Convidamos a todos para a Defesa da Qualificação de Doutorado da discente do nosso programa, Nathana Beatriz Martins.

A defesa pública ocorrerá no dia 24 de junho de 2026 às 14h:00, online, por videoconferência com acesso através do link: 

http://https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/221548679703460?p=zM0Ks9an4Gx6EToYLG

Abstract: We obtained four partial sequences of a novel poxvirus, tentatively named Molluscipoxvirus32
giantanteater, in two free-ranging giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Brazil,33
presenting skin lesions resembling human molluscum contagiosum. The effects of this34
poxvirus on species conservation and its zoonotic potential remain unknown.35
The Poxviridae family comprises viruses infecting diverse hosts, with novel species36
continuously being identified (1,2). Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are susceptible37
to multiple poxviruses, resulting in clinical manifestations ranging from mild to fatal skin38
lesions (3–6). Some poxviruses infect multiple species, including giant anteaters, felids, and39
humans, highlighting their zoonotic potential (4). We describe poxvirus-associated skin lesions40
in two free-ranging giant anteaters and provide genomic characterization using next-generation41
sequencing.

Key-words: Molluscum contagiosum, Xenarthra, Myrmecophagidae, Poxviridae,29
Histopathology, Transmission electron microscopy, Next-generation sequencing.