Ms. Caroline Weldon, a program manager at the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Disease (CREID) at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), discussed the primary emphasis of CREID's research – a comprehensive study of zoonotic viral
emergence in Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. This extensive investigation emphasizes the identification and characterization of critical reservoir and amplification hosts, vectors, patterns of circulation, human exposure levels, immune responses,
and disease outcomes. Notably, the research scrutinizes arboviruses, including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Dengue virus (DENV), Yellow Fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). The research extends its reach to the circulation of the Lassa virus among
enzootic rodent hosts and human infections in Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The overarching goal is to pinpoint viral determinants influencing the severity of hemorrhagic diseases and their sequelae. Additionally, surveillance efforts extend to bats to
identify potential sources of the Ebola, along with zoonotic pathogens such as coronaviruses and henipaviruses. This facet of their work aims to shed light on the origins of emerging pathogens like Nipah and the MERS coronavirus.
These significant findings highlight the active circulation of CHIKV in fruit bats, led by distinguished scientists as Drs. William de Souza, Scott Weaver, and Mawlouth Diallo. The groundbreaking discovery provides compelling evidence of natural CHIKV
exposure in Old World fruit bat species within West Africa, supporting the pivotal role of bats as amplifying hosts in the secondary enzootic cycle. Furthermore, high-altitude mosquito aerial surveillance in Senegal and Mali represents a pioneering
approach to exploring potential arbovirus spread by windborne mosquitoes. Preliminary results reveal an exceptionally high density of aerial mosquitoes, providing unique data not accessible through ground vector surveillance.
In summary, the ongoing research at WAC-EID exemplifies a comprehensive and collaborative approach to understanding and combating emerging infectious diseases. The CREID Network, is a collaborative endeavor of emerging infectious disease research centers
worldwide, comprising 10 research centers and multidisciplinary teams. This network constructs the essential framework and infrastructure needed for an efficient response to future outbreaks. Within a one health approach, it fosters valuable insights
into the interconnection of human, animal, and environmental health.