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Browsing Protocols by Author "Feasey, Nick"

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    Environmental Surveillance of Pathogens
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2020-10-08) Feasey, Nick
    Type of Study Environmental Surveillance, unrelated to clinical cases or carriers. This protocol is therefore submitted as a waiver request. Broad Objective To develop spatial, field sampling and laboratory testing methods to identify environmental reservoirs of S. Typhi, Rotavirus, Enterovirus and SARS-CoV-2 as well as other key bacteria and viruses and use these findings to inform targeted intervention strategies through spatial modelling 1.4 Specific Objectives 1. Optimize strategy for detecting pathogens from food (fruit and vegetables available at the market), water and the environment in the laboratory 2. Optimize field sampling and sample concentration methods to support laboratory identification of pathogens 3. Use spatial modelling based on available data such as the physical geography or population density of Blantyre to develop our sampling strategy 1.5 Methods Optimize strategy for detecting pathogens from food, water and the environment in the laboratory will include: 1)concentration of field samples respecting staff safety and without rendering the pathogen of interest undetectable, 2)avoiding out-competition by other microorganisms (i.e. S. Typhi being outcompeted by E. coli), 3) quantitating the pathogens of interest and 4) multiplexing detection methods to make them cost effective. 2. Optimize field sampling and sample concentration methods to support laboratory identification of pathogens will include: 1)“Grabbing” enough sample that the pathogen of interest is present in and thus detected in the laboratory, 2) maintaining staff safety, 3) protecting equipment deployed overnight, and 4) developing methods that are cost effective. 3 Use spatial modelling based on available data such as the physical geography or population density of Blantyre to develop our sampling strategy will 1) enables a field sampling team to capture samples that the pathogen of interest is present in and 2) determine if this is economically feasible to roll-out at the level of field sampling necessary to reliably detect it. 1.6 Expected findings We aim to develop transferrable and translatable methods for the isolation or detection of pathogens from environmental sources, including S. Typhi, Rotavirus, enterovirus and SARS-CoV-2. This will be used to identify both reservoirs and transmission pathways. This information will be used to create a predictive model for where to locate high pathogen burden areas in an urban African context and this model can be validated and used in a variety of settings to support both future intervention studies. 1.7 Dissemination of study findings The study findings will be proactively disseminated through national and international scientific meetings, to key public health bodies in Malawi and through peerreviewed publications. Specifically, we will disseminate findings to COMREC, CoM and the Blantyre DHO. Any significant research findings will be shared to the Malawi government’s Ministry of Health who are already collaborating on on-going Typhoid and rotavirus vaccine surveillance studies and to support the national effort with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.