Windell L. Rivera

Details

Dr. Windell L. Rivera is recognized for his important contributions in the field of microbiology and medical science. His pioneering work in parasitology served as the first reports complementing limited information available in the country. Researches that provided baseline data for future further studies in parasitology were as follows: • on the ultrastructural and molecular characterization of Balantidium coli isolated in the Philippines, one of the largest protozoon and parasitic ciliates known to infect humans; • on the molecular detection between morphologically similar microorganisms such as the Entamoeba histolytica, a global protozoan parasite infectious to both man and animals, versus the nonpathogenic species Entamoeba dispar, among macaques in the Philippines; • on the ultrastructure and phylogenetic studies of Paraphysomonas vestita isolated in the Philippines, a silica-scaled chrysophyte important in aquatic food webs; • on the subtyping of Blastocystis isolates from Philippine wastewater samples that raise public health issues on wastewater reuse; • on the identification of Simplicimonas similis and Trichomitus batrachorum from new animal hosts found in the Philippines using 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis; • on the detection and identification of Trichomonas tenax, an organism commonly causing periodontal disease and pleuropulmonary infection, from sputum samples in the Philippines; • on the discovery of the novel resistance of the multi-drug resistant Salmonella enterica isolates from Philippine swine tonsil tissues; • on the development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Trichomonas vaginalis, a common curable sexually transmitted infection; • on the conduct of a comprehensive assessment on the microbiological quality of selected Philippine fresh produce using culture and molecular methods; and • on the genotype analysis of the Acanthamoeba sp., a pathogen widely distributed in the environment including soil, air, and water systems, using isolates from human nasal swabs in the Philippines. His vigorous efforts in advancing revolutionary studies on protozoans isolated in the Philippines edified the role and essence of research on the molecular differentiation and characterization of important disease-causing microorganisms isolated in animals and humans, including the determination of the prevalence of various infections for public welfare. His significant contributions in clinical medicine advocate research, generated publications in reputable international scientific journals, and earned him a number of prestigious national awards. He was chosen as the National winner for the 2014 Commission on Higher Education Research and Publication Awards for the natural sciences and agriculture category and a U.P.A.A. Distinguished Alumnus in Science and Technology, awarded with the Gawad Chanselor sa Natatanging Guro in U.P., the Centennial Professorial Chair Awards, the U.P. Scientific Productivity Award. His steadfast dedication to the ideals of Science and Technology allowed him to actively contribute to notable organizations, committees, and boards. He is a member of: The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Japanese Society of Tropical Medicine, New York Academy of Sciences, Japanese Society of Parasitology, Society of Protozoologists, Philippine Academy of Microbiology, Philippine Society for Microbiology, Philippine Society for Cell Biology, Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc., Philippine Society for the Advancement of Genetics, Inc., and Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science, Inc., among others.

Sex: Male

Education:

    • University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Bachelor of Science in Biology, 1989
    • University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Master of Science in Microbiology, 1995
    • Nagasaki University, Japan, Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science (Cellular and Molecular Microbiology), 1999

Field od Specialization:

Molecular Microbiology, Immunology, Microbiology, Biology, Medical Science

Researches:

