Nicaragua

Site Institution: Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico y Referencia
Research Areas: Virology, Immunology, Infectious Diseases

Site Description

The Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico y Referencia (CNDR) plays a critical role in national public health by supporting disease surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response. CNDR has been central to Nicaragua’s efforts to improve laboratory-based detection of infectious diseases and to build laboratory capacity across the country. Since 2017, CNDR has been collaborating with global health researchers and public health institutions to advance the integration of molecular diagnostics into routine surveillance, particularly for vector-borne and vaccine-preventable diseases.

CNDR has prioritized capacity building for laboratory personnel, the implementation of real-time PCR diagnostics, and the expansion of its reference testing capabilities. CNDR also partners with international organizations including the CDC, PAHO, and WHO to strengthen the regional laboratory network and facilitate rapid response to emerging infections such as Zika, Dengue, and COVID-19. Current collaborations focus on antimicrobial resistance surveillance, genomic sequencing, and biosafety training. CNDR is part of the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) and is based in Managua. It serves as a reference laboratory for over 19 departmental and regional laboratories across the country. The center operates a wide range of diagnostic platforms, including molecular biology, serology, microbiology, and environmental health testing.

Through over 15 years of collaboration between Dr. Eva Harris and Dr. Ángel Balmaseda, CNDR has become a leader in translational virology research in Central America. Their collaborative studies span cohort-based epidemiology, immune profiling, pathogen detection, and vaccine effectiveness. The partnership also focuses on capacity building for Nicaraguan scientists and technicians, fostering a sustainable local research infrastructure to respond to both endemic and emerging infectious disease threats.