Ricardo Manuel Vinagre Lopes

Ricardo Lopes is a veterinary clinician-scientist and clinical pathologist at Cedivet Laboratories (Unilabs Group), and an Assistant Professor at CESPU – University Institute of Health Sciences. He holds a PhD in Veterinary Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) from the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD, Portugal), with a specialisation in Infectious Diseases. With several years of experience in emergency and critical care medicine, he brings a translational, decision-oriented perspective to laboratory diagnostics. His work focuses on clinical pathology, infectious and transmissible diseases, and One Health/Planetary Health, with particular emphasis on diagnostic innovation and laboratory-based epidemiology. He has authored peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, contributes to academic teaching and supervision in veterinary medicine and biomedical research, and collaborates across multidisciplinary networks linking academia, diagnostic laboratories and industry partners.

EDUCATION

Ricardo Manuel Vinagre Lopes holds a PhD in Veterinary Sciences/Biomedical Sciences, with specialisation in Infectious Diseases, from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Portugal. His doctoral thesis, “Infectious and Transmissible Diseases – the Stockholm Paradigm in the Context of Planetary Health”, was awarded the final classification of Very Good.
He also holds an Integrated Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine, with specialisation in Clinical Sciences, from the University of Évora, School of Sciences and Technology, Portugal, completed with a final classification of 18/20.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Veterinary, Medicine, Molecular Medicine, Infectious Diseases

Scopus Publications

Mapping Feline Oncology in Portugal: A National Characterization
Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ricardo Lopes, Leonor Delgado, Augusto Silva, Fernando Pacheco, et al.
Animals, 2026
This retrospective study describes the national histopathology caseload of feline tumours submitted to a Portuguese diagnostic laboratory over a five-year period. A total of 1904 histopathology-confirmed neoplasms were analysed by biological behaviour, anatomical location, and demographic/geographical variables. Malignant tumours predominated (77.4%), whereas 22.6% were benign. Tumours most commonly involved the mammary gland (44.8%) and cutaneous/soft tissues (42.4%), together accounting for 87.2% of cases; all other sites were individually uncommon (≤5.6%). The most frequent malignant tumour types were mammary carcinoma (38.3%), fibrosarcoma (8.0%), squamous cell carcinoma (6.4%), and mast cell tumour (4.8%). Cats with malignant tumours were older than those with benign lesions (p 0.05). These findings highlight a sustained predominance of malignant disease in Portuguese cats, concentrated in mammary and cutaneous/soft-tissue sites, supporting a low threshold for biopsy in older cats and systematic mammary screening in females, and continued registry-based surveillance to monitor temporal changes in tumour patterns.
Molecular Detection of Bartonella henselae in Healthy Cats from Portugal (2015–2025): One Health Context and Implications for Transfusion Medicine
Ricardo Lopes, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Filipe Sampaio, Cátia Fernandes, Cristina Costa Santos, et al.
Pathogens, 2026
Bartonella henselae is a flea-borne zoonotic bacterium for which domestic cats constitute the principal reservoir. However, contemporary molecular epidemiological data from Portugal remain scarce. This retrospective laboratory study analysed EDTA-stabilised blood samples from apparently healthy cats submitted for routine screening by 74 veterinary centres across mainland Portugal and autonomous regions over an 11-year period (2015–2025). DNA extracts were tested using a species-specific TaqMan qPCR assay for B. henselae with an internal extraction control, and a subset of samples was subsequently confirmed by nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing (ribC). Among 270 cats, 47 tested positive, yielding a qPCR prevalence of 17.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.1–22.5). Submissions were predominantly from Northern Portugal, and infection status was not statistically associated with the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) level 2 region (p = 0.478). Infection was more frequent in younger cats (median age 2 years, interquartile range [IQR] 1–5; p = 0.037), while sex (p = 0.103) and breed (p = 0.730) were not significantly associated with infection status. These findings support endemic circulation of B. henselae in Portuguese cats at levels comparable to other temperate European regions. The detection of subclinical infection in apparently healthy cats is relevant to transfusion medicine and supports the inclusion of B. henselae qPCR screening in donor selection protocols.
