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One Health approach to integrate Guadeloupe research on vector-borne and emerging diseases in the ERA: from characterization of emergence mechanisms to innovative approaches for prediction and control

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Guadeloupe research potential now stronger against infectious diseases

Emerging infectious diseases, particularly those involving arthropod vectors, threaten human health, animal breeding and food security worldwide. An EU-funded initiative helped reinforce Guadeloupe research infrastructure against vector-borne diseases.

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Global changes such as increased travelling and trade, natural hazards, societal and climate change, all contribute to changes in the epidemiology and transmission of infectious diseases. Recent outbreaks of the Chikungunya and Zika viruses in the Caribbean – the crossroads between North America, South America and Europe – highlight the need for reinforcement of research and control strategies on vector-borne diseases. The EU-funded EPIGENESIS (One health approach to integrate Guadeloupe research on vector-borne and emerging diseases in the ERA: from characterisation of emergence mechanisms to innovative approaches for prediction and control) project was designed to expand Guadeloupe research potential on emerging and vector-borne diseases. The project integrated multidisciplinary approaches while engaging in cross-sectorial collaborations with key stakeholders. Reinforcement of Guadeloupean research expertise included acquisition of cutting edge equipment in the field of next generation sequencing and proteomics, recruitment of experienced scientists and development of strong partnerships with European research institutions. In addition, EPIGENESIS activities focused on raising awareness and translating research findings into policies. From a scientific perspective, the project worked towards understanding the genetic diversity and pathogenesis of E. ruminantium, a tick-transmitted bacterium responsible for the fatal tropical ruminant disease, heartwater. Moreover, new tools for epidemiological monitoring, risk assessment and disease control were developed along the project. The Caribbean region is an endemic area for several mosquito-borne diseases. EPIGENESIS developed molecular tools for the identification of tropical mosquito species that helped delineate their diversity and distribution in Guadeloupe. Socio-economic studies were also conducted to enhance the economic benefit of supranational health networks like CaribVET, the Caribbean animal health network which brings together 12 regional and international organizations, research institutes and veterinary services from 33 countries and territories. Dissemination activities will extend to a leaflet (English and French) with mains achievement of the project. Collectively, the activities of EPIGENESIS culminated with the creation of a centre for research and surveillance on animal and zoonotic infectious diseases in the Caribbean (CRVC-CIRAD). This centre will ensure sustained efforts to increase regional research capacities and international partnerships with a strategy in accordance with needs of stakeholders.

Keywords

Guadeloupe, infectious disease, infrastructure, EPIGENESIS, heartwater, West Nile fever

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