The Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, and Biotechnology focuses on about 10 research themes that encompass a wide range of topics related to animal health, infectious diseases, and biotechnological advancements. These research themes serve as a guiding framework for the department’s research activities and facilitate collaboration among department members and other researchers outside the department. Here are the research themes and the teams working on them for the department:
Researches on pathogen surveillance focuses on understanding the diversity, distribution, transmission, and evolution of pathogens to inform disease surveillance efforts, early detection, and effective response strategies. Here are research subthemes for pathogen surveillance in the department:
Genomic Surveillance: We utilize genomic technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing and metagenomics, to characterize the genetic diversity and evolution of pathogens. We are also interested in developing bioinformatics tools and pipelines for analyzing large-scale pathogen genomic data to inform surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Serosurveillance: We conduct researches focusing on the detection and analysis of specific antibodies in blood serum to assess the prevalence, distribution, and immunity to infectious diseases. This helps to monitor disease trends, evaluation of vaccine effectiveness, and informing public health interventions.
Research Teams:
Our researches are based on investigating antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic resistance mechanisms in animal pathogens and exploring strategies to combat resistance. We also examine the interplay between animal, human, and environmental factors in the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Research Teams:
The department carry out researches to understand the host and ecological correlates of immunity to microbial and parasitic infections, pathogen diversity and antigen discovery. We investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions in infectious diseases affecting animals. We also explore factors influencing pathogen virulence, pathogenicity and host susceptibility or resistance.
Research teams:
The department is involved in studying the dynamics, epidemiology, and transmission patterns of emerging infectious diseases with zoonotic potential. We assess the impact of environmental changes, globalization, and human-animal interactions on the emergence and spread of diseases. We also develop surveillance and control strategies for zoonotic diseases to prevent and mitigate their impact on both animal and human health.
Research Teams:
Diagnostics: The department is involved in developing and evaluating rapid diagnostic tools for the detection and identification of pathogens in various sample types (e.g., molecular assays, point-of-care devices, biosensors). We also assess the performance and feasibility of novel diagnostic platforms for use in resource-limited settings. Lastly, we integrate innovative diagnostic technologies with surveillance networks to enhance early detection and response to pathogen threats.
Vaccinology: Research in animal vaccinology focuses on various aspects related to the development, evaluation, and application of vaccines for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in animals. The key topics of interest to the department include vaccine development, vaccine immunology and mechanisms of protection, vaccine safety and adverse reactions, vaccine efficacy and field trials, vaccine delivery and strategies, vaccine technology and innovations, vaccine surveillance and impact.
Research Team: Prof. Gerald Misinzo (lead), Prof. Christopher Kasanga, Prof. Philemon Wambura, Prof. Paul Gwakisa, Dr. Jahashi Nzalawahe, Dr. Eliakunda Mafie, Dr. Alexander Mzula, Dr. Elisa Mwega, Dr. Emma Njau, Dr. Augustino Chengula, Dr. Emmanuel Kifaro, Abel Lupala, Jonas Fitwangile, Mikidadi Rashidi, Erick Osward, Kato Elias
The department is involved in promoting One Health approaches to address the complex relationship between animal health, human health, and the environment in the context of antimicrobial resistance. We focus in implementing integrated surveillance approaches that consider human, animal, and environmental health to detect and monitor zoonotic pathogens. We investigating spillover events and understanding the factors driving the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases. We also develop surveillance systems that facilitate data sharing and collaboration between human and veterinary health sectors.
Research Team: Dr. Abubakar Hoza (lead), Prof. Gerald Misinzo and Dr. Jahashi Nzalawahe
Research in phage technology aims at exploring the potential and applications of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, as tools for addressing challenges in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostics, and environmental applications. These research efforts will contribute to the development of phage-based therapies, diagnostics, and biocontrol strategies that have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and industry. The topics of interest to the department are: phage-based detection and diagnostics, phage biology and genomics, phage therapy, phage engineering and bioengineering, phage-based biocontrol, phage ecology and environmental applications, phage-host interactions and evolution.
Research Team: Dr. Augustino Chengula (lead), Dr. Abubakar Hoza, Dr. George Sanga, Mikidadi Rashidi, Erick Osward and Jonas Fitwangile
Bioremediation: Research on bioremediation focuses on the development and application of biological processes to mitigate or remove pollutants and contaminants from various environments. Key research topics in bioremediation for our department include: Microbial diversity in the environment and their metabolic pathways, bioaugmentation and biostimulation and developing genetically engineered microorganisms for enhanced pollutant degradation.
Biofertilizer: Research on biofertilizers focuses on harnessing beneficial microorganisms to enhance nutrient availability and plant growth while reducing the reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers. The key research topics in the department include: Microbial diversity and selection, formulation and delivery systems of biofertilizer, nutrient cycling and soil fertility, plant-microbe interactions mediated by biofertilizers, field evaluation and crop response.
Biopesticides: Research on biopesticides focuses on the development, optimization, and application of biological agents and natural compounds to control pests and diseases in agriculture and other pest-prone environments. Biopesticides offer an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides, as they are derived from living organisms or natural substances. The key research topics in biopesticide research include: Identification and screening of biocontrol agents, biopesticide formulation and delivery systems, enhancement of biocontrol efficacy, mode of action and resistance management, formulation and delivery systems:
Research Team: Dr. Alexander Mzula (lead), Dr. Elisa Mwega, Dr. Emma Njau, Prof. Philemon Wambura, Abel Lupala, Mikidadi Rashidi, Erick Osward
Researches in the department focuses on preventing the accidental release or intentional misuse of biological agents that could harm human health, animal health, or the environment. The topics of research include identifying and assessing potential risks, developing and evaluating biosecurity measures and technologies, researches on biosurveillance, bioethics, and policy development.
Research Team: Dr. Alexanda Mzula (lead), Prof. Christopher Kasanga, Dr. Abubakar Hoza, Dr. Augustino Chengula, Dr. Chacha Maganya, Abel Lupala, Mikidadi Rashidi, Erick Osward
Researches on toxic compounds produced by certain strains of fungi, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which can contaminate food crops such as maize, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts are of focus by the department. These toxins pose significant health risks, including carcinogenic effects and negative impacts on liver function. The research areas related to aflatoxins include: Aflatoxin detection and analysis, Aflatoxin occurrence and epidemiology, and research exploring the health impacts on animals.
Research Team: Dr. Abubakar Hoza (lead), Prof. Philemon Wambura, Dr. Isaac Makundi, Dr. Emmanuel Kifaro, Abel Lupala, Mikidadi Rashidi and Erick Osward