The goal of UMR PIMIT is to describe infectious processes occurring in humans and animal reservoirs hosting zoonotic pathogens, while taking into account the ecosystems in which they evolve and their own dynamics.
A unique research in tropical insular ecosystems
Our action has a regional focus, addressing both endemic and emerging infectious risks present in the southwest islands of the Indian Ocean and neighboring countries. Our specific geographic position within a biodiversity hotspot and an infectious emergence zone offers unique opportunities for research and training projects closely connected to southern territories. This significant aspect is illustrated by the inclusion of all our projects on Reunion Island, in neighboring southern islands (Scattered Islands, Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles), as well as on the east coast of Africa (Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa). All these territories provide ideal conditions for deploying our activities in collaboration with local partners. The unit is located in Saint-Denis de La Réunion, on the site of the La Réunion Cyclotron (CYROI).
Promoting an interdisciplinary
approach
Conceptual and methodological approaches conducted by UMR PIMIT are multidisciplinary and fully integrated into the OneHealth and EcoHealth frameworks for the study of zoonoses. Our Joint research Unit brings together ecologists, virologists, physicians, microbiologists, entomologists, modelers, and chemists. It gathers members from four institutions: the University of Reunion, CNRS (CNRS 9192), IRD (IRD 249), and INSERM (U1187). Research programs aim to identify microbiological, genetic, entomological, ecological, and anthropogenic factors contributing to infectious emergence, its epidemic spread and/or endemic maintenance, as well as understanding immunopathological and molecular mechanisms contributing to the clinical expression diversity of infection in the host.
2 research teams
DySIIS TEAM
DYnamicS of Infection in Insular ecoSytems
MOCA Team
MOlecular and Cellular mechanisms of infectious Agents
Our missions are part of the Agenda 2030 sustainable development program adopted by the UN. The themes developed by the unit mainly correspond to the following SDGs:
