Enhancing Capacity for Case Detection and Diagnosis of Febrile Zoonotic Related Cutaneous Lesions in Georgia
Abstract
The recent discovery of a new Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) in Georgia (country) demonstrates the need for poxvirus detection and diagnosis capacity in this region. Human illness caused by this virus has implications for differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesion-producing zoonotic infections, principally anthrax. Simultaneously, animal infection may impact agricultural productivity and food safety. In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Atlanta (US) and the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) of Georgia, we propose to enhance capacity to detect, diagnose and report OPXV human and animal infections. Health-care workers will be trained to recognize zoonotic-related cutaneous lesions in order to identify suspected human cases and veterinarians will be trained to recognize lesions among livestock. New assays will be adopted and validated for detecting new OPXV variants in humans, rodents, domestic and wild animals found in Georgia. Training and educational outreach will result in improved capacity for efficient identification and diagnosis of emerging OPXV, and will as well improve bio-surveillance capacity for OPXV in both human and animal populations. The improved surveillance activities and understanding of OPXV disease burden in the agricultural sector will promote further research collaborations with local and international partners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 22, 2020
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710016
Entities
People
- Ana Gulbani
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency