MSc Student conducts tests at the Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Institute

May 23rd, 2016

From 18-20 May, an MSc student, Maria Simwango, conducted tests at the Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Institute (VVBDRI) in Tanga, Tanzania. Ms Simwango was required to determine whether 88 samples (tsetse fly and cattle DNA samples) were positive for the Trypanosome parasites that are infective to humans. Trypanosome parasites are transmitted by tsetse flies from wild animals to humans as well as to livestock, including cattle.

As the required techniques were not available in Ms Simwango’s laboratory, contacts were established at the VVBDRI, approximately 400km away. The techniques available to Ms Simwango at the VVBDRI allowed for her to test for human-infective Trypanosome parasites.