Every Tumour Counts: A Comprehensive Overview of Canine Oncology in Portugal
Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ricardo Lopes, Leonor Delgado, Augusto Silva, Isabel Pires, et al.
Animals, 2026
Robust nationwide data on canine oncology in Portugal are scarce. We retrospectively reviewed 17,773 biopsy submissions received by a nationwide veterinary laboratory (2020–2024). After applying inclusion criteria, 6359 histopathology-confirmed tumours were analysed by behaviour, anatomical site, and host/geographical factors. Malignant and benign neoplasms occurred in near-equal proportions (50.4% vs. 49.6%). Tumour distribution was dominated by cutaneous/soft tissues (58.8%) and the mammary gland (24.1%), with all other sites individually rare. Dogs with malignant tumours were older than those with benign lesions (p < 0.001), and age differed by tumour behaviour and sex in two-way ANOVA (both p ≤ 0.001). Females accounted for 58.7% of submissions, and malignant disease was more frequent in females than in males (p < 0.001). Mixed-breed dogs formed the largest group; breed-specific logistic regression identified higher odds of malignancy in some pure breeds (e.g., Pug and American Staffordshire Terrier) and lower odds in others (e.g., Estrela Mountain Dog and Beagle). Multiplicity was recorded in a subset and was more common in females and in older dogs. Geographical analyses (NUTS2/NUTS3) showed, at most, weak regional variation and were not retained in multivariable models. These findings highlight the importance of early biopsy in new mass lesions, systematic mammary screening in bitches, breed-aware vigilance, and continued national surveillance to inform preventive care.
Seroepidemiology of Rickettsia conorii in dogs in Portugal: a comprehensive 12-year retrospective study (2013–2024)
Ricardo Lopes, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Andreia Garcês, Cátia Fernandes, Ana Patrícia Lopes, et al.
Parasites and Vectors, 2025
Background Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF), caused by Rickettsia conorii, is a zoonotic tick-borne disease of important public health concern, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin. Dogs serve as key sentinels for MSF due to their exposure to vector ticks and close contact with humans. To date, no comprehensive study in Portugal has investigated epidemiological risk factors in dogs infected with or exposed to R. conorii. Methods Seropositivity to R. conorii was determined using an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with titres categorised as negative, low positive, moderate positive and high positive. Statistical analyses included the chi-squared test and univariable logistic regression to assess associations between seropositivity and geographical region, season, month, size, breed, sex and age. Results This study analysed 2457 canine samples submitted from 228 veterinary medical centres across mainland Portugal and insular autonomous regions between 2013 and 2024. The overall seroprevalence of R. conorii was 27.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.3–28.8). Significant differences in seroprevalence were observed amongst regions, with the highest values in the Algarve (48.0%; odds ratio [OR] 3.1, 95% CI 2.2–4.4, P < 0.001), Alentejo (35.0%; OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.7−4.6, P = 0.210) and Centre (33.8%; OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.4–2.1, P < 0.001) regions. Giant breeds had the highest seroprevalence (33.0%; OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–6.6, P = 0.008), with Irish Setter and Miniature Schnauzer identified as high-risk breeds (75.0%; OR 27.0, 95% CI 1.3–578.4, P = 0.035). Male dogs had higher seroprevalence (28.9%; OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.5, P = 0.023), whilst geriatric dogs showed the highest risk of exposure to or infection with R. conorii (34.6%; OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.8–9.8, P < 0.001). Conclusions This study represents the most extensive epidemiological analysis of canine MSF in Portugal. The findings highlight associations between R. conorii seropositivity and geographical region, size, breed, sex and age of dogs, advancing the limited knowledge on the epidemiology of R. conorii in Portugal and underscoring the need for regional surveillance and targeted prevention to reduce infection risks in both canine populations and public health contexts. Graphical Abstract
Are We Missing Brucella spp. in Portugal? The First Nationwide Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Retrospective Serological Study of Brucella canis (2013–2025)
Ricardo Lopes, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Ana Cristina Ferreira, Andreia Garcês, Cátia Fernandes, et al.
