson Siqueira Teles, André Luis Regolin, Beatriz Elise de Andrade‐Silva, Arnaldo Maldonado Junior, Roberto do Val Vilela, Karen Borges‐Almeida, Marcio Junior Pereira, Matheus Lima Araujo, Rosane Garcia Collevatti Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2025 Parasites are key elements in ecosystem functioning owing to their role in hosts’ population dynamics and abundance, regulation stabilizing trophic networks, and shaping community structure. Landscape changes can affect parasite communities because of changes in suitable microhabitats and on hosts’ community structure. In the Brazilian Cerrado, no study has so far analyzed the effects of intensive agricultural landscaping on helminth parasites of mammals. Here, we fill this knowledge gap, addressing the effects of landscape structure and the Sigmodontinae host's community structure on the richness and abundance of helminth parasites in agricultural landscapes. Using structural equation models, we found that the parasites’ richness and abundance are determined mainly by the rodent hosts’ community structure and are only indirectly affected by landscape structure. We found no direct effect of habitat fragmentation, habitat amount, and landscape compositional heterogeneity on the richness and abundance of helminth parasites, but they directly affected the hosts’ community. Moreover, we found no difference in both the host's and parasite's richness and abundance between crop growing and fallow seasons. Our results show that efforts to preserve helminth parasites may comprise landscape conservation strategies that preserve the biodiversity of the rodent hosts, including conservation and restoration of vegetation remnants at the landscape level.
Range extension of the endangered rodent Rhipidomys tribei (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in Southeastern Brazil Roberto do Val Vilela, Maria C. S. Ribeiro, Rayque de O. Lanes, Bernardo R. Teixeira, Tatiana P. T. de Freitas, Marcelo Weksler, Cibele R. Bonvicino Zoologia, 2025 The arboreal rodent Rhipidomys tribei Costa, Geise, Pereira & Costa, 2011, which is endemic to Southeast Brazil, is a sparsely documented species, with only five confirmed published records, mainly in the mountainous areas of the Atlantic Forest and the transitional semi-deciduous zones adjacent to the Cerrado biome. We report a new locality for R. tribei within the Itatiaia National Park, in the municipality of Itatiaia, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, within the Mantiqueira Mountains range, where we captured six individuals. This discovery significantly expands the known geographic range of this rare and endangered species. Taxonomic identification was confirmed by cytogenetic and mitochondrial cytochrome b gene analyses. Our results support the Meridional Mantiqueira Mountains as a new habitat for R. tribei, extending its range approximately 300 km southward into Rio de Janeiro. This identification is significant because R. tribei remains unrecorded in the neighboring lowlands and Serra do Mar Mountains, where its sister species, Rhipidomys itoan Costa, Geise, Pereira & Costa, 2011, is found.
Genetic analysis of Schistosoma mansoni in a low-transmission area in Brazil suggests population sharing between wild-hosts and humans and geographical isolation Karina Varella, Rosana Gentile, Roberto do Val Vilela, Silvana Carvalho Thiengo, Aline dos Santos Moreira, José Roberto Machado-Silva, Thiago dos Santos Cardoso, Sócrates Fraga da Costa-Neto, Beatriz de Lima Alessio Müller, Alexandre Araujo Cunha dos Santos, Arnaldo Maldonado Junior Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2025 Background The fluke Schistosoma mansoni is the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, and remains prevalent in certain regions of Brazil. In the municipality of Sumidouro, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a low-endemic area for S. mansoni, water rats (Nectomys squamipes) are naturally infected by this trematode. The S. mansoni populations infecting humans and water-rats in Sumidouro exhibit distinct patterns of cercarial emergence (chronotypes) and phenotypic differences between hosts. Previous studies have shown that the adaptation of S. mansoni populations to human hosts (diurnal chronotype) and water rats (nocturnal chronotype) could result in prezygotic isolation. To test this hypothesis, we employed the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (MT-CO1) and microsatellite loci as genetic markers. Principal findings We assessed the population structure between the definitive host species and geographically distant isolates collected from two endemic localities (Pamparrão–PAM and Encanto-Soledade–ENC-SOL) in Sumidouro. Additionally, we evaluated the phylogenetic relationships between S. mansoni from Sumidouro and those from other countries. Five haplotypes of the MT-CO1 gene were identified, with haplotypes 3 and 4 exclusive to ENC-SOL, and haplotypes 1, 2, and 3 were shared between humans and water rats. Haplotype 1 was also shared with other Brazilian localities, South American countries and a single locality in West Africa. The remaining haplotypes were exclusive to Sumidouro, indicating local genetic diversity. Population structure analysis revealed no genetic differentiation associated with host species but rather geographical structuring, probably due to the sedentary habits of rodents and the limited movement of humans between localities. This finding indicates that S. mansoni populations with different chronotypes are not genetically isolated and that significant gene flow occurs between them. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings confirm that wild rodents contribute to the maintenance of the S. mansoni life cycle in Sumidouro and can serve as indicators of local transmission hotspots.
