A real-time genome sequencing approach to the role of wildlife in transmission of animal trypanosomiasis
Wellcome Trust
International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a major livestock disease restricting economic development across Africa. AAT is caused by trypanosomes (Trypanosoma spp.), which are haemoparasites transmitted by blood-feeding flies; infection causes inflammatory anaemia, resulting in wastage and death if untreated. Prevention of infection depends on vector control and livestock management to minimise exposure. Therefore, improved epidemiological data are needed constantly to inform disease surveillance and intervention strategies. The role of sylvatic transmission to domestic animals from wildlife reservoirs is a key issue, which will be examined by tracking parasite genotypes across a national park boundary in southern Kenya. Using a third-generation DNA sequencing technology (Oxford Nanopore MinION), I will produce real-time transmission data with greater precision than ever before. I will produce transcriptomes for parasites isolated from vectors, wildlife and livestock over one year, extracting single nucleotide polymorphisms to track genotypes through space and time. This will test the hypothesis that sylvatic transmission from wildlife inside the park sustains AAT in livestock outside. This project will show how new sequencing technologies can enhance parasite epidemiology, while elucidating the importance of sylvatic transmission to AAT, so enabling animal health agencies to better manage disease risk and better localize and prioritize control strategies.
2.2 Factors relating to physical environment