Zoonotic Diseases, 2025
Brucella canis is a neglected zoonotic pathogen associated with canine reproductive disorders and emerging public health concerns. This study presents the first nationwide systematic review and meta-analysis of Brucella spp. in Portugal, integrated with a 13-year retrospective seroepidemiological investigation (2013–2025) of B. canis in dogs across mainland Portugal and Insular Autonomous Regions. Among 132 canine serum samples, a seropositivity of 23.48% was observed using an immunochromatographic assay confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT). Significant associations were identified with seasonality (p < 0.001) and breed (p = 0.001), while sex and age were not statistically significant. Municipal-level analysis revealed marked heterogeneity, with Trofa showing the highest seropositivity (58.82%) and a pooled odds ratio of 11.28 (95% CI: 2.90–43.94; p < 0.001). In parallel, meta-analyses of published data estimated a pooled seroprevalence of 2.42% in animals (95% CI: 1.79–3.13) and 10.57% in humans (95% CI: 8.80–12.47), underscoring the broader burden of Brucella spp. exposure in Portugal. These findings suggest underdiagnosis of canine brucellosis and highlight the need for enhanced surveillance in high-risk breeds and regions. The study reinforces the importance of integrated One Health strategies to improve early detection, control, and prevention of B. canis infection in both veterinary and public health contexts.
Large-scale epidemiological and diagnostic assessment of canine cytology in Portugal: insights from 12,671 retrospective cases
Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ricardo Lopes, Leonor Delgado, Ana Machado, Augusto Silva, et al.
Veterinary World, 2025
Background and Aim: Cytology is a minimally invasive, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic tool widely used in veterinary medicine for evaluating a broad range of lesions. While extensively applied in clinical practice, large-scale epidemiological analyses of cytologic findings in canine populations are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cytology in dogs in Portugal, assessing associations between lesion type, anatomical location, and demographic factors, and to identify patterns that can improve diagnostic utility in veterinary practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12,671 cytological samples collected from canine patients between January 2010 and December 2016, submitted by 355 veterinary practices across mainland Portugal. Samples were categorized by anatomical location and diagnostic classification (neoplastic, inflammatory, non-neoplastic/non-inflammatory, and other). Demographic variables (sex, age, and breed) were recorded. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, logistic regression, and trend analyses to explore associations between diagnostic outcomes and study variables. Results: The overall diagnostic yield was 69.03%, with the highest rates in fluid (80.21%), mucosal (77.08%), and glandular (75.78%) samples. Cutaneous/subcutaneous lesions, although the most frequent, had the lowest diagnostic yield (66.12%). Of diagnostic cases, 43.94% were neoplastic, with prevalence increasing significantly with age, from 17.75% in dogs ≤1 year to 54.75% in those >10–15 years (p < 0.001). Females were more likely to present epithelial and mesenchymal lesions, while males more frequently had round cell and melanocytic lesions. Breed analysis revealed no significant predispositions after statistical adjustment. Veterinary hospitals achieved higher diagnostic rates than clinics (p = 0.002). Non-diagnostic samples (30.97%) were primarily attributed to poor sample quality or insufficient cellularity. Conclusion: Cytology is a valuable first-line diagnostic modality in canine veterinary practice, particularly effective for fluid, mucosal, and glandular lesions. Lesion prevalence varies significantly with age and sex, highlighting the need for tailored diagnostic considerations. Standardizing sample collection and preparation techniques, especially for anatomical sites with lower yields, could further improve diagnostic accuracy. While the absence of histopathological confirmation limits definitive classification, the large dataset and standardized diagnostic review strengthen the reliability of findings. Integrating cytology into routine diagnostics can enhance early disease detection, guide treatment decisions, and support epidemiological surveillance. Keywords: canine cytology, diagnostic yield, epidemiology, neoplasia, retrospective study, veterinary diagnostics.
