Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COMBAT (COntrolling and progressively Minimizing the Burden of Animal Trypanosomosis)
Período documentado: 2021-09-01 hasta 2023-02-28
Trypanosomosis is a vector-borne disease that affects livestock and humans, with heavy socio-economic impacts in Africa. The disease is transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies. Animal trypanosomosis (AT) is a constant drain on the resources of poor African livestock keepers, but is also present in Latin America and Asia, and incursions have been reported from continental Europe. The human form of African trypanosomosis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a deadly disease targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization.
The goal of COMBAT is to reduce the burden of AT in Africa. The project builds on the progressive control pathway (PCP), an evidence-based, phased approach to disease reduction and elimination. COMBAT aims to improve basic knowledge of AT, develop novel control tools, reinforce surveillance, rationalize control strategies, build capacities and raise awareness. Outstanding questions on disease epidemiology, trypanotolerance, vector ecology and competence will be studied. Innovative, eco-friendly tools for vector control and more effective diagnostics will be developed. Information systems on disease and vector distribution will be established, including the mapping of disease risk in Africa and beyond. Surveillance will be strengthened through information technology and enhanced reporting. The disease burden will be assessed at the continental, national and local levels. PCP-smart national control strategies and roadmaps will be developed, including internationally agreed guidelines.
A crucial enabling factor for the achievement of the wider COMBAT goals is its consortium, with 21 participants, a blend of European and African research institutions, national veterinary authorities, international organizations, and a geographically-balanced representation across Africa. A high-profile External Advisory Board, a broad external network, and several regional initiatives contribute to enhancing the impacts of the project.
The goal of COMBAT is to reduce the burden of AT in Africa. The project builds on the progressive control pathway (PCP), an evidence-based, phased approach to disease reduction and elimination. COMBAT aims to improve basic knowledge of AT, develop novel control tools, reinforce surveillance, rationalize control strategies, build capacities and raise awareness. Outstanding questions on disease epidemiology, trypanotolerance, vector ecology and competence will be studied. Innovative, eco-friendly tools for vector control and more effective diagnostics will be developed. Information systems on disease and vector distribution will be established, including the mapping of disease risk in Africa and beyond. Surveillance will be strengthened through information technology and enhanced reporting. The disease burden will be assessed at the continental, national and local levels. PCP-smart national control strategies and roadmaps will be developed, including internationally agreed guidelines.
A crucial enabling factor for the achievement of the wider COMBAT goals is its consortium, with 21 participants, a blend of European and African research institutions, national veterinary authorities, international organizations, and a geographically-balanced representation across Africa. A high-profile External Advisory Board, a broad external network, and several regional initiatives contribute to enhancing the impacts of the project.
During the first 18 months the project generated new epidemiological knowledge on the ecology of AT players. On the vector side, progress was made on the characterization of pheromones of cyclical vectors (tsetse flies) and mechanical vectors (chiefly Stomoxys), on their competences, and on the genetics of tsetse populations potentially targeted for elimination. Through surveys in six countries, insights into the ecology of mechanical vectors were gained. On the host front, genetic characterization of livestock species under AT pressure started, and so did experimental infections to compare biological parameters and attractiveness to tsetse of cattle breeds differing in their tolerance to AT. As to the parasite, drug-resistant strains were collected and characterized, and are ready for whole genome sequencing to investigate determinants of resistance.
New tools are being developed for sustainable vector monitoring and control. A group of essential oils was tested for their properties against tsetse flies. New screens (Flyscreens) are ready to be tested in six locations, while prototypes of biodegradable traps (BioflyTraps) were produced and are under evaluation. A drone prototype was customized to capture flies in hard-to-reach areas. As to diagnostics, the reference antibody detection ELISA was improved through in vitro production of trypanosome antigens and lyophilisation of the test components. Multivalent recombinant antigens were produced by genetic engineering. The most sought-after serological diagnostic, an antigen-capture test, is still out of reach, though progress is being made on a nanobody-based biosensor to capture specific trypanosome antigens.
The continental atlas of tsetse and AT was further developed and expanded to ‘surra’ (caused by Trypanosoma evansi). Eight countries initiated national atlases by setting up data repositories and by processing data; a few countries established atlas databases, drafted maps, and carried out field survey to fill gaps. Five countries enhanced and updated existing atlases. The strengthening of surveillance was accompanied by extensive capacity building and training. Work on tsetse distribution modelling focused on accessing geospatial datasets and testing models, while a conceptual model was developed for the risk of AT for Europe. For the estimation of disease burden, field surveys were planned to improve the evidence-base, and existing data on disease impact are being linked to prevalence data for national and continental estimations of the burden.
One virtual workshop (over 100 participants) and one physical meeting (38 participants) were held to streamline the PCP into national policies. A workshop on the development of FAO guidelines for trypanocide use and resistance in the framework of the PCP was held. Two national workshops (Kenya and Chad) were held to develop PCP-smart national strategies. Kenya and Burkina Faso drafted PCP maps at the subnational level, and Kenya drafted a 10-year PCP roadmap.
