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  Tuberculosis in Non-Human Primates: Best Practice Diagnostic Pathways in Zoological Settings, Integrating a One Health Approach


   Central

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  Dr Eduard Roos, Dr Irene Nobeli  No more applications being accepted  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

About the Project

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) organisms, presents a significant zoonotic risk, affecting human health, wildlife, and domestic animals. Non-human primates (NHPs) in captivity, such as those in zoological collections and sanctuaries, are at particular risk. The close genetic and environmental proximity between NHPs and humans elevates the potential for zoonotic transmission. However, current diagnostic efforts lack standardisation, often leading to unreliable results, which can have critical consequences for both animal and public health.

This PhD project will apply a One Health approach to TB diagnosis in captive NHP populations, aiming to:

  • Evaluate current TB diagnostic tools for their effectiveness in zoological settings.
  • Develop and validate diagnostic assays, including cell-mediated immune (CMI) assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, for improved detection of both active and latent TB.
  • Investigate potential zoonotic transmission pathways between NHPs and human populations.
  • Establish an evidence-based Best Practice diagnostic pathway for TB surveillance, integrating public health and conservation needs.

The student will receive interdisciplinary training across molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and One Health research. They will be based at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) with additional training in bioinformatics at Birkbeck, University of London. The project offers opportunities for fieldwork, diagnostic development, and engagement with international conservation and public health organisations.

Requirements

Essential:

  • Background in veterinary science, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or related disciplines  
  • Experience in laboratory-based diagnostic assays
  • Interest in zoonotic diseases, One Health, and wildlife conservation.

Desirable:

  • Be a veterinarian 
  • Experience in fieldwork involving wildlife
  • Previous work in tuberculosis diagnostics
Biological Sciences (4) Medicine (26) Veterinary Sciences (35)

Funding Notes

This is a 3-year fully-funded studentship, funded by the Bloomsbury Colleges. This funding covers 'Home' rate tuition fees and a stipend.

This studentship is open to applicants eligible for "Home" fees. International applicants are welcome to apply but must be able to fund the difference between "Home" and "Overseas" tuition fees. 


References

1. Bernitz, N., Kerr, T.J., Goosen, W.J., Chileshe, J., Higgitt, R.L., Roos, E.O., Meiring, C., Gumbo, R., De Waal, C. and Clarke, C. (2021). Review of diagnostic tests for detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in South African wildlife. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8, 588697.
2. Bushmitz, M., Lecu, A., Verreck, F., Preussing, E., Rensing, S., Mätz-Rensing, K. and Health, o.t.E.-T.W.G.o.N.-h.P. (2009). Guidelines for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in non-human primates: Recommendations of the European Primate Veterinary Association Working Group on Tuberculosis. Journal of Medical Primatology 38 (1), 59-69.
3. Ghielmetti, G., Loubser, J., Kerr, T.J., Stuber, T., Thacker, T., Martin, L.C., O'Hare, M.A., Mhlophe, S.K., Okunola, A., Loxton, A.G., Warren, R.M., Moseley, M.H., Miller, M.A. and Goosen, W.J. (2023). Advancing animal tuberculosis surveillance using culture-independent long-read whole-genome sequencing. Frontiers in Microbiology 14.
4. Meesawat, S., Aiempichitkijkarn, N., Warit, S., Kaewparuehaschai, M. and Malaivijitnond, S. (2023). Non-invasive specimen collections for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). PLOS ONE 18 (8), e0289961.