Immunoprophylaxis and molecular epidemiology of anthrax and the fate of Bacillus anthracis in living vectors and the environment of Namibia and South Africa

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The project proposed encompasses (1) investigations of the molecular and environmental epidemiology of anthrax in South Africa and Namibia, (2) studies on the fate of Bacillus (B.) anthracis in environmental habitats and within insect vectors and (3) studies in laboratory rodents and goats to compare the immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and safety of recombinant peptide and DNA vaccine candidates with those of the live spore vaccine licensed in these countries. The project will address the genetic diversity of B. anthracis, circulating in livestock, wildlife and humans and in environmental habitats and the relationship between genotype and spatial, temporal and host distribution, using modern molecular fingerprinting techniques. The roles of water holes and other so-called “concentrator areas” and of free living amoebae in the epidemiology of anthrax in wild life parks and their surroundings will be investigated in microcosm and field studies. Vaccine protection trials will be carried out to test acellular bacterial and toxoid antigens, individually and in combination, and a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding various antigens. The feasibility of giving antibiotics at the same time as immunisation with acellular vaccines as a possible treatment schedule during an outbreak will be studied. Underpinning the science is the aim to support the academic and professional careers of young Namibian, South African and German scientists through exchange of personnel and technological skills within the framework of a multi-national academic network.