About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Yersinia pestis is a small bacterium known to cause the disease plague. It is considered one of the most successful infectious agents in history, claiming 30-40% of the European population in the 14th century.

Although plague cases have dwindled in many parts of the world, this disease remains a serious threat to human lives in the small island country of Madagascar. Hundreds of human plague cases are reported each year, many of which result in needless human suffering and death.

Presently, the research facility in Madagascar does not have a reliable method of DNA fingerprinting or genotyping strains of plague responsible for outbreaks. Knowing the genetic identity of plague strains is crucial to efforts in tracking the pathogen and isolating the source of an outbreak to prevent future cases.

What is the significance of this project?

In 2012, the World Health Organization ranked Madagascar as the country most severely affected by the plague; the main research facility in the country, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, reported 240 cases and 60 deaths in that year alone.

Fortunately, the plague is an easily treatable and preventable disease, provided cases are caught early and treated properly. Unfortunately, health officials in Madagascar do not have the molecular tools necessary to genetically identify and track strains of the plague infecting human victims.

DNA fingerprinting not only pinpoints the sources of plague infections, it can also show patterns of epidemics, illustrating routes the disease follows as it is spread throughout the country, infecting small villages and rural communities.

What are the goals of the project?

Our lab and the lab in Madagascar have formed a strong relationship over the past few years and they are very interested in attaining tools for the genetic identification of plague cases in their country.

During the past few months I have developed a technology to rapidly and reliably genetically type strains of plague; our methods have been specifically modified to utilize only the resources already in possession by the Malagasy lab.

With the tools developed, we just need to transfer the technology to Madagascar and train the technicians how to use it.

Undoubtedly, technological compatibility differences will arise and I need to be on site at the lab in Madagascar to help troubleshoot any problems and ensure researchers in the lab are comfortable and confident using this technology.