    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., Silva-Tahat, M.R.A., Uemura, H., & Kanbara, H., (1996) Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar DNA from cysts present in stool specimens by polymerase chain reaction
    • Parasitology Research Volume 82
    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., Silva-Tahat, M.R.A., Uemura, H., & Kanbara, H., (1998) Field study on the distribution of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in the northern Philippines as detected by the polymerase chain reaction
    • American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume 59
    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., & Kanbara, H., (1999) Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar infections
    • Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Volume 23
    • Rivera, W.L., & Kanbara, H., (1999) Detection of Entamoeba dispar DNA in macaque feces by polymerase chain reaction
    • Parasitology Research Volume 85
    • Rivera, W.L., & Tan, M.A.V., (2005) Molecular characterization of Blastocystis isolates in the Philippines by riboprinting
    • Parasitology Research Volume 96
    • Rivera, W.L., Yason, J.A.D.L., & Rivera, P.T., (2005) Serological detection of cryptosporidiosis among Filipino cancer patients
    • Parasitology Research Volume 96
    • Rivera, W.L., Santos, S.R., & Kanbara, H., (2006) Prevalence and genetic diversity of Entamoeba histolytica in an institution for the mentally retarded in the Philippines
    • Parasitology Research Volume 98
    • Valido, E.M., & Rivera, W.L., (2007) Colony growth of Philippine isolates of Blastocystis hominis in simplified, soft agar medium
    • Parasitology Research Volume 101
    • Yason, J.A.D.L., & Rivera, W.L., (2007) Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis isolates among residents of slum area in Manila, Philippines
    • Parasitology Research Volume 101
    • Canoy, I.C.G., & Rivera, W.L., (2007) Production and characterization of polyclonal antibodies specific for Entamoeba histolytica
    • Philippine Journal of Science Volume 136
    • Rivera, W.L., (2008) Phylogenetic analysis of Blastocystis isolates from animal and human hosts in the Philippines
    • Veterinary Parasitology Volume 156
    • Rivera, W.L., & Adao, D.E.V., (2008) Identification of the 18S-ribosomal-DNA genotypes of Acanthamoeba isolates from the Philippines
    • Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology Volume 102
    • Rivera, W.L., & Yason, J.A.D.L., (2008) Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium from animal hosts in the Philippines
    • Philippine Agricultural Scientist Volume 91
    • Rivera, W.L., Lupisan, A.J.B., & Baking, J.M.P., (2008) Ultrastructural study of a tetratrichomonad isolated from pig fecal samples
    • Parasitology Research Volume 103
    • Tan, M.A.V., & Rivera, W.L., (2008) Genotypic characterization of Blastocystis isolates in the Philippines
    • Philippine Journal of Veterinary Medicine Volume 45
    • Vital, P.G., & Rivera, W.L., (2009) Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of Chromolaena odorata (L.f.) King and Robinson and Uncaria perrottetii (A. Rich) Merr. extracts
    • Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Volume 3
    • Rivera, W.L., & Adao, D.E.V., (2009) 18S ribosomal DNA genotypes of Acanthamoeba species isolated from contact lens cases in the Philippines
    • Parasitology Research Volume 105
    • Santos, H.J., & Rivera, W.L., (2009) Kinetic analysis of antibody responses to Blastocystis hominis in sera and intestinal secretions of orally infected mice
    • Parasitology Research Volume 105
    • Rivera, W.L., Ong, V.A., & Masalungca, M.C., (2009) Molecular characterization of Trichomonas vaginalis isolates from the Philippines
    • Parasitology Research Volume 106
    • Nilles-Bije, M.L., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of Balantidium coli isolated in the Philippines
    • Parasitology Research Volume 106
    • Rivera, W.L., Yason, J.A.D.L., & Adao, D.E.V., (2010) Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar infections in captive macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in the Philippines
    • Primates Volume 51
    • Ong, V.A., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Production and characterization of polyclonal antibodies specific for Trichomonas vaginalis
    • Asia Life Sciences Volume 19
    • Vital, P.G., Velasco, R.N., Demigillo, J.M., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Ficus septica Burm and Sterculia foetida L. leaf extracts
    • Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Volume 4
    • Ong, V.A., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis in vaginal swabs from sex workers in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines as detected by PCR
    • Tropical Medicine and Health Volume 38
    • Valle, D.L., Jr., Andrade, J.I., Cabrera, E.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Evaluation of buffy coat 16S rRNA PCR, buffy coat culture and whole blood PCR for detection of bacteraemia
    • Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Volume 105
    • Petronio, J.A.G., & Rivera, W.L., (2010) Ultrastructure and SSU rDNA phylogeny of Paraphysomonas vestita (Stokes) De Saedeleer isolated from Laguna de Bay, Philippines
    • Acta Protozoologica Volume 49
    • Banaticla, J.E.G., & Rivera, W.L., (2011) Detection and subtype identification of Blastocystis isolates from wastewater samples in the Philippines
    • Journal of Water and Health Volume 9
    • Lamberte, L.E., Cabrera, E.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2011) Activity of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) as a potential inhibitor of quorum sensing-mediated pigment production in Chromobacterium violaceum and virulence factor production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • Philippine Agricultural Scientist Volume 94
    • Cornago, D.F., Amor, E.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2011) Antifungal activity of onion (Allium cepa L.) bulb extracts against Fusarium oxysporum and Colletotrichum sp.
    • Philippine Agricultural Scientist Volume 94
    • Salapare, H.S., Blantocas, G.Q., Rivera, W.L., Ong, V.A., Hipolito, R.S., & Ramos, H.J., (2011) Antibacterial property of hydrogen ion and oxygen ion treated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials
    • Plasma and Fusion Research Volume 6
    • Taganna, J.C., Quanico, J.P., Perono, R.M.G., Amor, E.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2011) Tannin-rich fraction from Terminalia catappa inhibits quorum sensing (QS) in Chromobacterium violaceum and the QS-controlled biofilm maturation and LasA staphylolytic activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume 134
    • Vital, P.G., & Rivera, W.L., (2011) Antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Voacanga globosa (Blanco) Merr. leaf extract (Apocynaceae)
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine Volume 4
    • Rivera, W.L., Santos, H.J., Ong, V.A., & Murao, L.J., (2012) Profiles of Entamoeba histolytica-specific immunoglobulins in human sera
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine Volume 5
    • Nemenzo, P.S., Rivero, G.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2012) Characterization of potential plant growth promoting rhizobacterial isolates from sago (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) palms
    • Philippine Agricultural Scientist Volume 95
    • Nicdao, M.A.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2012) Two strains of Gordonia terrae isolated from used engine oil-contaminated soil utilize short- to long-chain n-alkanes
