2013_06_10_raquelconde_brucelosis_tanzania

Raquel Conde Álvarez, PhD in Biology and researcher at high school of Tropical Health of the University of Navarra, has given a course on brucellosis at the University of Sokoine (Tanzania). Accompanied by Marie Ducrotoy, from the University of Edinburgh, she taught diagnostic and vaccination techniques for this disease to fifty veterinarians and Tanzanian health authorities. "During 5 days, the attendees learned how to isolate and identify the bacteria and how to use different diagnostic tools, and carried out conjunctival vaccination practices on local farms. In addition, we had the opportunity to talk with livestock farmers belonging to the Maasai tribe, a key player core topic in the control of this disease. Understanding their culture is fundamental in tackling the disease," explains Raquel Conde.

The University of Navarra and the University of Edinburgh participate in the international project ICONZ(Integrated Control of Neglected Zoonoses), promoted by the European Union, in which 18 African and European universities and laboratories collaborate. The goal of this group of partnership is the control of different infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans that mainly affect developing countries development. They have been declared "neglected" diseases according to the World Health Organization. According to the researcher of high school of Tropical Health, "courses such as the one in Tanzania are very important to encourage the active participation of these countries and to establish disease control or eradication campaigns".

Infectious disease

Brucellosis is an infectious disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and some wildlife, causing abortions and infertility. source In developing countries development these animals are a major source of food resources, as well as transport of raw materials.

Human brucellosis is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can leave disabling sequelae. "Its treatment is costly and prolonged. For this reason, this disease represents a serious economic and health problem, and animal vaccination is an essential measure for its prevention," explains Conde.