What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)
Ricardo Lopes, Andreia Garcês, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Vanessa Silva, Filipe Sampaio, et al.
Journal of Fungi, 2025
Cryptococcosis, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes (pathogenic Cryptococcus spp.), is an environmentally acquired mycosis of One Health relevance. This study integrates a PRISMA-compliant systematic review (2000–2025) of Portuguese animal, human, and environmental reports with a 13-year retrospective dataset of laboratory-confirmed veterinary cryptococcosis cases (2013–2025). Clinical specimens were cultured and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and associations were assessed using χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests. Of 1059 submissions, 48 (4.5%) were culture-positive: 6.8% of canine, 5.3% of feline samples, and 4.0% of avian samples, with no detections in other vertebrate groups (p = 0.705). Cryptococcus neoformans predominated in carnivores (73.7%), while Papiliotrema laurentii (formerly Cryptococcus laurentii) was most frequent in birds (86.2%). Infection was not associated with sex or age. Seasonality was evident, with a July peak and summer predominance (p = 0.010). Most cases were from the Centre region (62.5%), with significant regional variation of Cryptococcus spp. distribution (p < 0.001). The systematic review confirmed autochthonous C. gattii complex disease and widespread C. neoformans contamination in pigeon guano and arboreal niches. These findings demonstrate a compartmentalised eco-epidemiology, reinforcing the need for integrated molecular typing, antifungal susceptibility testing, and coordinated human–animal–environment surveillance to inform targeted prevention and control strategies in Portugal.
When Precision Matters: Bone Marrow Cytology Meets qPCR in a Pilot Study Quantifying Leishmania infantum Load in Dogs
Juliana Costa, Ana Rita Silva, Filipe Sampaio, Ana Patrícia Alves, Hugo Silva, et al.
Microorganisms, 2025
Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of canine leishmaniosis (CanL), a zoonotic disease of considerable clinical and epidemiological concern. Quantification of parasite load is valuable for clinical management, particularly in low-parasite-load cases. This pilot study evaluated the correlation between cytological and molecular techniques in bone marrow samples from dogs clinically affected with leishmaniosis. Amastigotes were quantified by two independent observers using light microscopy, and the same samples were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) employing Leishmania spp. specific commercial primers. Inter-observer agreement was moderate according to Cohen’s kappa (κ = 0.47) and substantial according to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = 0.63), respectively, confirming measurement reproducibility. A very strong inverse correlation was found between parasite counts and qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) values (Spearman’s ρ = −0.89; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a robust logarithmic relationship (amastigotes/μL = 10(−0.158 × Ct + 7.61); R2 = 0.99994) was established allowing direct estimation of in vivo parasite concentration from molecular data. These preliminary findings suggest that qPCR can serve as a reliable, semi-quantitative tool, offering higher sensitivity in subclinical infections. The integration of molecular quantification with cytological methods enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports personalised therapeutic decision-making, advancing clinical management of CanL in a One Health context.
Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Beauveria bassiana in a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii, Garman, 1880) on the Portuguese Coast: Case Report and Review of Beauveria spp. Infections in Reptiles
Gonçalo N. Marques, Ricardo Lopes, Maria Conceição Peleteiro, Jaqueline T. Bento, João R. Mesquita, et al.
Microorganisms, 2025
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is the most critically endangered sea turtle species, with a distribution primarily restricted to the Gulf of Mexico. Its occurrence along the Iberian Peninsula is exceedingly rare. This study describes the postmortem findings of a juvenile L. kempii rescued off the Portuguese coast in 2024, which died after 11 days in rehabilitation despite intensive supportive care. Necropsy revealed severe, diffuse pneumonia. Histopathological examination showed interstitial inflammation and branching septate hyphae, while fungal culture and DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Beauveria bassiana. Mycotic diseases in reptiles are often underrecognised but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised or stressed individuals such as stranded marine turtles. This rare occurrence of a L. kempii on the Portuguese coast provides important insights into the species’ dispersal patterns and underlines the potential conservation implications of opportunistic fungal infections in endangered species.
