About the position

Contagious bovine and caprine pleuropneumonia (CBPP and CCPP) are two very important diseases affecting cattle and goats respectively in sub-Saharan Africa. They are caused by two closely related bacteria, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm), and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp). Both are transmitted through aerosolized droplets, and the symptoms include coughing, respiratory distress, fever etc. Infection of naïve herds results in 80% mortality and in morbidity that approaches 100%.  CBPP and CCPP are major constraints on cattle production in Africa with huge economic implications.

The current vaccine for CBPP is live attenuated T1/44 while that of CCPP is inactivated CCPP F38 bacterin. The quality of vaccines is often the main reason for inconsistent protection rates for the live vaccines. However, there is no data that identifies the main Quality Control (QC) challenges along the vaccine value chain from production to distribution (through multiple intermediaries) and ultimate use for the live attenuated CBPP vaccine. This PhD thesis will include work to study current quality of commercially used CBPP vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa by sequencing of vaccine seed strains accompanied by quantification of viable Mmm by counting colony forming units of vaccines at different point of the value chain, including at point of use.  The student will furthermore validate QC methods that may be recommended for incorporation in manufacturers’ QC processes.

Reports on lower-than-expected quality of CCPP vaccines have already been published, and QC methods are being developed. The student will be involved in the validation of at least one such method. Finally, the student will also work towards establishing a correlate of protection for CBPP.

Responsibilities of the fellow:

The PhD student will:

• Assess the quality of CBPP and CCPP vaccines available in sub-Saharan Africa, from production seeds to the end-user.
• Identify gaps in QC processes by manufacturers and validate improved methods and procedures that may be implemented by CBPP T1/44 and CCPP F38 vaccine manufacturers.
• Assist in baseline CBPP related data collection and analysis to support the modelling of a feasible and scalable CBPP control program.
• Develop immunological assays such as antibody and complement- mediated growth inhibition assays for preliminary identification of CBPP surrogates of protection.
• Report and compile PhD thesis.
• Draft articles for journal publication and/or poster for presentation.

Minimum requirements:

The ideal candidate should:

• Have an MSc degree in Animal Science or related course, from a recognized university.
• Be able to independently develop experimental protocols and work plans.
• Possess strong writing and analytical skills as evidenced by previous publications.
• Have demonstrable interest in field work as well as laboratory-based experiments.
• Hold training or experience of ethical and technical capacity for data collection and analysis.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision
• Experience in commercial vaccine manufacture, including Quality control will be an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team comprising individuals form multiple cultures.