OneHealth Approaches to Transboundary Disease Surveillance and Molecular Epidemiologic Analysis of Brucellosis in Tanzania and Rwanda
Abstract
Despite the fact that Brucella species are associated with serious debilitating and potentially life-threatening illnesses amongst humans and livestock, there is only limited information available on the prevalence and distribution of circulating strains. Further, the risk of zoonotic spillover of Brucella into high risk populations in these countries remains unelucidated. To help fill these critical knowledge gaps, we propose studies to estimate the prevalence and map the distribution and molecular epidemiology of Brucella strains circulating in human and livestock in TZ and RW. Using a robust stratified cross-sectional sampling approach, and through the application of serological studies, molecular diagnostics and genomics- based tools, including whole genome sequencing, our proposed investigations will test several hypotheses and determine the geographic distribution and prevalence of circulating Brucella species and strains in livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and humans for identification of host- and region-specific lineages of Brucella. Finally, microbiome characterization of raw milk associated with Brucella-positive and negative will identify DNA signatures of novel and emerging pathogens in both countries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 13, 2021
- Source ID
- HDTRA12110039
Entities
People
- Robab Katani
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Pennsylvania State University