Projects in South Africa – A Summary

Disentangling the Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in Southern Africa

Project Team: M.C. Marufu, R.D. Miambo, S. Chitanga, S.I. Tshilwane, S. Mukaratirwa, S.M.S. Afonso

This multi-national research initiative addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and economic impact of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) across South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique. The investigation employs a comprehensive, cross-sectional approach at strategic livestock-wildlife interface and livestock-exclusive sites to elucidate transmission dynamics in a region where epidemiological data remains fragmentary. Diagnostic methodologies encompass coprology, ELISA, and PCR for definitive hosts, complemented by ELISA  and PCR for intermediate hosts. Molecular characterisation using Sanger sequencing will identify circulating genotypes and establish phylogenetic relationships between strains to ascertain host specificity patterns and zoonotic potential. Concurrently, the project will quantify the economic burden through retrospective analysis of hydatid cyst-associated organ condemnation data from regional abattoirs and trace post-abattoir disposal practices that may perpetuate transmission cycles.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices assessment among livestock farmers will illuminate socio-cultural factors influencing parasite transmission. This integrated epidemiological investigation will generate high-resolution data to support evidence-based interventions across the livestock-wildlife-human interface. Expected outcomes include comprehensive strain-specific prevalence data, genotypic profiling, economic impact assessment, and identification of regionally-relevant risk factors, ultimately informing targeted prevention and control strategies within a One Health framework. The project will build regional capacity through postgraduate training and stakeholder engagement while addressing the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology-African Network’s strategic priorities in neglected parasitic zoonosis control.

Specialized Training in Laboratory Diagnostics and Basic Primary Animal Health Care (PAHC) and Livestock Production in Veterinary Parasitology

Project team: P.T. Matjila, A. Samkange, F. Mulandane

The Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases (DVTD) is one of five departments in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.  It is a research-intensive department and has established itself as a leader in many areas, particularly those related to teaching and research in veterinary parasitology and infectious diseases. It has successfully established collaborations with both local and international institutions and has experienced significant growth in the presentation of short courses, for continuing education, professional development and the training of postgraduate students.  

Since May 2009, the World Animal Health Organisation (WOAH) has recognised the DVTD and its consortium partners as a Collaborating Centre for Training in Integrated Livestock and Wildlife Health and Management. The DVTD boasts well developed infrastructure and several South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredited laboratories under its umbrella for training, research and diagnostic service purposes. This also includes a BSL 2+ facility. There are nine laboratories, including virology, molecular biology, serology, bacteriology, parasitology and molecular laboratories. The DVTD has a history of developing and presenting laboratory skills training and short courses in the diagnosis of protozoa, ecto-parasites and helminths, including training in basic primary animal health care and livestock production, related to veterinary parasitology.