What Comes from Cytology Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Retrospective Analysis of 3068 Feline Cases
Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ricardo Lopes, Leonor Delgado, Ana Machado, Augusto Silva, et al.
Veterinary Sciences, 2025
This study evaluated diagnostic trends and the overall utility of cytology in feline patients through the analysis of a large, multicentric dataset from Portugal. A retrospective review of 3068 cytological cases from 130 veterinary practices was conducted, with samples categorised by anatomical location and lesion type. Diagnostic outcomes were statistically assessed, revealing an overall success rate of 66.20%. The highest diagnostic yields occurred in fluid samples (83.48%), glandular tissues (76.67%), and mucous membranes (75.81%), followed by organ-based samples (67.79%), miscellaneous tissues (66.98%), cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules (62.16%), and lymph nodes (57.93%). Neoplastic lesions showed age-associated prevalence, being more common in older cats, with epithelial and melanocytic lesions more frequent in females and round cell/mesenchymal lesions predominating in males. Non-diagnostic samples (33.80%) primarily resulted from insufficient cellularity or suboptimal quality, though no significant correlation existed between diagnostic success and clinical setting. This study underscores that cytology remains a fundamental diagnostic tool in feline medicine, particularly when combined with proper sampling techniques and complementary diagnostic methods, and reinforces its value in clinical decision-making, thereby supporting its broader utilisation in routine veterinary practice.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: One Health approach to deciphering hidden relationships in Northern Portugal
Telma de Sousa, Sandro Machado, Manuela Caniça, Miguel J N Ramos, Daniela Santos, et al.
Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2025
First description of antifungal susceptibility of yeast-like fungi in dermal lesions of dogs in Portugal: A 6-year pilot retrospective study (2018-2023)
Ricardo Lopes, Andreia Garcês, Augusto Silva, Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ângela Martins, et al.
Veterinarska Stanica, 2025
Feline Infectious Peritonitis Effusion Index: A Novel Diagnostic Method and Validation of Flow Cytometry-Based Delta Total Nucleated Cells Analysis on the Sysmex XN-1000V®
Ricardo Lopes, Filipe Sampaio, Hugo Lima de Carvalho, Andreia Garcês, Cátia Fernandes, et al.
Veterinary Sciences, 2024
Dermatophytosis in Companion Animals in Portugal: A Comprehensive Epidemiological Retrospective Study of 12 Years (2012–2023)
Ricardo Lopes, Andreia Garcês, Augusto Silva, Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ângela Martins, et al.
Microorganisms, 2024
Distribution of and Relationships between Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Parameters in Canine Leishmaniosis: A Retrospective Study of 15 Years (2009–2023)
Ricardo Lopes, Andreia Garcês, Augusto Silva, Paula Brilhante-Simões, Ângela Martins, et al.
Pathogens, 2024
The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs
Telma de Sousa, Andreia Garcês, Augusto Silva, Ricardo Lopes, Nuno Alegria, et al.
Veterinary Sciences, 2023
First report of a cutaneous and shell mycosis in an Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis, Cagle, 1953) by Fusarium solani
Andreia Garces, Helder Fernandes, Delsy Salinas, Ricardo Lopes, Augusto Silva, et al.
Veterinarska Stanica, 2023
Bacterial Isolates from Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs and Cats in Portugal, and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern: A Retrospective Study of 5 Years (2017–2021)
Andreia Garcês, Ricardo Lopes, Augusto Silva, Filipe Sampaio, Daniela Duque, et al.
Antibiotics, 2022
First Report of Oral Candidiasis by Candida lusitaniae in a Red Kite (Milvus milvus, Lineu 1758)
Journal of Advanced Veterinary Research, 2022
Classification of vertebral osteomyelitis and associated judgment applied during post⇂mortem inspection of swine carcasses in Portugal
Madalena Vieira-Pinto, Joana Azevedo, Patrícia Poeta, Isabel Pires, Lüppo Ellebroek, et al.
