Within IPHC, Komlan Toudji explored host-pathogen-environment interactions in the eco-epidemiology of zoonoses.
Komlan Toudji, chercheur·e au sein de IPHC (Université de Strasbourg).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale des Sciences de la vie et de la santé (Strasbourg ; 2000-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Komlan Toudji, framed within the One Health conceptual framework, addresses a crucial and pressing question: how do the complex interactions between hosts, pathogens, and the environment influence the dynamics of zoonoses, particularly in West Africa? This region, rich in biodiversity but also in health challenges, is particularly vulnerable to the emergence of infectious diseases. By focusing on rat populations and poultry systems in Togo, this research highlights major health issues that deserve special attention. The results reveal that 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate from animal sources, an alarming figure that underscores the urgency to act to protect public and animal health.
The methods employed in this study, such as trapping and prevalence analyses, allow for the collection of precise data on the distribution of rats and farming practices. This data is essential for understanding the ecological and social determinants of zoonoses. For example, rats, often considered pests, can be vectors of diseases such as leptospirosis or hantavirus, which have direct repercussions on human health. Furthermore, poultry systems, which are rapidly expanding in Togo, can also be reservoirs of pathogens, notably avian influenza.
The recommendations made by Toudji, such as strengthening farmer training and adopting biosecurity practices, aim to reduce the impact of zoonoses on public and animal health. It is imperative to question the current management of health risks. Why are biosecurity practices not systematically adopted? What are the barriers to raising awareness among farmers? These questions highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes not only researchers but also sociologists, economists, and communicators, in order to better understand the social dynamics that influence the adoption of these practices.
Toudji's research offers concrete avenues for improving the situation, but it is essential that policymakers take these recommendations seriously. Indeed, the implementation of effective public health policies requires strong political will and long-term commitment. Policymakers must integrate these findings into their public health and agricultural policies, ensuring that resources are adequately allocated to support initiatives for the prevention and control of zoonoses.
The thesis does not merely analyze data; it calls for immediate action. Policymakers must not only consider the results of this research but also commit to creating strong partnerships between researchers, farmers, and health authorities. Collaboration is crucial for implementing effective strategies that will reduce the risks of zoonotic transmission. For example, community awareness programs could be established to educate farmers on the importance of biosecurity and responsible farming practices.
In summary, this research is a call to action to better understand and manage zoonoses in West Africa. The stakes are numerous and complex, but with a collaborative approach and a willingness to act, it is possible to reduce the impact of zoonoses on human and animal health. Toudji's thesis represents a significant advancement in understanding host-pathogen-environment interactions and underscores the importance of an integrated approach to address these health challenges. It is time to take action and transform these recommendations into concrete policies that will benefit the entire population.
Données clés
- 14 millions : nombre de décès annuels dus à des maladies infectieuses, dont une part significative est attribuée à des agents pathogènes zoonotiques.
- 75 % : proportion des maladies infectieuses émergentes d'origine animale.
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Sources et accès
Komlan Toudji. Dynamique des systèmes et des interactions hôte-pathogène-environnement dans l’éco-épidémiologie des zoonoses et des affections animales. Ecologie, Environnement. Université de Strasbourg; Université de Lomé (Togo), 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025STRAJ112⟩. ⟨tel-05555438⟩