Welcome to the Unit of Comparative Medicine

Edmundo N. Kraiselburd, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. Microbiology, School of Medicine

As Director of the Unit of Comparative Medicine (UCM) I find myself challenged not only by the tremendous progress made over the last few years by our programs, but by our own expectations of growth. As a virologist, I face the many challenges associated with the development of effective HIV vaccines which we share with our colleages and collaborators of other Primate Centers and mainland institutions. As Director of the NINDS (NIH)-funded Specialized Neurological Sciences Program (SNRP), I oversee its collaborative research projects which address the complexities of the neurological complications of HIV-infected Hispanic patients. As Director of the Caribbean Primate Research Center (CPRC), my efforts are concentrated in the further development of our unique (population of free-ranging, Indian-Origin Rhesus macaques) on Cayo Santiago (CS), as well as in attaining the objectives the NIH (NCRR)-funded Core and Specific Pathogen Free Research Grants which support the scientific platform of CPRC at Sábana Seca, and Cayo Santiago. Cayo Santiago and the CPRC Laboratory for Primate Morphology and Genetics (LPMG) continues to attract researchers from all over the world to study primate behavior. It should be pointed out that the colony at CS was the inspiration for the development of other National Primate Research Centers in Continental USA.

Multidisciplinary scientific approaches are needed for the discoveries of efficient vaccines and treatment of diseases caused by microbial pathogens. As we are challenged by the discovery of emerging diseases affecting the public health, animal models (and in particular non-human primates) will certainly continue to be the most effective and significant means to develop vaccines as well as to attain other research objectives. The state-of-the art BL2/3 facilities of the Animal Research Center of our Unit, offers unique opportunities to conduct research protocols in lower species as well as in non-human primates, as well as other animals.

To expand the boundaries of our research objectives, the UCM is dedicated to working closely with scientists and collaborators from all over the world. We promote student-training and encourage student exchange to assist in the development of the new generation of scientists. Navigating through this site, you will learn more about our Unit's diverse research programs, of our various facilities and of the opportunities we provide for collaboration and training. Welcome! .

This web site is supported by the 5P40RR003640 grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and by the Research Centers in Minority Institutions Grant (G12 RR03051) from the National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health.

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