Foods, 2020
Additive Bayesian Network analysis of associations between antimicrobial consumption, biosecurity, vaccination and productivity in Danish sow herds
Ricardo Lopes, Amanda Brinch Kruse, Liza Rosenbaum Nielsen, Telmo Pina Nunes, Lis Alban
Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2019

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Molecular Detection of Bartonella henselae in Healthy Cats from Portugal (2015–2025): One Health Context and Implications for Transfusion Medicine
R Lopes, HL Carvalho, F Sampaio, C Fernandes, CC Santos, C Sousa, ...
Pathogens 15 (2), 131 , 2026
2026
Mapping Feline Oncology in Portugal: A National Characterization
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Silva, F Pacheco, R Marcos, ...
Animals 16 (3), 364 , 2026
2026
Every Tumour Counts: A Comprehensive Overview of Canine Oncology in Portugal
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Silva, I Pires, R Marcos, ...
Animals 16 (1), 35 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Brucellosis in Portugal: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal and human Brucella spp. infections (2001–2025)
R Lopes, H Lima de Carvalho, E Leclerc Duarte, AC Coelho, LL Cardoso, ...
UTAD , 2025
2025
Large-scale epidemiological and diagnostic assessment of canine cytology in Portugal: insights from 12,671 retrospective cases
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Machado, A Silva, C Gomes, ...
Veterinary World 18 (10), 2955 , 2025
2025
What do we know about Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal?
R Lopes, G Barros, A Garces, L Cardoso, V Silva, H Lima de Carvalho, ...
2025
Are We Missing Brucella spp. in Portugal? The First Nationwide Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Retrospective Serological Study of Brucella canis (2013 …
R Lopes, HL de Carvalho, AC Ferreira, A Garcês, C Fernandes, AR Silva, ...
Zoonotic Diseases 5 (4), 26 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
When Precision Matters: Bone Marrow Cytology Meets qPCR in a Pilot Study Quantifying Leishmania infantum Load in Dogs
J Costa, AR Silva, F Sampaio, AP Alves, H Silva, HL de Carvalho, ...
Microorganisms 13 (9), 2211 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
What Do We Know About Cryptococcus spp. in Portugal? One Health Systematic Review in a Comprehensive 13-Year Retrospective Study (2013–2025)
R Lopes, A Garcês, HL Carvalho, V Silva, F Sampaio, C Fernandes, ...
Journal of Fungi 11 (9), 672 , 2025
2025
Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Beauveria bassiana in a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii , Garman, 1880) on the Portuguese Coast: Case Report and Review of …
GN Marques, R Lopes, MC Peleteiro, JT Bento, JR Mesquita, ...
Microorganisms 13 (9), 2092 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
What comes from cytology diagnosis: A comprehensive epidemiological retrospective analysis of 3068 feline cases
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Machado, A Silva, Â Martins, ...
Veterinary Sciences 12 (7), 671 , 2025
2025
Citations: 6
Seroepidemiology of Rickettsia conorii in dogs in Portugal: a comprehensive 12-year retrospective study (2013–2024)
R Lopes, H Lima de Carvalho, A Garcês, C Fernandes, AP Lopes, ...
Parasites & Vectors 18 (1), 238 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
Prvi opis osjetljivosti na protugljivična sredstva gljivica nalik kvascu u dermalnim lezijama pasa u Portugalu-retrospektivna pilot studija u trajanju od 6 godina (2018.–2023.)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, L Cardoso, ...
Veterinarska stanica 56 (6), 725-737 , 2025
2025
First description of antifungal susceptibility of yeast-like fungi in dermal lesions of dogs in Portugal: A 6-year pilot retrospective study (2018-2023)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, L Cardoso, ...
HRČAK , 2025
2025
Pseudomonas aeruginosa : One Health approach to deciphering hidden relationships in Northern Portugal
T de Sousa, S Machado, M Caniça, MJN Ramos, D Santos, M Ribeiro, ...
Journal of Applied Microbiology 136 (2), lxaf037 , 2025
2025
Citations: 6
Feline infectious peritonitis effusion index: A novel diagnostic method and validation of flow cytometry-based delta total nucleated cells analysis on the sysmex XN-1000V®
R Lopes, F Sampaio, HL Carvalho, A Garcês, C Fernandes, CV Neves, ...
