Avian influenza transmission at the animal-human interface in Bangladesh
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal Veterinary College
Department Name: Production and Population Health
Abstract
Zoonotic avian influenza virus (AIV) strains H5N1 and H9N2 are endemic in several Asian countries,including Bangladesh. Although these viruses have only caused sporadic infections in humans so far, their continuous circulation in poultry populations and their potential for recombination and/or reassortment withhuman influenza strains raise concern about their pandemic potential. This project aims to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission of AIVs at the human-animal interface in Bangladesh.
A cross-sectional survey with structured interviews will be conducted to assess live bird market workers andsmall-scale poultry farmers' practices that impact on their likelihood of exposure to zoonotic AIVs. Using multivariable statistics, "profiles" presenting a high risk of exposure to AIV will be identified. Given thatbackyard poultry are generally raised by women, gender-specific exposure will be assessed separately. The cross-sectional survey conducted among small-scale poultry farmers and live bird market workers will alsoassess seroprevalence levels to H5, H7 and H9 AIVs. The association between their levels of potential risk of exposure to AIV, and their actual serological status to AIVs will be assessed. Likewise, the associationbetween serological status in humans and virological and serological status of in-contact poultry - which will be obtained in a parallel survey - will be examined. Finally, a study will be conducted in a sample of live bird markets to assess how hygiene interventions aiming to reduce the survival of AIVs in the environment and their zoonotic transmission are implemented. It will allow the development of recommendations to improve the effectiveness to these interventions.
This PhD project will be part a wider project involving several research institutions in the UK and Bangladesh, offering the successful applicant a unique opportunity to be part of an inter-disciplinary research team and be exposed to a range of scientific disciplines and methods.
A cross-sectional survey with structured interviews will be conducted to assess live bird market workers andsmall-scale poultry farmers' practices that impact on their likelihood of exposure to zoonotic AIVs. Using multivariable statistics, "profiles" presenting a high risk of exposure to AIV will be identified. Given thatbackyard poultry are generally raised by women, gender-specific exposure will be assessed separately. The cross-sectional survey conducted among small-scale poultry farmers and live bird market workers will alsoassess seroprevalence levels to H5, H7 and H9 AIVs. The association between their levels of potential risk of exposure to AIV, and their actual serological status to AIVs will be assessed. Likewise, the associationbetween serological status in humans and virological and serological status of in-contact poultry - which will be obtained in a parallel survey - will be examined. Finally, a study will be conducted in a sample of live bird markets to assess how hygiene interventions aiming to reduce the survival of AIVs in the environment and their zoonotic transmission are implemented. It will allow the development of recommendations to improve the effectiveness to these interventions.
This PhD project will be part a wider project involving several research institutions in the UK and Bangladesh, offering the successful applicant a unique opportunity to be part of an inter-disciplinary research team and be exposed to a range of scientific disciplines and methods.
Organisations
- Royal Veterinary College (Lead Research Organisation)
- Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) (Collaboration)
- University of Hong Kong (Collaboration)
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) (Collaboration)
- University of Minnesota (Collaboration)
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) (Collaboration)
- Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Collaboration)
- Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (Collaboration)
- Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Jacqueline Cardwell (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Mahbubur Rahman (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/N503563/1 | 01/10/2015 | 30/09/2019 | |||
| 1681346 | Studentship | BB/N503563/1 | 01/12/2015 | 31/05/2019 | Mahbubur Rahman |
| Description | Evidence of aerosolization of avian influenza virus in Live Bird Markets (LBMs) and its presence in respiratory passages of workers. More than half (59.5%) of LBMs, 46.3% of air samples and 10.7% individual worker's respiratory samples (nasal/throat/both) were contaminated with Avian Influenza A virus. Nearly all of the LBM workers used bare hands even for sick or dead poultry. A quarter used masks and reported washing hands with soap after dealing with dead poultry. Presence of ducks in the market were strongly associated with respiratory contamination. Slaughtering in the stall had higher risk for respiratory contamination, whereas boiling before defeathering and use of defeathering machine in the stall had protective effect against respiratory contamination. |
| Exploitation Route | Knowledge gained from the project will help inform better targeted prevention and control measures for avian influenza transmission at the human-animal interface for Bangladesh. Air sampling can be used as a non-invasive surveillance tool in live bird markets for developing countries. This study will allow to determine whether market poultry or any specific environment or risk behaviors are the source of avian-to-human transmission of avian influenza A viruses infection. Findings will inform policy directives for poultry interventions to reduce risk of poultry-to-human AIV transmission. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Environment,Healthcare |
| Description | For draftling 3rd National Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan and for preparation for future surveillance plan |
| First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Environment |