    • Philippine Science Letters Volume 5
    • Villareal, M.V., Mingala, C.N., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma evansi isolates from water buffaloes (Bubalis bubalis) in the Philippines
    • Acta Parasitologica Volume 58
    • Rivera, W.L., & Ong, V.A., (2013) Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of Entamoeba histolytica
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine Volume 6, No. 6
    • Santos, H.J., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) Characterization of direct fecal smear microscopy, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Blastocystis sp. in human stool samples
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine Volume 6, No. 10
    • Queza, M.I.P., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) Diagnosis and molecular characterization of Trichomonas vaginalis in sex workers in the Philippines
    • Pathogens and Global Health Volume 107, No. 3
    • Dimasuay, K.G.B., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) Molecular characterization of trichomonads isolated from animal hosts in the Philippines
    • Veterinary Parasitology Volume 196, No. 3-4
    • Dimasuay, K.G.B., Lavilla, O.J.Y., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) New hosts of Simplicimonas similis and Trichomitus batrachorum identified by 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences
    • Journal of Parasitology Research
    • Dimasuay, K.G.B., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) First report of Trichomonas tenax infections in the Philippines
    • Parasitology International Volume 63
    • Ng, K.C.S., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica isolates from tonsil and jejunum with lymph node tissues of slaughtered swine in Metro Manila, Philippines
    • ISRN Microbiology
    • Reyes, J.C.B., Solon, J.A.A., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Trichomonas vaginalis
    • Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease Volume 79
    • Vital, P.G., Dimasuay, K.G.B., Widmer, K.W., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) Microbiological quality of fresh produce from open air markets and supermarkets in the Philippines
    • The Scientific World Journal
    • Cruz, A.R.S., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) Genotype analysis of Acanthamoeba isolates from human nasal swabs in the Philippines
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine Volume 4
    • Salvador-Membreve, D.M.C., Jacinto, S.D., & Rivera, W.L., (2014) Trichomonas vaginalis induces cytopathic effect on human lung alveolar basal carcinoma epithelial cell line A549
    • Experimental Parasitology Volume 147
    • Obusan, M.C.M., Aragones, L.V., Salibay, C.C., Siringan, M.A.T., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Occurrence of human pathogenic bacteria and Toxoplasma in cetaceans stranded in the Philippines: providing clues on ocean health status
    • Aquatic Mammals
    • Rivera, W.L., Cheng, X.-J., Takekoshi, M., Ihara, S., Kaneda, Y., & Tachibana, H., (2000) Expression of a recombinant Fab fragment of human monoclonal IgG specific for Entamoeba histolytica
    • Parasitology International Volume 49
    • Rivera, W.L., Matias, R.R., Enriquez, G.L., & Kanbara, H., (1998) Cysteine proteinase gene as a basis for differentiating Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by PCR
    • Japanese Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygine
    • Rivera, W.L., Rivera, P.T., Villacorte, E.A., Esparar, D.G., Darilag, A.A., Tachibana, H., & Kanbara, H., (1998) Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: detection by polymerase chain reaction in a low prevalence region in the Philippines
    • Parasitology International Volume 47
    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., & Kanbara, H., (1998) Distribution of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar as detected by polymerase chain reaction
    • Parasitology International Volume 47
    • Rivera, W.L., & Kanbara, H., (1997) Induction of encystation of Entamoeba histolytica in vitro by modified BI-S-33 culture medium
    • Parasitology International Volume 46
    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., & Kanbara, H., (1997) Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in Northern Philippines
    • American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygine Volume 57, No. 3
    • Uemura, H., Kato, M., Shiota, T., Itai, A., Fujimoto, M., Hamada, Y., Rivera, W.L., Kanbara, H., & Schenkman, S., (1997) Amino acid substitutions of T. cruzi trans-sialidase gene family and their enzyme activities
    • Parasitology International Volume 46
    • Rivera, W.L., Tachibana, H., Silva-Tahat, M.R.A., Uemura, H., & Kanbara, H., (1996) Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar DNA from cysts present in stool specimens by polymerase chain reaction
    • Japanese Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume 24, No. 1
    • Rivera, P.T., Rivera, W.L., Escueta, A.S., Villacorte, E.A., Limlingan, E.T., Lazaro, C.M., & Kanbara, H., (2007) Prevalence of serologically positive amebic liver abscess cases in the Philippines
    • Acta Medica Philippina Volume 41
    • Santos, H.J., Maiquilla, S.M.B., & Rivera, W.L., (2008) Polyclonal IgG response of Baib/c mice to the 23kDa antigen of Entamoeba histolytica
    • Science Diliman Volume 20
    • Taganna, J.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2008) Epigallocatechin gallate from Camellia sinensis L. (Kuntze) is a potential quorum sensing inhibitor in Chromobacterium violaceum
    • Science Diliman Volume 20
    • Nok, J.A., & Rivera, W.L., (2003) Characterization of sialidase from Entamoeba histolytica and its possible pathogenic role in amebiasis
    • Parasitology Research Volume 89
    • Villareal, M.V., Mingala, C.N., & Rivera, W.L., (2013) Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma evansi isolates from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Philippines
    • Acta Parasitologica Volume 58
    • Ng, K.C.S., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Multiplex PCR-based serogrouping and serotyping of Salmonella spp. from tonsil and jejunum with jejunal lymph nodes of slaughtered swine in Metro Manila, Philippines
    • Journal of Food Protection (in press)
    • Daupan, S.M.M.V., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Isolation and characterization of culturable thermophilic bacteria from hot springs in Benguet, Philippines
    • International Journal of Philippine Science and Technology (in press)
    • Valle, D.L., Jr., Andrade, J.I., Puzon, J.J.M., Cabrera, E.C., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Philippine medicinal plants against multidrug-resistant bacteria
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (in press)
    • Garcia, B.C.B., Dimasupil, M.A.Z., Vital, P.G., Widmer, K.W., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Fecal contamination in irrigation water and microbial quality of vegetable primary production in urban farms of Metro Manila, Philippines
    • Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B (in press)
    • Martin-Puzon, J.J., Valle, D.L., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) TLC profiles and antibacterial activity of Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Molluginaceae) leaf and stem extracts against bacterial pathogens
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease (in press)
    • Belleza, M.L.B., Cadacio, J.L.C., Borja, M.P., Solon, J.A.A., Padilla, M.A., Tongol-Rivera, P.N., & Rivera, W.L., (2015) Epidemiologic study of Blastocystis infection in an urban community in the Philippines
    • Journal of Environmental and Public Health (in press)