Veterinary Sciences 11 (11), 563 , 2024
2024
Citations: 12
Dermatophytosis in companion animals in Portugal: a comprehensive epidemiological retrospective study of 12 years (2012–2023)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, L Cardoso, ...
Microorganisms 12 (8), 1727 , 2024
2024
Citations: 11
Distribution of and relationships between epidemiological and clinicopathological parameters in canine leishmaniosis: A retrospective study of 15 years (2009–2023)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, EL Duarte, ...
Pathogens 13 (8), 635 , 2024
2024
Citations: 9
Robot-assisted gravity offloading testing of aerospace structures
PR Lopes, L Moreira, R Lopes, AM Lopes
Journal of Testing and Evaluation 51 (5), 3478-3493 , 2023
2023
Citations: 2
First report of a cutaneous and shell mycosis in an Ouachita Map Turtle ( Graptemys ouachitensis , Cagle, 1953) by Fusarium solani .
A Garces, H Fernandes, D Salinas, R Lopes, A Silva, F Sampaio, ...
2023
Citations: 3

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Bacterial isolates from urinary tract infection in dogs and cats in Portugal, and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern: a retrospective study of 5 years (2017–2021)
A Garcês, R Lopes, A Silva, F Sampaio, D Duque, P Brilhante-Simões
Antibiotics 11 (11), 1520 , 2022
2022
Citations: 51
The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs
T de Sousa, A Garcês, A Silva, R Lopes, N Alegria, M Hébraud, G Igrejas, ...
Veterinary Sciences 10 (5), 343 , 2023
2023
Citations: 35
Classification of vertebral osteomyelitis and associated judgment applied during post-mortem inspection of swine carcasses in Portugal
M Vieira-Pinto, J Azevedo, P Poeta, I Pires, L Ellebroek, R Lopes, ...
Foods 9 (10), 1502 , 2020
2020
Citations: 20
Feline infectious peritonitis effusion index: A novel diagnostic method and validation of flow cytometry-based delta total nucleated cells analysis on the sysmex XN-1000V®
R Lopes, F Sampaio, HL Carvalho, A Garcês, C Fernandes, CV Neves, ...
Veterinary Sciences 11 (11), 563 , 2024
2024
Citations: 12
Dermatophytosis in companion animals in Portugal: a comprehensive epidemiological retrospective study of 12 years (2012–2023)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, L Cardoso, ...
Microorganisms 12 (8), 1727 , 2024
2024
Citations: 11
Additive Bayesian Network analysis of associations between antimicrobial consumption, biosecurity, vaccination and productivity in Danish sow herds
R Lopes, AB Kruse, LR Nielsen, TP Nunes, L Alban
Preventive veterinary medicine 169, 104702 , 2019
2019
Citations: 10
Distribution of and relationships between epidemiological and clinicopathological parameters in canine leishmaniosis: A retrospective study of 15 years (2009–2023)
R Lopes, A Garcês, A Silva, P Brilhante-Simões, Â Martins, EL Duarte, ...
Pathogens 13 (8), 635 , 2024
2024
Citations: 9
What comes from cytology diagnosis: A comprehensive epidemiological retrospective analysis of 3068 feline cases
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Machado, A Silva, Â Martins, ...
Veterinary Sciences 12 (7), 671 , 2025
2025
Citations: 6
Pseudomonas aeruginosa : One Health approach to deciphering hidden relationships in Northern Portugal
T de Sousa, S Machado, M Caniça, MJN Ramos, D Santos, M Ribeiro, ...
Journal of Applied Microbiology 136 (2), lxaf037 , 2025
2025
Citations: 6
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in Skin Infections from Company Animals …
A Garcês, A Silva, R Lopes, F Sampaio, D Duque, P Brilhante-Simões
Medical Sciences Forum 12 (1), 24 , 2022
2022
Citations: 6
Are We Missing Brucella spp. in Portugal? The First Nationwide Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Retrospective Serological Study of Brucella canis (2013 …
R Lopes, HL de Carvalho, AC Ferreira, A Garcês, C Fernandes, AR Silva, ...
