Epidemiology and ecology of Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis: A project to build capacities for the detection and investigation of novel pathogens

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The discovery of new, unusual and dangerous pathogens can be expected especially in regions with high biodiversity and massive ecological changes but also insufficient health infrastructure, circumstances given in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In order to control such emerging pathogens and protect human and animal health, it is of central importance to understand the pathogens’ epidemiology, identify risk factors and build in country capacities for rapid and reliable pathogen detection. Therefore we aim at building capacities for the detection and study of novel pathogens in one of the best equipped veterinary laboratories in sub-Saharan Africa, the LANADA/LCPA, situated in Côte d’Ivoire. Together with partners from LANADA we have previously discovered a new deadly bacterial pathogen named Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis causing anthrax in great apes and other animals in West-Africa. Almost nothing is known about the epidemiology, ecology and possible impact on humans and animals of this pathogen. Together, we will develop molecular and serological tests to study the epidemiology of these pathogens and investigate atypical Bacillus strains. Analyses will include studies of the seroprevalence in humans and animals as well as the presence of the pathogen in clinical and environmental samples. To understand the biology of this pathogen and the principle of emergence of such pathogens, we will furthermore examine the ecology (e.g. growth in different substrates) and evolution by comparative sequencing of B. cereus bv anthracis and related bacilli. The project will also include training in biosaftey and biosecurity for handling highly pathogenic agents.