ACENTDFB Discovers New Specie of Trypanosome

In one of its on-going Molecular Epidemiological studies, the Africa Centre of Excellence in Neglected Tropical Diseases and Forensic Biotechnology (ACENTDFB), at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has discovered a new specie of trypanosome in Niger State.

No fewer than 25 on-going research works on Trypanosomiasis are being undertaken by the Centre, which are focused on the following:

Optimisation of sensitive and affordable PCR-based methods for diagnosis of parasitic trypanosomes in mammalian hosts (blood and tissue) and insect vector (tse-tse fly midgut, proboscis, saliva and droppings).
Expression pattern of trans-sialidase genes and EP Protein in the infection cycle of T. congolense in their natural hosts and environment towards the development of potential DNA vaccine targets against the disease.
Molecular epidemiological survey on livestock and tsetse flies naturally infected with trypanosoma species in some states in Nigeria and the Gambia, with studies in Niger and Kaduna States of Northern Nigeria almost completed.
Effect of certain metals on the expression of Trans-sialidases in Trypanosoma congolense infected mice.

Other areas of the Centre’s research are Filariasis and Rabies.

In Filariasis, the major focus is on:

The diagnosis and distribution of Filaria parasites in Nigeria and the sub-region. Research in this unit is also focused on studies of the vectors, Anopheles gambiae, A. funestus and Culex quinquefasciatus involved in transmission, and
Determining the role of concurrent helminth infections in some Neglected Tropical Diseases and how to alter them for optimal vaccine-induced responses. Investigation is on-going on the effect of concurrent helminth infection in novel DNA- and/or bio-nanoparticle-based vaccination strategies.

For Rabies, on-going research studies are focused on:

Understanding the expression, modulation and reprogramming of various immune genes involved in rabies pathogenesis,
Development of more specific and sensitive molecular detection techniques of rabies in various animal hosts, and
Providing baseline data on the epidemiological status of rabies in the sub-region.

The above are in line with the Centre’s Mandate and objectives. ACENTDFB was conceived to achieve the following mandates:

Provide skilled manpower in the diagnosis, management and prevention of neglected tropical diseases;
Provide baseline data on the epidemiological status of a number of neglected tropical diseases prevalent in the study región;
Develop and produce vaccines for the prevention of neglected tropical diseases;
Train man power in the general areas of molecular Biotechnology techniques and forensic science for solving related problems; and
Establish a facility and channel for security agencies and the society in resolving security, legal, paternity and other related issues.

The Centre currently has a total enrolment of 95 postgraduate students, made up of 19 PhD, 60 MSc and 16 PGD students. Six of the PhD/MSc students are awaiting external defence. Foreign students currently enrolled in the programme are from Cameroon and the Gambia. The PGD programme, which commenced in the 2015/2016 session, is run on a part-time (weekend) basis.

The Centre also constantly mounts short courses for middle level manpower capacity building. Since its inception, the Centre has enrolled 122 students for short term training in aspects relevant to biotechnology applications. Some of the trainings were conducted in Nigeria and Cameroon, in collaboration with the University of Bremen, Germany.

Students enrolled in the ACENTDFB programmes have unfettered access to well-equipped research laboratories located in the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training, Multi-User Science Research Laboratory, Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Public Health and the Forensic Biotech Lab in the Department of Biochemistry. The Multi-user Science Laboratory currently houses state of the art analytical equipment, such as NMR, GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS, FAAS (Fast Sequential Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer), AAA (Amino Acid Analyser), XRF (X-ray Flourescence), EXRD, Elemental Analyser, Preparative and Analytical HPLC.

Faculty and students research works have focused on three main neglected tropical diseases, with different stages of progress recorded.

The Centre has a procured substantial stock of chemicals, reagents and other consumables, (about 120 different items) for use in research and training of the students. These materials are provided free for students who need them. In addition, arrangements have been made to procure those required by students but which are currently not in stock.

Forty-nine PhD and MSc. students are currently carrying out research work. Three of these are Gambian students who have already travelled back to The Gambia for field work and sample collection.

ACENTDFB has, during the past years, carried out rehabilitation/construction of the following activities:

Upgrading of two lecture rooms in the Department of Biochemistry; each lecture has is provided with multimedia boards and projectors
Construction/Rehabilitation of Forensic Biotechnology Laboratory
Renovation of Cold Room in the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training
Procurement and installation of Research Equipment (PCR Thermal Cycler, Real time qPCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Gel Documentation System, Nanodrop Spectrophotometer, Centrifuge, Freezers, Laminar Flow Hood, etc.

The Centre draws its Faculty from six units/departments of the University and collaborates with two national research institutes and four regional and international institutions. The administrative office is housed in the Centre for Biotechnology Research and Training (CBRT) while the degree programmes are domiciled in the Department of Biochemistry. Its academic faculty is made up of 15 Professors, three Readers, four Senior Lecturers and four Lecturer 1, whose areas of expertise are in the Centre’s core focus areas of Trypanosomiasis, Filariasis, Onchocerciasis and Rabies.

Towards the realisation of its mandates, ACENTDFB developed and instituted three postgraduate degree programmes and four short term course modules. The Postgraduate programmes (MSC and PhD Biotechnology, and Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Biotechnology) were approved by the Senate of the University.