Zoonotic Diseases 5 (4), 26 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
Seroepidemiology of Rickettsia conorii in dogs in Portugal: a comprehensive 12-year retrospective study (2013–2024)
R Lopes, H Lima de Carvalho, A Garcês, C Fernandes, AP Lopes, ...
Parasites & Vectors 18 (1), 238 , 2025
2025
Citations: 3
First report of a cutaneous and shell mycosis in an Ouachita Map Turtle ( Graptemys ouachitensis , Cagle, 1953) by Fusarium solani .
A Garces, H Fernandes, D Salinas, R Lopes, A Silva, F Sampaio, ...
2023
Citations: 3
First Report of Oral Candidiasis by Candida lusitanea in a Red Kite (Milvus milvus, Lineu 1758)
A GarcÃªs, R Lopes, D Salinas, M Carreira, S Infante, A Lopes, IÃ Silveira, ...
Journal of Advanced Veterinary Research 12 (3), 321-323 , 2022
2022
Citations: 3
Robot-assisted gravity offloading testing of aerospace structures
PR Lopes, L Moreira, R Lopes, AM Lopes
Journal of Testing and Evaluation 51 (5), 3478-3493 , 2023
2023
Citations: 2
The Impact of the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Dogs. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 343
T de Sousa, A Garcês, A Silva, R Lopes, N Alegria, M Hébraud, G Igrejas, ...
2023
Citations: 2
Every Tumour Counts: A Comprehensive Overview of Canine Oncology in Portugal
P Brilhante-Simões, R Lopes, L Delgado, A Silva, I Pires, R Marcos, ...
Animals 16 (1), 35 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
When Precision Matters: Bone Marrow Cytology Meets qPCR in a Pilot Study Quantifying Leishmania infantum Load in Dogs
J Costa, AR Silva, F Sampaio, AP Alves, H Silva, HL de Carvalho, ...
Microorganisms 13 (9), 2211 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Fatal Pneumonia Caused by Beauveria bassiana in a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii , Garman, 1880) on the Portuguese Coast: Case Report and Review of …
GN Marques, R Lopes, MC Peleteiro, JT Bento, JR Mesquita, ...
Microorganisms 13 (9), 2092 , 2025
2025
Citations: 1
Prevalência parasitária gastrointestinal em 1419 casos (2015-2017), comparando a análise coprológica de 1 versus 3 amostras
D Duque, R Lopes, F Sampaio, A Silva, PB Simões
Tech. rep. Laboratório Veterinário INNO (cit. on p. 44) , 2018
2018
Citations: 1

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Effusion Index: A Novel Diagnostic Method. The FIP Effusion Index is a diagnostic index developed and validated to support the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in effusion samples, based on the integration of flow cytometry–derived parameters, including deltaTNC (delta total nucleated cells) analysis, generated on the Sysmex XN-1000V® platform.

CONSULTANCY

Consultancy in veterinary clinical pathology, laboratory diagnostics, infectious disease interpretation, molecular diagnostic workflows, cytology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, diagnostic microbiology, food safety auditing and hygiene and food safety management systems.

Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration

Collaboration with veterinary diagnostic laboratories, veterinary hospitals, academic institutions and research groups in Portugal. Experience in the integration of laboratory data from veterinary medical centres, clinical diagnostic networks and academic research settings. Scientific activity includes collaboration in diagnostic validation, retrospective epidemiological studies, infectious disease research, clinical pathology, molecular biology and One Health-oriented investigations.

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Professional experience in veterinary diagnostic laboratory medicine, including clinical pathology, haematology, clinical biochemistry, cytology, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, infectious disease testing, quality control, diagnostic interpretation and laboratory reporting. Experience also includes veterinary clinical practice, emergency and intensive care, food safety auditing, hygiene and food safety systems, and applied diagnostic consultancy for veterinary clinicians.