The Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Analysis Centre (U-SMRC) hosted the primary Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium in Entebbe, Uganda, in addition to on-line. The theme of this primary symposium was Schistosomiasis analysis and managed human an infection research for helminth vaccine growth in Africa. Kat Gulyas attended the symposium on-line and shares a short abstract of her favorite highlights.
Scanning electron micrograph of a pair of Schistosoma mansoni. Supply: Wikipedia. Credit score: Davies Laboratory Uniformed Providers College Bethesda, MD.
The Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium introduced collectively researchers engaged on schistosomiasis over 4 days, to share thrilling science, present cutting-edge coaching, and to lift the profile of managed human helminth an infection research in Africa for vaccine growth.
The symposium opened with a presentation by Dr Edridah Tukahebwa on the work of the Uganda Schistosomiasis Multidisciplinary Analysis Heart, a part of the Tropical Drugs Analysis Facilities Community (TMRC), centered on constructing experience and understanding of the underlying organic determinants of extreme schistosomiasis morbidity. This was adopted by Dr Alfred Mubangizi, Vector Management Division of the Ministry of Well being of Uganda, who described the present state of affairs relating to schistosomiasis in Uganda, with 93 out of 146 districts endemic for schistosomiasis and the MoH’s Uncared for Tropical Ailments management and elimination Grasp plan.
Following this introduction to schistosomiasis in Uganda, the symposium coated a collection of thrilling analysis displays multidisciplinary approaches, leveraging social sciences, and demographic and genomic knowledge, to grasp the determinants of schistosomiasis morbidity and epidemiology. The ultimate presentation of the day (1) gave an outline of the present standing of vaccine growth for schistosomiasis, highlighting that in 2016, Science Journal ranked growing a schistosomiasis vaccine within the prime 10 vaccine priorities.
Day 2 was equally stuffed with thrilling and modern displays with a deal with Managed human an infection (CHI) research for helminths and the morbidity brought on by schistosomiasis. On the finish of Day 2, secondary faculty college students from Entebbe had the chance to tour the laboratories on the Uganda Virus Analysis Institute and watched an indication of various life phases of Schistosoma led by Prossy Kabuubi (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Analysis Unit), and Dr Fiona Allan (College of St Andrews and Pure Historical past Museum, London).
One in all my favorite talks was on Day 3, overlaying Snails 101. Professor Russell Stothard began the day by elevating the query: What’s the distinction between Malacology & Medical Malacology? Prof. Stothard gave an necessary overview of marvellous molluscs, highlighting how understanding their genomics, replica, morphology (e.g. the significance of shell chirality) is essential to grasp the biology, epidemiology and elimination of schistosomiasis. Medical malacology is an enchanting self-discipline.
Snail chirality offered by Professor Russell Stothard
All through the symposium, early-career researchers offered posters on their analysis in progress. On the ultimate day, awards got to one of the best posters, with PhD pupil Emmanuella Driciru awarded Finest Poster Presentation for her analysis on establishing a laboratory manufacturing course of for single-sex schistosomes to speed up vaccine growth for schistosomiasis.
This was the primary Uganda Schistosomiasis Symposium, crammed to the brim with thrilling, modern and important analysis, coaching, discussions and outreach actions to encourage STEM literacy and careers within the subsequent technology. We hear there’ll quickly be a web based piece sharing highlights from the thrilling analysis offered on this symposium – Watch this house!
Can’t await the subsequent symposium!