Awards:

    • NAST-DuPont Talent SEarch for Young Scientists (Medical Science), National Academy of Science and Technology, 2003 July 10
    • Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) of the Philippines in Medical Science, National Academy of Science and Technology, 2006 July 13
    • The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines in Medical Science (Microbiology), Malacañan Palace, 2006 December 6
    • The Platinum Men of the Philippines (one of the eight awardees), Rockwell Tent, Makati, 2007 August 16
    • Outstanding Microbiologist, Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc., 2009 May 14
    • UP Scientific Productivity Award (UP Scientist I), University of the Philippines System, 2009 August 11
    • NAST-LELEDFI Award for Outstanding Research in Tropical Medicine, National Academy of Science and Technology, 2010 July 15
    • Achievement Award in the Biological Sciences, National Research Council of the Philippines, 2010 March 10
    • Gawad Chanselor sa Natatanging Guro, University of the Philippines, 2010 February 25
    • UP Scientific Productivity Award (UP Scientist II), University of the Philippines System, 2012 December 18
    • Centennial Professorial Chair Awards (5 years), University of the Philippines, 2008-2013
    • U.P.A.A. Distinguished Alumnus in Science and Technology, University of the Philippines, 2013 June 22
    • National Winner, CHED REPUBLICA (Outstanding Research and Publication Award), Commission on Higher Education, 2014 May 20