Institute of Health Research · UCR
LEGEMA
Lab
Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Genetics Laboratory of Aquatic Environments. We study microbial ecosystems to understand and improve human and environmental health in Costa Rica.
10+
Years of research in Microbiology
UCR
University of Costa Rica
INISA
Institute of Health Research
CR
Focused on the Costa Rican ecosystem
Research areas
What we do
01
Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Metagenomics
Applies genomic tools to study the diversity, transmission, and evolution of microorganisms. Enables identification of pathogens and analysis of microbial communities across different environments.
02
Microbial Adaptation to Emerging Contaminants
Analyzes how microorganisms respond and adapt to environmental contaminants. Studies resistance mechanisms and their potential in degradation processes.
03
Public Health
Integrates microbiological and epidemiological data to assess health risks. Aims to support disease prevention and control strategies.
Active research
Recent projects
Completed
Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Metagenomics
LEGEMA Collaborations
This section contains articles in which LEGEMA researchers collaborate with other research groups.
Active
Molecular Epidemiology and Microbial Metagenomics
Enhancing epidemiological surveillance through the study of emerging and endemic pathogens present in wastewater in San José, Costa Rica. A collaborative project for technical and scientific capacity building with the “Dr. J.M. Vanella” Institute of Virology—Faculty of Medical Sciences—National University of Córdoba, Argentina
Enhancing epidemiological surveillance through the study of emerging and endemic pathogens present in wastewater in San José, Costa Rica.
Active
Public Health
Development of a geospatial model to comprehend spread of resistance genes in water bodies
Development of a geospatial model to comprehend spread of resistance genes in water bodies
News
Latest news
September 23, 2026
From Wastewater to Climate: University of Costa Rica Research Connects Environmental Science and Public Health
Research from the University of Costa Rica presented at ISEE 2026 in Munich explores viral surveillance in wastewater and the effects of temperature extremes on respiratory infections, contributing evidence from Costa Rica to the field of environmental epidemiology.
May 28, 2026
First HEV detection in wastewater in Costa Rica
“Recently, the first detection of the hepatitis E virus in wastewater in Costa Rica was reported. This finding also marks the first environmental report of the virus in Central America.”
April 15, 2026
The Health Hazard Posed by the Virilla River Has Reached a Critical Level Due to the High Presence of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
The Virilla River, one of the most polluted rivers in Costa Rica, is now also a hotbed of multidrug-resistant bacteria that could compromise medical treatments.
