Jointly conducted by IRD and INSERM, this research explores the ecology of arboviruses in Africa and their animal reservoirs.
Raisa Silva Raulino, researcher at TransVIHMI (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2021 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (Montpellier ; 1992-....).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Research on arboviruses in Africa highlights a public health issue that is often underestimated but of crucial importance. Arboviruses, responsible for serious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and the Zika virus, are primarily zoonotic, meaning they circulate between animals and humans. Africa, with its unique biodiversity and varied ecosystems, is a fertile ground for the emergence of new viruses, raising major public health concerns. This study, conducted by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and INSERM, focuses on identifying animal reservoirs, particularly primates and bats, which play a crucial role in the transmission of these viruses.
The preliminary results of this research are revealing and concerning: an IgG prevalence of less than 5% in primates and 8.45% in bats. This suggests that non-human primates are likely not the only reservoirs of the tested arboviruses. Bats, often overlooked in epidemiological studies, may have a more significant role in the sylvatic cycle of these viruses. This finding raises questions about the need for increased surveillance and a better understanding of the complex interactions between wildlife and human populations, particularly in rural areas where contacts are frequent.
It is imperative to develop appropriate detection and surveillance tools to anticipate epidemics. The multiplex immunoassay developed in this research allows for the detection of multiple arboviruses from a single sample, thus providing an effective method for wildlife screening. With over 6000 samples analyzed, this approach could transform our ability to monitor emerging viruses in Africa. Indeed, effective surveillance could enable the rapid identification of infection hotspots and the implementation of appropriate control measures.
The implications of this research go beyond the mere identification of reservoirs. They touch on public health, biodiversity conservation, and epidemic prevention. Policymakers must take these results into account to develop public health policies that integrate wildlife surveillance and health risk management. For example, targeted vaccination programs for at-risk populations could be implemented, while considering local ecological dynamics. Furthermore, collaboration between African and European researchers, as demonstrated by this co-supervision, is essential to strengthen local capacities and develop solutions tailored to African realities.
The question that arises is: how can we better integrate this knowledge into our public health systems? The challenges are numerous, particularly the lack of resources and infrastructure in certain regions of Africa. However, the opportunities are equally significant. A proactive approach could not only reduce the burden of infectious diseases but also strengthen the resilience of health systems in Africa.
Indeed, integrating knowledge about arboviruses into public health policies could also promote better ecosystem management and more effective biodiversity conservation. For example, raising awareness among local communities about the importance of bats in the ecosystem could contribute to their protection and, consequently, to the reduction of virus transmission risks.
In conclusion, research on arboviruses in Africa is not only a public health issue but also a sustainable development challenge. It is essential that governments, researchers, and non-governmental organizations collaborate to implement effective strategies that take into account the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health. By investing in research and surveillance, we can hope for a future where epidemics of emerging viruses are better controlled, thus protecting vulnerable populations and preserving the unique biodiversity of our continent.
Key Facts
- 8.45%: IgG prevalence in bats, indicating their potential role in arbovirus transmission.
- 5%: IgG prevalence in primates, suggesting they are not the only arbovirus reservoirs.
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Sources and Access
Raisa Silva Raulino. Revisit dogmas on origins and ecology of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases : arboviruses in Africa. Agricultural sciences. Université Montpellier, 2021. English. ⟨NNT : 2021MONTT070⟩. ⟨tel-03602728⟩