Employing (Home) Organisation: University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Project title: Diagnosis and/or molecular characterization of parasitic infections for integrated control of parasitic worms and diarrhea in Côte d’Ivoire: a Bayesian latent class analysis study.
Dr Gaoussou Coulibaly is trained in Parasitology-Epidemiology (PhD) at Université Félix Houphouët Boigny (UFHB)/ Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH). He is an Assistant Professor at UFHB; his research focuses on cost-effective and, sustainable approaches, linking water, sanitation and hygiene with preventive chemotherapy for the control of helminthiasis, intestinal protozoa and diarrhoea in developing countries.
This AREF-RDF programme will enable him to develop new theoretical and practical skills and expand his networks positively impacting his future career.
Summary of Project Destination
Several major species of intestinal parasites (e.g. Ancylostoma, Entamoeba) are complex species that can only be differentiated by molecular characterization. In the tropics, parasites are usually diagnosed by microscopy that does not enable species distinction. Moreover, in low prevalence, these classical tools lack sensitivity. In addition, opportunistic intestinal parasites of HIV/AIDS (e.g., Strongyloides, Cryptosporidium, Microsporidium) are often not diagnosed due to not being detected by standard microscopy tools.
The use of new molecular analyses and/or diagnostic tools combined with Bayesian Latent Class Analyses (LCA) would help define true infection prevalence and guide the use of appropriate diagnostic tools for effective and efficient control strategies of intestinal parasitosis in low, moderate and high endemicity contexts.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
During his fellowship, Dr Coulibaly will work with Professor Lamberton from University of Glasgow, and Dr Prada from University of Surrey. During this placement research activities will focus on study design, diagnostics and molecular characterisation, epidemiological methods, biostatistics, especially latent class analysis, and modelling for designing community-led interventions, implementing trials and evaluating impacts through improved analyses of infection status. Knowledge dissemination will be performed through skill transfer within local research teams, capacity building and training early career researchers (country level).
Quote
“Accurate interpretation of epidemiology, therapeutic management and disease elimination relies on appropriate diagnoses. We will track down Neglected Tropical Diseases improving well-being of remote populations! “
Dr. Gaoussou Coulibaly expects to start his fellowship in August 2025