Investigating the connection between market hygiene and human immunity, and the risk of avian influenza virus spillover from poultry to humans in live
Lead Research Organisation:
London Sch of Hygiene & Tropic. Medicine
Department Name: Epidemiology and Population Health
Abstract
Investigating the connection between market hygiene and human immunity, and the risk of avian influenza virus spillover from poultry to humans in live poultry markets in Bangladesh
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) represent a significant public health threat, particularly in Bangladesh, where live poultry markets serve as critical hotspots for potential spillover events. This research will investigate the interplay between market hygiene, human immune responses, and AIV transmission risk, addressing vital gaps in understanding the factors that drive these zoonotic spillovers, including a focus on the role of mucosal immunity.
Objectives:
1. Market hygiene assessment: Investigate how overall market hygiene and marketing practices in poultry stalls influence human exposure to AIV, particularly through aerosolization of virus particles.
2. Immune response evaluation: Examine the relationship between immune responses in market workers and their risk of infection, focusing on mucosal immunity and pre-existing immunity to human influenza viruses.
3. Mathematical modelling: Develop models to integrate data on exposure and susceptibility among market workers, to support spillover risk assessments.
Methods:
This project utilises existing datasets from poultry and non-poultry workers in Dhaka, collected as part of the One Health Poultry Hub programme. Additional data collection may be set up to address any identified gaps and complementary research areas.
Key methods include:
- Literature review: Conduct a comprehensive review of current knowledge on market hygiene and virus transmission risks, as well as the role of mucosal immunity in risk of influenza A viruses (IAV) infection.
- Ecological analyses: Investigate market hygiene and AIV aerosolization, including the collection and analyses of data complementary to what is available in the OHPH datasets.
- Cohort study: Monitor market workers over time to evaluate their immune responses via blood and saliva sampling, and its relationship to infection.
- Model development: Create compartmental mathematical models to simulate AIV transmission dynamics, including parameters from the literature and obtained through the present project, then running simulations to identify key factors influencing spillover risk.
Skills development: Through this PhD studentship, I will enhance my competencies in:
- Data analysis: Applying statistical techniques for robust interpretation of complex epidemiological datasets.
- Mathematical modelling: Developing predictive models that simulate disease dynamics, essential for assessing public health risks.
- Sero-epidemiology: Determining the prevalence of bio-markers of infection to assess population immunity and inform public health interventions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Engaging with researchers across disciplines to foster innovative approaches in public health and epidemiology.
This research aligns with UKRI's strategic themes by:
- Building a secure and resilient world: By identifying the specific factors in live poultry markets that contribute to AIV spillover, this research aims to mitigate the risks of zoonotic diseases and enhance community resilience against infectious disease outbreaks.
- Securing better health and wellbeing for everyone: Findings will inform public health strategies to reduce AIV transmission risks, ultimately improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Bangladesh.
- Tackling infections: This project directly addresses the urgent need for effective control measures against AIV, contributing to a better understanding of zoonotic disease dynamics and their management.
Collaborating with the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research in Bangladesh (IEDCR) and engaging with interdisciplinary colleagues will further enhance my understanding of public health strategies and their implementation.
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) represent a significant public health threat, particularly in Bangladesh, where live poultry markets serve as critical hotspots for potential spillover events. This research will investigate the interplay between market hygiene, human immune responses, and AIV transmission risk, addressing vital gaps in understanding the factors that drive these zoonotic spillovers, including a focus on the role of mucosal immunity.
Objectives:
1. Market hygiene assessment: Investigate how overall market hygiene and marketing practices in poultry stalls influence human exposure to AIV, particularly through aerosolization of virus particles.
2. Immune response evaluation: Examine the relationship between immune responses in market workers and their risk of infection, focusing on mucosal immunity and pre-existing immunity to human influenza viruses.
3. Mathematical modelling: Develop models to integrate data on exposure and susceptibility among market workers, to support spillover risk assessments.
Methods:
This project utilises existing datasets from poultry and non-poultry workers in Dhaka, collected as part of the One Health Poultry Hub programme. Additional data collection may be set up to address any identified gaps and complementary research areas.
Key methods include:
- Literature review: Conduct a comprehensive review of current knowledge on market hygiene and virus transmission risks, as well as the role of mucosal immunity in risk of influenza A viruses (IAV) infection.
- Ecological analyses: Investigate market hygiene and AIV aerosolization, including the collection and analyses of data complementary to what is available in the OHPH datasets.
- Cohort study: Monitor market workers over time to evaluate their immune responses via blood and saliva sampling, and its relationship to infection.
- Model development: Create compartmental mathematical models to simulate AIV transmission dynamics, including parameters from the literature and obtained through the present project, then running simulations to identify key factors influencing spillover risk.
Skills development: Through this PhD studentship, I will enhance my competencies in:
- Data analysis: Applying statistical techniques for robust interpretation of complex epidemiological datasets.
- Mathematical modelling: Developing predictive models that simulate disease dynamics, essential for assessing public health risks.
- Sero-epidemiology: Determining the prevalence of bio-markers of infection to assess population immunity and inform public health interventions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Engaging with researchers across disciplines to foster innovative approaches in public health and epidemiology.
This research aligns with UKRI's strategic themes by:
- Building a secure and resilient world: By identifying the specific factors in live poultry markets that contribute to AIV spillover, this research aims to mitigate the risks of zoonotic diseases and enhance community resilience against infectious disease outbreaks.
- Securing better health and wellbeing for everyone: Findings will inform public health strategies to reduce AIV transmission risks, ultimately improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations in Bangladesh.
- Tackling infections: This project directly addresses the urgent need for effective control measures against AIV, contributing to a better understanding of zoonotic disease dynamics and their management.
Collaborating with the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research in Bangladesh (IEDCR) and engaging with interdisciplinary colleagues will further enhance my understanding of public health strategies and their implementation.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Anita Shah (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/X016714/1 | 30/09/2023 | 29/09/2029 | |||
| 2887293 | Studentship | NE/X016714/1 | 30/09/2024 | 30/09/2031 | Anita Shah |