New species of the genus Alippistrongylus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina) parasitic in Delomys dorsalis (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil D. Sá Lemes, B.E. de Andrade Silva, A. Maldonado, R.V. Vilela, J.L. Luque, R. de Oliveira Simões Journal of Helminthology, 2024 We describe a new species of the genus Alippistrongylus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina) in the small intestine of Delomys dorsalis (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) found in Itatiaia National Park (Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, PNI), state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished between the other two species previously described by the following morphological characteristics: pattern of the rays from the caudal bursa rays in males and the spherical-shaped appendage in the female. Additionally, we provide molecular genetic data from the new species. The discovery of Alippistrongylus itatiaiaensis sp. n. expands our understanding of nematode diversity and underscores the importance of parasite studies in biodiversity conservation. Its occurrence in a preserved area like the PNI emphasises the role of such habitats in maintaining unique ecological interactions.
Helminth community structure of the white-bellied woolly mouse opossum Marmosa constantiae Thomas, 1904 in Central-West Brazil B.E. de Andrade-Silva, T. dos Santos Cardoso, R. do Val Vilela, R. de Campos Pacheco, R.V. Rossi, R.F.B de Mendonça, A. Maldonado Júnior, R. Gentile Journal of Helminthology, 2023 Marmosa constantiae is a species of marsupial restricted to the central portion of South America. In Brazil, it occurs in the northwestern region including five states of the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal biomes. However, there is no study of the helminth fauna or helminth community structure for this marsupial. The aims of this study were to describe the species composition and to analyse the structure of the helminthic community of M. constantiae in an area of the Amazon Arc in Sinop, north of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Parasites were searched in 53 specimens of this marsupial, among which 44 were infected with at least one helminth species. Parasitic helminths were counted and identified. Nine species were collected: seven nematodes, one cestode, and one acanthocephalan. The most abundant species were Gracilioxyuris agilisis, Travassostrongylus scheibelorum, Pterygodermatites sinopiensis, and Subulura eliseae. These species were the only dominant ones in the component community. No significant differences were observed in the abundance and prevalence of helminths between male and female hosts. Host body size significantly influenced helminth abundance in males. The pattern of community structure considering the infracommunities in this locality indicated more species replacement than species loss along the environmental gradient. This is the first study to report the helminth fauna and the helminth community structure of M. constantiae.
In the Dawn of an Early Invasion: No Genetic Diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Ecuador? Luis Solórzano Álava, Cesar Bedoya Pilozo, Hilda Hernandez Alvarez, Lazara Rojas Rivera, Misladys Rodriguez Ortega, Jorge Fraga Nodarse, Leandro de Mattos Pereira, Raquel de Oliveira Simões, Roberto do Val Vilela Pathogens, 2023 The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been reported worldwide. However, some basic questions remain unanswered about A. cantonensis in Ecuador: (1) Was the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador unique, or did it occur in different waves? (2) Was this invasion as recent as historical records suggest? (3) Did this invasion come from other regions of South America or elsewhere? To address these issues, we assessed the genetic diversity of MT-CO1 gene sequences from isolates obtained in 11 of Ecuador’s 24 provinces. Our Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree recovered A. cantonensis as a well-supported monophyletic group. All 11 sequences from Ecuador were identical and identified as AC17a. The haplotype AC17a, found in Ecuador and the USA, formed a cluster with AC17b (USA), AC13 (Thailand), and AC12a-b (Cambodia). Notably, all the samples obtained in Ecuadorian provinces’ different geographic and climatic regions had no genetic difference. Despite the lack of genetic information on A. cantonensis in Latin America, except in Brazil, our finding differs from previous studies by its absence of gene diversity in Ecuador. We concluded that the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador may have occurred: (1) as a one-time event, (2) recently, and (3) from Asia via the USA. Further research should include samples from countries neighboring Ecuador to delve deeper into this.
A New Species of Bidigiticauda (Nematoda: Strongylida) from the Bat Artibeus Planirostris (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the Atlantic Forest and a Molecular Phylogeny of the Molineid Bat Parasites Journal of Parasitology, 2019
Mammals of the serra dos ÓrgÃos national park: Updated list of species and implications for conservation Cecilia Cronemberger, Ana Cláudia Delciellos, Camila dos Santos de Barros, Rosana Gentile, Marcelo Weksler, Alan Gerhardt Braz, Bernardo Rodrigues Teixeira, Diogo Loretto, Emmanuel Messias Vilar, Fabiane Aguiar Pereira, Jayme Roberto Cirilo dos Santos, Lena Geise, Luciana Guedes Pereira, Marcia Aguieiras, Marcus Vinícius Vieira, Pedro Cordeiro Estrela, Raquel Batista Junger, Reginaldo dos Santos Honorato, Ricardo Moratelli, Roberto do Val Vilela, Roger Rodrigues Guimarães, Rui Cerqueira, Sócrates Fraga da Costa-Neto, Thiago dos Santos Cardoso, Jorge Luiz do Nascimento Oecologia Australis, 2019
Brazilian legislation on genetic heritage harms biodiversity convention goals and threatens basic biology research and education RUY JOSÉ V. ALVES, MARCELO WEKSLER, JOÃO A. OLIVEIRA, PAULO A. BUCKUP, JOSÉ P. POMBAL JR., HÉLCIO R.G. SANTANA, ADRIANO LÚCIO PERACCHI, ALEXANDER W.A. KELLNER, ALEXANDRE ALEIXO, ALFREDO LANGGUTH, ALZIRA MARIA P. DE ALMEIDA, ANA LUISA ALBERNAZ, CAMILA C. RIBAS, CARLA ZILBERBERG, CARLOS EDUARDO V. GRELLE, CARLOS F.D. ROCHA, CARLOS JOSÉ E. LAMAS, CÉLIO F.B. HADDAD, CIBELE R. BONVICINO, CYNTHIA P.A. PRADO, DANIELA O. DE LIMA, DENISE C. ROSSA-FERES, FABRÍCIO R. DOS SANTOS, FÁTIMA REGINA G. SALIMENA, FERNANDO A. PERINI, FLÁVIO A. BOCKMANN, FRANCISCO LUÍS FRANCO, GISELE M.L. DEL GIUDICE, GUARINO R. COLLI, IMA CÉLIA G. VIEIRA, JADER MARINHO-FILHO, JANE M.C.F. WERNECK, JORGE A.D. DOS SANTOS, JORGE LUIZ DO NASCIMENTO, JORGE LUIZ NESSIMIAN, JOSÉ LUIS P. CORDEIRO, KLEBER DEL CLARO, LEANDRO O. SALLES, LILIAN CASATTI, LUCIA HELENA R. PY-DANIEL, LUÍS FÁBIO SILVEIRA, LUÍS FELIPE TOLEDO, LUIZ F. DE OLIVEIRA, LUIZ ROBERTO MALABARBA, MARCELO D. DA SILVA, MÁRCIA S. COURI, MÁRCIO MARTINS, MARCOS D.S. TAVARES, MARCOS EDUARDO G. SOBRAL, MARCUS VINÍCIUS VIEIRA, MARIA DE LOURDES A. OLIVEIRA, MÁRIO DE PINNA, MICHAEL J.G. HOPKINS, MIRCO SOLÉ, NAÉRCIO A. MENEZES, PAULO PASSOS, PAULO SERGIO D’ANDREA, PEDRO C.E.A. PINTO, PEDRO L. VIANA, PETER M. TOLEDO, ROBERTO E. REIS, ROBERTO VILELA, ROGÉRIO P. BASTOS, ROSANE G. COLLEVATTI, RUI CERQUEIRA, SANTIAGO CASTROVIEJO-FISHER, ULISSES CARAMASCHI Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2018
First molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infection in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Nematocera) from Brazil PP da Silva, VM de Andrade Vieira, AB Borsoi, MGC da Cruz, IB Machado, ... 2026
Genomic analysis of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses from Antarctica reveals multiple introductions from South America M Ogrzewalska, RET Vanstreels, EC Pereira, E Campinas, ... Nature Communications , 2026 2026 Citations: 9
Exposure Without Active Infection: Surveillance of Influenza A Viruses and Coronaviruses in Antarctic Seabirds JO Melo, LC da Silva Junior, ML Brandão, BR Pribul, L Trilles, RV Vilela, ... Viruses 18 (2), 248 , 2026 2026
New morphological features and phylogenetic insights of Dioctophyme renale from wild carnivores and a domestic dog in South America APN Gomes, A Maldonado Jr, N Olifiers, C Bueno, R do Val Vilela, ... International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 101190 , 2026 2026
A new Platynosomoides (Trematoda: Dicrocoeliidae) parasitic in the sigmodontine rodent Akodon cursor from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, with the first molecular genetic … AJR Dias, DS Lemes, BE Andrade-Silva, RV Vilela, JLL Alejos, AM Júnior, ... Journal of Helminthology 100, e40 , 2026 2026
Assessing small mammal role in forest leptospirosis transmission TNL Damasceno, IT Balassiano, M da Silva Batista, R Neris, KES Avelar, ... Annals of Epidemiology 109, 168 , 2025 2025
A comprehensive survey of mammal collections and genetic resources in South America: challenges and directions M Weksler, G D’Elía, P Teta, AR Bolaños, A Bocchiglieri, A Delfraro, ... Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 146 (1), blaf069 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Genetic analysis of Schistosoma mansoni in a low-transmission area in Brazil suggests population sharing between wild-hosts and humans and geographical … K Varella, R Gentile, RV Vilela, SC Thiengo, A dos Santos Moreira, ... PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 19 (8), e0013379 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Phenotypic Variation Patterns in Oecomys catherinae (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae): Craniodental Morphometric Analysis and Its Relationship with Latitudinal … PS Mata, TS Cardoso, CR Bonvicino, RV Vilela Animals 15 (15), 2200 , 2025 2025
Praziquantel effect on genetic diversity of wild rodent-derived Schistosoma mansoni in experimentally infected mice TC de Barros, R do Val Vilela, R Gentile, K Varella, JS Garcia, ... Experimental Parasitology 274, 108963 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Range extension of the endangered rodent Rhipidomys tribei (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in Southeastern Brazil RV Vilela, M Ribeiro, RO Lanes, BR Teixeira, T Freitas, M Weksler, ... Zoologia (Curitiba) 42, e24057 , 2025 2025
Host diversity mediates the influence of landscape structure on parasite communities in Cerrado agricultural landscapes WS Teles, AL Regolin, BE de Andrade‐Silva, A Maldonado Junior, ... Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1545 (1), 105-115 , 2025 2025
High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b recovered from a kelp gull ( Larus dominicanus ) in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica M Ogrzewalska, EC Pereira, RET Vanstreels, E Campista, ... bioRxiv, 2024.12. 29.630510 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Schistosoma mansoni population genetics in Brazil revealed sharing of wild-host and human strains and geographical structure KV ARPON, R Gentile, R do Val Vilela, SC Thiengo, A dos Santos Moreira, ... Simpósio Internacional sobre Esquistossomose , 2024 2024
Parasitological profile of Schistosoma mansoni from the wild rodent Nectomys squamipes in Swiss Webster mice after infection and treatment with Praziquantel TC de Barros, R do Val Vilela, R Gentile, K Varella, JS Garcia, ... Simpósio Internacional sobre Esquistossomose , 2024 2024
New species of the genus Alippistrongylus (Nematoda: Trichostrongylina) parasitic in Delomys dorsalis (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil DS Lemes, BE de Andrade Silva, A Maldonado Jr, RV Vilela, JL Luque, ... Journal of Helminthology 98, e58 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Active surveillance for influenza virus and coronavirus infection in Antarctic birds and mammals in environmental fecal samples, South Shetland Islands F Gomes, T Prado, WIM Degrave, L Moreira, M Magalhaes, H Magdinier, ... Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 95 (suppl 3), e20230741 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
In the Dawn of an Early Invasion: No Genetic Diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Ecuador? L Solórzano Álava, C Bedoya Pilozo, H Hernandez Alvarez, ... Pathogens 12 (7), 878 , 2023 2023 Citations: 4
First study of the helminth community structure of Marmosa constantiae (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in an ecotone area between Cerrado and Amazonia, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. BE de Andrade Silva, T dos Santos Cardoso, R do Val Vilela, ... 2023 Citations: 1
Helminth community structure of the white-bellied woolly mouse opossum Marmosa constantiae Thomas, 1904 in Central-West Brazil BE de Andrade-Silva, T dos Santos Cardoso, R do Val Vilela, ... Journal of Helminthology 97, e58 , 2023 2023
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
World scientists’ warning to humanity: a second notice WJ Ripple, C Wolf, TM Newsome, M Galetti, M Alamgir, E Crist, ... BioScience 67 (12), 1026-1028 , 2017 2017 Citations: 1620
The taxonomic status of the endangered thin-spined porcupine, Chaetomys subspinosus (Olfers, 1818), based on molecular and karyologic data RV Vilela, T Machado, K Ventura, V Fagundes, MJ de J Silva, ... BMC evolutionary Biology 9 (1), 29 , 2009 2009 Citations: 63
Brazilian legislation on genetic heritage harms Biodiversity Convention goals and threatens basic biology research and education RJV Alves, M Weksler, JA Oliveira, PA Buckup, JP Pombal Jr, ... Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências 90, 1279-1284 , 2018 2018 Citations: 60
A new species of Physaloptera (Nematoda: Spirurida) from Proechimys gardneri (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from the Amazon rainforest and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the genus A Maldonado Jr, RO Simões, J São Luiz, SF Costa-Neto, RV Vilela Journal of helminthology 94, e68 , 2020 2020 Citations: 30
Mamíferos do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos: atualização da lista de espécies e implicações para a conservação C Cronemberger, AC Delciellos, CS Barros, R Gentile, M Weksler, ... 2019 Citations: 29
Terapia intensiva em pediatria MB BRANDAO São Paulo: Sarvier , 2010 2010 Citations: 27
First report of the nematode Cruzia tentaculata using molluscs as natural intermediate hosts, based on morphology and genetic markers J Ramos-de-Souza, A Maldonado-Jr, RV Vilela, BE Andrade-Silva, ... International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 15, 105-111 , 2021 2021 Citations: 23
Neotropical wild rodents Akodon and Oligoryzomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) as important carriers of pathogenic renal Leptospira in the Atlantic forest, in Brazil AS Vieira, MIN Di Azevedo, PS D'Andrea, R do Val Vilela, W Lilenbaum Research in Veterinary Science 124, 280-283 , 2019 2019 Citations: 22
Pathogenic Leptospira species are widely disseminated among small mammals in Atlantic Forest biome AS Vieira, PS D'Andrea, RV Vilela, D Loretto, LH Jaeger, ... Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 66 (3), 1195-1201 , 2019 2019 Citations: 22
Rhabdias glaurungi sp. nov.(Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae), parasite of Scinax gr. ruber (Laurenti, 1768)(Anura: Hylidae), from the Brazilian Amazon Y Willkens, GL Rebêlo, JN Santos, AP Furtado, RV Vilela, VV Tkach, ... Journal of Helminthology 94, e54 , 2020 2020 Citations: 19
New morphological and genetic data of Gigantorhynchus echinodiscus (Diesing, 1851)(Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala) in the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus … APN Gomes, CS Cesário, N Olifiers, R de Cassia Bianchi, ... International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 10, 281-288 , 2019 2019 Citations: 19
Angiostrongylus minasensis n. sp.: new species found parasitizing coatis ( Nasua nasua ) in an urban protected area in Brazil LR Almeida, JGR Souza, HA Santos, EJL Torres, RV Vilela, OMS Cruz, ... Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária 29, e018119 , 2020 2020 Citations: 16
Morphological and genetic description of Moniliformis necromysi sp. n.(Archiacanthocephala) from the wild rodent Necromys lasiurus (Cricetidae: Sigmondontinae) in Brazil APN Gomes, NA Costa, R Gentile, RV Vilela, A Maldonado Jr Journal of Helminthology 94, e138 , 2020 2020 Citations: 14
Triatoma petrocchiae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): A Chagas disease vector of T. brasiliensis species complex associated to reptiles M Lilioso, D Pires-Silva, FHM Fontes, J Oliveira, JA da Rosa, RV Vilela, ... Infection, Genetics and Evolution 82, 104307 , 2020 2020 Citations: 13
Lungworm Heterostrongylus heterostrongylus Travassos, 1925 from the black-eared opossum in South America: Morphologic, histopathological and phylogenetic aspects SF da Costa Neto, R de Oliveira Simões, ÉM Mota, R do Val Vilela, ... Veterinary Parasitology 228, 144-152 , 2016 2016 Citations: 13
Population genetic structure and phenotypic diversity of Aspidodera raillieti (Nematoda: Heterakoidea), a parasite of Didelphini marsupials in Brazil’s South and … K Varella, RV Vilela, R Gentile, TS Cardoso, SF da Costa-Neto, ... Parasites & vectors 15 (1), 203 , 2022 2022 Citations: 10
Genomic analysis of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses from Antarctica reveals multiple introductions from South America M Ogrzewalska, RET Vanstreels, EC Pereira, E Campinas, ... Nature Communications , 2026 2026 Citations: 9
Population genetic structure and morphological diversity of Cruzia tentaculata (Nematoda: Ascaridida), a parasite of marsupials (Didelphinae), along the Atlantic Forest on the … R Souza, R do Val Vilela, R Gentile, EJ Lopes-Torres, P Cordeiro-Estrela, ... Parasitology 149 (11), 1487-1504 , 2022 2022 Citations: 8
Variation in the skull morphometry of four taxonomic units of Thrichomys (Rodentia: Echimyidae), from different Neotropical biomes JG Carvalhaes, P Cordeiro‐Estrela, LSL Hohl, RV Vilela, PS D'Andrea, ... Journal of Morphology 280 (3), 436-445 , 2019 2019 Citations: 8
Morphological and genetic characterization of Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) zygodontomis (Nematoda: Rictulariidae) from Necromys lasiurus (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from … NA Costa, RO Simões, RV Vilela, JGR Souza, ST Cardoso, NO Leiner, ... Journal of helminthology 92 (5), 618-629 , 2018 2018 Citations: 8
