rossana Arroyo Verástegui received the Ada​ Byron Award⁤ for‌ Technologist 2025 on⁢ Monday, March 24, a recognition for her work as a leading researcher in Mexico and globally in the ⁤study of molecular pathogenesis of trichomoniasis.

arroyo VerásteguiS work ​has led to the progress​ of a prototype ​for a new diagnostic kit for trichomoniasis and the identification of therapeutic targets ⁣for this sexually transmitted infection, which disproportionately affects women.

Her contributions have been recognized with national and ⁢international awards. A pharmacobiologist chemist,teacher,and doctor in⁤ molecular biology,her career has significantly impacted scientific research.As a Professor, she​ has published more than 95 articles in⁣ international scientific journals and ⁣15 book chapters.

Her⁣ commitment to science has been recognized with awards such​ as the L’Oreal-UNESCO⁤ for Women in Science Award and the UNESCO International Equatorial Guinea International Prize in 2012. ⁣In​ 2019, she won the Infectious Hub Infectious Disposal Contest. ‌She is also a national emeritus researcher.

An education⁢ assistant with the society⁣ of Jesus in Mexico,​ Lorena Giacomán, emphasized the importance of⁤ recognizing individuals like ⁢Arroyo:

I am aware of what it represents here,⁢ of the symbolism ⁣and the message of hope that this means for many ‌women who have fought⁤ to make thier way in areas traditionally occupied by men. His career is testimony of perseverance,​ commitment and excellence, and reminds us Territories ⁢where women have been, are and ⁤continue to be: innovating, transforming and leaving a mark.

Arroyo stated that the award helps to increase the visibility of women in⁣ research:

And what impact will have? I think‌ about​ it as being visualized as ⁤a role model of women,who know that,although they can have ⁤setbacks,they can be overcome and show that our potential can reach the maximum.

She added:

What message do I want to give to girls, young women, students? That you can get to where they have proposed to arrive, as far as they have their dreams, provided that there is the support of the family, the couple, ⁢of society. They can get to where I ​have come now, as far as they want to arrive ⁣and where life comes to us.

A university rector saeid that Arroyo’s dedication is an​ inspiration⁢ for​ the university community, and for women and girls who, ‍despite obstacles, continue to contribute to the world through science.

The rector added:

It is encouraging to know that, as a⁣ university community,⁢ we continue to​ cultivate spaces where younger can be inspired by figures such ‌as Ada Byron and brilliant women such as Dr.Arroyo⁢ Verástegui. We want them ⁣to continue exceeding the⁣ barriers that the​ habitat presents, that⁤ they continue to explore with initiative and creativity⁤ the world of technology, and ⁣do it with a deep sensitivity towards the needs of society.

As part of the recognition, Arroyo ‌received 100,000 pesos. Representatives of universities​ and companies were present at the awards ceremony.

Trichomoniasis‍ Research

Trichomoniasis, a sexually⁢ transmitted infection, is a ‌health problem in Mexico⁢ and worldwide. A researcher said it is a common disease in people of reproductive age, ⁣who can​ suffer from the condition without knowing it and ⁣continuing its propagation.

Arroyo Verástegui said that up to 90% of people with trichomoniasis, caused ⁤by the parasite‍ Trichomonas vaginalis, do not have⁢ symptoms. ​It is a common condition in both men ⁣and women, occurring‌ at all socioeconomic levels. Worldwide,​ there are 176 million cases annually, but it⁣ is a curable disease.

People with the disease⁢ may experience inflammation of the prostate or vagina and have a greater susceptibility to HIV, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. In pregnant women, it can cause premature births, babies with low weight, ⁤and urinary ‌or respiratory infections, in addition to possibly causing‌ mental development deficiency.

To avoid complications in newborns, timely diagnosis and treatment ⁤are crucial. In pregnant women,⁣ medication is recommended after the first trimester.

Trichomonas ⁢vaginalis is a mobile parasite, allowing for⁤ rapid ‍diagnosis if samples of the patient’s secretions are observed ‍under ‌a microscope immediately after obtaining them. Delaying analysis can ​hinder accurate diagnosis due ⁤to the‌ parasite’s⁢ mobility.