Capacity-building is a cornerstone of the project, and 12 Master students, 14 PhDs and 5 postdoctoral fellows are being trained. All partners on the African continent received training, either through international workshops or through targeted courses. Noteworthy are the numerous trainings on the development of atlases, the course on the principles of socio-economic burden assessment, and the trainings on trapping and identification of AT vectors. A number of partners have also organised trainings for their staff and for local actors, and carried out awareness and sensitization activities.
New tools are being developed for sustainable vector monitoring and control. A group of essential oils was tested for their properties against tsetse flies. New screens (Flyscreens) are ready to be tested in six locations, while prototypes of biodegradable traps (BioflyTraps) were produced and are under evaluation. A drone prototype was customized to capture flies in hard-to-reach areas. As to diagnostics, the reference antibody detection ELISA was improved through in vitro production of trypanosome antigens and lyophilisation of the test components. Multivalent recombinant antigens were produced by genetic engineering. The most sought-after serological diagnostic, an antigen-capture test, is still out of reach, though progress is being made on a nanobody-based biosensor to capture specific trypanosome antigens.
The continental atlas of tsetse and AT was further developed and expanded to ‘surra’ (caused by Trypanosoma evansi). Eight countries initiated national atlases by setting up data repositories and by processing data; a few countries established atlas databases, drafted maps, and carried out field survey to fill gaps. Five countries enhanced and updated existing atlases. The strengthening of surveillance was accompanied by extensive capacity building and training. Work on tsetse distribution modelling focused on accessing geospatial datasets and testing models, while a conceptual model was developed for the risk of AT for Europe. For the estimation of disease burden, field surveys were planned to improve the evidence-base, and existing data on disease impact are being linked to prevalence data for national and continental estimations of the burden.
One virtual workshop (over 100 participants) and one physical meeting (38 participants) were held to streamline the PCP into national policies. A workshop on the development of FAO guidelines for trypanocide use and resistance in the framework of the PCP was held. Two national workshops (Kenya and Chad) were held to develop PCP-smart national strategies. Kenya and Burkina Faso drafted PCP maps at the subnational level, and Kenya drafted a 10-year PCP roadmap.
Capacity-building is a cornerstone of the project, and 12 Master students, 14 PhDs and 5 postdoctoral fellows are being trained. All partners on the African continent received training, either through international workshops or through targeted courses. Noteworthy are the numerous trainings on the development of atlases, the course on the principles of socio-economic burden assessment, and the trainings on trapping and identification of AT vectors. A number of partners have also organised trainings for their staff and for local actors, and carried out awareness and sensitization activities.
COMBAT is gaining deeper insights into AT epidemiology, with a focus on the often-neglected role of mechanical vectors. The project is generating biodegradable vector control tools, and diagnostics for AT research and control for broad adoption in Africa. A test is also being developed for point-of care use and commercialization. These tools are expected to be less expensive than existing ones and will reduce the use of laboratory animals.
COMBAT is developing or enhancing fourteen national atlases of AT and its vectors, updating long out-of-date tsetse maps for Africa and drawing for the first time an overall picture of AT at the continental level. These datasets are allowing a more robust, data-driven estimation of disease burden and a better targeting of field interventions. The AT risk for Europe is also being estimated for the first time. Harmonized, evidence-based strategies and roadmaps are being developed for reinforced control at the national, transboundary and continental level.
All COMBAT activities are accompanied by extensive training and reinforcement of capacity in Africa, with a view to the long-term sustainability of the results.
COMBAT is having a major impact on the control and surveillance of AT in Africa. By directly benefitting 13 endemic countries and by reaching out beyond the consortium, it is to date the largest coordinated project to fight AT. In the short term, thanks to the conducive environment provided by COMBAT, several countries are leveraging support and commitment for national governments to reinvigorate the institutions in charge of AT control. In the medium to long term this renewed commitment is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of AT impacts, and therefore to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular poverty reduction, hunger elimination and health for all.
COMBAT is developing or enhancing fourteen national atlases of AT and its vectors, updating long out-of-date tsetse maps for Africa and drawing for the first time an overall picture of AT at the continental level. These datasets are allowing a more robust, data-driven estimation of disease burden and a better targeting of field interventions. The AT risk for Europe is also being estimated for the first time. Harmonized, evidence-based strategies and roadmaps are being developed for reinforced control at the national, transboundary and continental level.
All COMBAT activities are accompanied by extensive training and reinforcement of capacity in Africa, with a view to the long-term sustainability of the results.
COMBAT is having a major impact on the control and surveillance of AT in Africa. By directly benefitting 13 endemic countries and by reaching out beyond the consortium, it is to date the largest coordinated project to fight AT. In the short term, thanks to the conducive environment provided by COMBAT, several countries are leveraging support and commitment for national governments to reinvigorate the institutions in charge of AT control. In the medium to long term this renewed commitment is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of AT impacts, and therefore to the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular poverty reduction, hunger elimination and health for all.