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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for better and more sustainable use of livestock. ILRI is a CGIAR research centre - part of a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
About the position
Contagious bovine and caprine pleuropneumonia (CBPP and CCPP) are two very important diseases affecting cattle and goats respectively in sub-Saharan Africa. They are caused by two closely related bacteria, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). Both are transmitted through aerosolized droplets, and the symptoms include coughing, respiratory distress, fever etc. Infection of naïve herds results in 80% mortality and in morbidity that approaches 100%. CBPP and CCPP are major constraints on cattle production in Africa with huge economic implications.
The current vaccine for CBPP is live attenuated T1/44 while that of CCPP is inactivated CCPP F38 bacterin. The quality of vaccines is often the main reason for inconsistent protection rates for the live vaccines. However, there is no data that identifies the main Quality Control (QC) challenges along the vaccine value chain from production to distribution (through multiple intermediaries) and ultimate use for the live attenuated CBPP vaccine. This PhD thesis will include work to study current quality of commercially used CBPP vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa by sequencing of vaccine seed strains accompanied by quantification of viable Mmm by counting colony forming units of vaccines at different point of the value chain, including at point of use. The student will furthermore validate QC methods that may be recommended for incorporation in manufacturers’ QC processes.
Reports on lower-than-expected quality of CCPP vaccines have already been published, and QC methods are being developed. The student will be involved in the validation of at least one such method. Finally, the student will also work towards establishing a correlate of protection for CBPP.
Responsibilities of the fellow:
The PhD student will:
Minimum requirements:
The ideal candidate should:
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