Peru

Abstract

Despite adequate coverage of malaria intervention strategies in rural, remote areas, the elimination efforts vanished after some months, and residual malaria persists. Malaria importation might be playing a significant role in the maintenance of local transmission. From a fundamental perspective, this scenario reflects the metapopulation dynamics theory, where the parasite population's subdivisions are geographically dispersed but with limited interaction between the components. Events of extinction and recolonization give the maintenance of the metapopulation. For instance, after an adequate intervention, the parasite population might be diminished, but people returning to their villages carrying imported parasites may revert the effect. The present study aims to study the contribution of Plasmodium vivax metapopulation in the burden of residual malaria in villages sharing watersheds in the Amazon. We will unravel human mobility's role in the recolonization event by integrating epidemiological and travel data with the parasite population genetics. Our project is the first study to address P. vivax metapopulations as a significant challenge for elimination and seeks to develop a genomics platform that distinguishes among highly related parasites. The expected findings could provide crucial insights about a better design of intervention strategies.

Funding(s)

FWO

Researcher(s)

• Promotor: Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre
• Co-promotor: Delgado Ratto Chris​
• PhD student: Mahdi Safarpour​

Period

01/01/2022 - 31/12/2025

Abstract

The Peruvian population is adversly affected by infectious diseases and current govermental efforts are not sufficient to reduce the burden. While bioinformatics and genomics are relatively new approaches in molecular epidemiology, they have already made important contributions to the health of patients and populations. Bioinformatics and genome sequencing capacity in Peru is still extremely limited. Public universities like UNSA in Arequipa and UNAP in Loreto could play a major role in regional and national level infectious disease control by providing further insights in the molecular epidemiology of the infectious diseases in Peru. We propose to develop sustainable capacity in bioinformatics and sequencing through the development of a academic network between 3 universities in Peru and 2 institutions in Belgium. We selected topics of local public health importance: malaria, tuberculosis and antibiotic resistance. For these diseases, next generation sequencing can significantly improve diagnostics, surveillance and control, thus contributing to better health of the population of Peru.

Funding(s)

VLIR-UOS

Researcher(s)

Promotor: Van Rie Annelies

Co-promotor: Delgado Ratto Chris

Period:

01/01/2019 -31/12/2021

Abstract

Malaria burden severely affects the population living in the Peruvian Amazon, which is also affected by low-living conditions. Currently, the Peruvian government has launched the Malaria Elimination program in the Amazon and requires evidence-based research to improve its program. UNAP is the main university in the Peruvian Amazon and is looking to become a key role player on the development of the region by supporting this elimination initiative. The first steps of supporting UNAP becoming more active on research were initiated through a triangular collaboration between UNAP, UPCH and UAntwerp in 2016 (VLIR SI). Here by, we intend to continue and strengthen this collaboration by actively developing educational and research capacities on epidemiology, data analysis and population genetics at UNAP. Constant training through students/professors exchange, courses given by UAntwerp/UPCH professors at UNAP and joint research related to malaria elimination tools encircle the strategy proposed on this VLIR TEAM project.

Funding(s)

VLIR UOS, TEAM programme, 279.994€

Researcher(s)

Flemish promoter: Jean-Pierre Van geertruyden (University of Antwerp)
Local promoter: Dr. Dionicia Gamboa Vilela (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru)

Period

01/01/2018 - 01/12/2021

Abstract

The present project seeks to fulfil the academic capabilities of UNAP by improving quality of research and education. The project relies in the formation of a triangular structure of academic and educational collaboration between the UNAP (public university, academically weak but with high potential as key player in the development of Amazon population), UPCH (well-stablished university will lead UNAP on the project) and UA (supporting the capacity building). The VLIR Sl project will strengthen the academic and operational capacities on molecular epidemiology through active coaching and training in epidemiology, biostatistics and population genetics. From the start of the project UA will provide support to the Peruvian partners on population genetics analysis for which a computer cluster and the respective training will be provided in Peru.

Funding(s)

VLIR-UOS, South Initiative

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Jean-Pierre Van geertruyden and Christopher Delgado Ratto

Partners:

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana

Period

13/03/16 - 31/12/2017