| Impact Types | Policy & public services |
| Description | Evaluation of potential risk of transmission of Avian Influenza A at the human-animal interface in response to unusual crow die off in Bangladesh |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| Description | 2nd International Meeting on Respiratory Pathogens (ISIRV-IMRP 2018) |
| Amount | $1,700 (USD) |
| Organisation | International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2018 |
| End | 03/2018 |
| Description | One Health fellowship award (travel and accommodation) for 5th International One Health Congress |
| Amount | $2,500 (CAD) |
| Organisation | One Health Platform |
| Sector | Private |
| Start | 06/2018 |
| End | 06/2018 |
| Description | Young Scientist Travel Fellowship Award |
| Amount | $2,000 (USD) |
| Organisation | International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Virus Diseases |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 09/2019 |
| Description | Young Scientist Travel Grant for the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference |
| Amount | € 800 (EUR) |
| Organisation | European Scientific Working group on Influenza (ESWI) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | Belgium |
| Start | 09/2017 |
| End | 09/2017 |
| Title | Research Questionnaire |
| Description | Research questionnaire which collect information on live bird market structure and hygiene and live bird market workers practices |
| Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - human |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Market and individual level hygienic practices |
| Title | Collection of air sample, nasal/throat swab and blood sample from individual worker |
| Description | Collection of air sample with two different type of air samplers, nasal/throat swab and acute and convalescent blood sample from individual worker |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Evidence of aerosolization of avian influenza in LBMs and its presence in respiratory passages of workers |
| Title | Longitudinal air sampling for one year |
| Description | Collection of air samples from 10 live bird markets every monthly for one year |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2018 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | Yet to generate any notable outcome |
| Description | Collaboration - microbiological air sampler provided by the University of Minnesota |
| Organisation | University of Minnesota |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The project team collected and analysed samples. Collaborators will be associated to publications. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Montserrat Torremorell (College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA) lent us a microbiological air sampler. |
| Impact | Samples have been collected and are being analysed. Joint publications will be produced. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) |
| Department | Food and Agriculture Organization |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control And Research |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | Royal Veterinary College (RVC) |
| Department | Pathobiology and Population Sciences |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | University of Hong Kong |
| Department | School of Public Health and Department of Community Medicine |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | Host Institutions and collaborations |
| Organisation | University of Minnesota |
| Department | College of Veterinary Medicine |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I am enrolled with RVC for my PhD studentship. One of my supervisor's is from LSHTM. The LSHTM supervisor plays the key role in designing and guiding the project which forms the human aspect of the main one-health study. My field work and data collection in Bangladesh is based in IEDCR where I am contributing to the National Influenza Center. I am also supporting IEDCR in its different epidemiological programs, research and workforce development activities. One of my supervisors is based in CVASU in Bangladesh and plays a facilitating role with the main project. BLRI is testing the air samples. FAO allows with to work with their existing live bird market surveillance (Sink surveillance) |
| Collaborator Contribution | I am hosted by RVC as a PhD student. I get training support from RVC that includes regular training programs, including online ones. I am attending as short courses in LSHTM key courses in epidemiology and advanced statistics. The Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR)/National Influenza Centre (NIC), Bangladesh have contributed for in-kind support and equipment purchasing . IEDCR is also helping in subtyping of PCR results via the US CDC. The local institutional lead for the project is given by IEDCR. BLRI, Bangladesh is collaborating for lab testing of air samples. FAO, Bangladesh is collaborating specially with the longitudinal study through their existing sink surveillance including synchronisation of activities and data sharing. Dr Montserrat Torremorell, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, USA has lent and provided training for the use of an air sampler. Laboratory of Professor Malik Peiris, from University of Hong Kong, will support for serological testing (HAI and neutralization assays). |
| Impact | Multidisciplinary collaboration for achieving targeted outcomes |
| Start Year | 2016 |
| Description | 10th One Health Bangladesh Conference 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Mahbubur Rahman took part in the organization of the conference as a member of the Organization committee and the member-secretary of the Scientific sub-committee. Study findings were disseminated through the conference in the form of oral presentation. The conference presentations and discussions encouraged in strengthening one health activities for Global health securities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | 3rd National Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Discussion on utilization of the study findings for preparation of the 3rd National Avian and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |