Kenyan Scientist’s CRISPR Breakthrough Offers Hope Against deadly Cattle Disease
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Ethel Webi, a genomics phd candidate at the University of Nairobi, is on the verge of a major scientific breakthrough. Her childhood dream of becoming a flight attendant gave way to a far more impactful ambition: harnessing the power of genetics to combat a devastating disease.
Webi’s journey began with a captivation for the intricate world of viruses. This led her to pursue biotechnology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), followed by a master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. Now, as a recipient of a prestigious Feed the Future Innovation Lab fellowship, she’s focused on tackling East Coast Fever (ECF), a deadly tick-borne disease ravaging cattle populations in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa.
ECF, caused by the parasite Theileria parva, inflicts notable economic hardship on farmers and their families. Webi’s innovative approach utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to develop a novel vaccine.
Her research focuses on identifying and removing the genes within the parasite responsible for its lethality. ”The parasite remains alive but is no longer deadly,” Webi explains. “Its purpose is to stimulate an immune response so that, even after infection, the animal does not suffer from the disease.”
The vaccine development is a multi-stage process. The first phase involved creating a method for genetic manipulation of the parasite, a previously insurmountable challenge. This involved introducing CRISPR-Cas9 components to precisely target and remove harmful genes.The second phase focused on identifying and disabling genes non-essential for the parasite’s survival, proving the concept’s feasibility. However, Webi notes a significant hurdle: “We realized that the parasite…cannot be cultured in the laboratory and that most of the gene’s functions are not known.”
Webi’s approach offers a significant advantage: the vaccine won’t require antibiotics, mitigating the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She chose a live-attenuated vaccine strategy because it elicits a stronger, more durable immune response compared to existing ECF vaccines. “I feel like she is the one who got me where I am today,” says Webi’s mother, Maximilla, a teacher who has been her unwavering supporter.
Despite the challenges, Webi remains undeterred. Upon completing her PhD, she plans to continue her work on ECF, potentially focusing on the host animal or exploring other avenues within biotechnology. Her dedication and innovative approach offer a beacon of hope for farmers in Africa and beyond, highlighting the transformative potential of scientific research in addressing global health challenges.
Combating East Coast Fever: A Kenyan Researcher’s Impact on global Health
A collaborative effort between Washington State university and Kenyan research institutions is revolutionizing animal health in East Africa, with significant implications for global public health. The Feed the Future Innovation lab for Animal Health (AHIL) program, funded by the USAID Bureau for Resilience, Habitat, and Food Security, is tackling East Coast fever, a devastating cattle disease, through cutting-edge research and community engagement.
The five-year program, currently impacting 600 households in Narok County, Kenya, focuses on improving cattle health and production to enhance human nutrition, economic welfare, and community resilience. The initiative involves a consortium of leading institutions, including the University of Nairobi, the International Livestock Research Institute, the Kenya Medical research Institute, and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Association.
“The program, now in its fifth year, has combined cutting-edge laboratory methods to develop and improve livestock vaccines and diagnostics,” explains AHIL Director Professor Thumbi Mwangi. The program’s success extends beyond laboratory advancements; it also emphasizes training the next generation of researchers.
One such researcher is Webi (last name withheld for privacy), a PhD fellow whose work focuses on genomics and combating east Coast Fever. “Training PhD fellows like Webi is part of mentoring the next generation of animal health researchers, committed to enhancing the lives of people reliant on livestock for their livelihood through better nutrition and household economics,” Professor Mwangi adds.
Webi’s research holds immense promise. As her PhD nears completion, her contributions to understanding and combating East Coast fever are poised to substantially impact disease research and public health worldwide.Her passion for her work is evident, even as her childhood dream of becoming an air hostess remains a cherished memory. “As Webi’s PhD draws to a close, she is excited about the potential impact of her research. Her significant contributions to the field of genomics, particularly in understanding and combating East Coast Fever, can shape the future of disease research and public health worldwide,” notes a colleague.
The AHIL program’s holistic approach, combining laboratory research with field interventions, allows researchers to measure the impact on household well-being and the nutritional status of women and children. This data-driven approach ensures the program’s effectiveness and sustainability, offering a model for similar initiatives globally. The program’s success in addressing East Coast Fever in Kenya offers a beacon of hope for communities worldwide struggling with similar livestock diseases, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in tackling global health challenges.
Learn more about the devastating impact of East Coast Fever: Kakamega Farmers Lose 23 Cows to East Coast Fever
A CRISPR Solution to East Coast Fever: A Conversation with Dr. Abeni Oyaro
With deadly cattle diseases posing a major threat to food security and livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa, innovative solutions are desperately needed.World-Today-News.com sat down with Dr. Abeni Oyaro, a leading expert in animal health and genomics, to discuss the groundbreaking work being done at the Animal Health Innovation Lab (AHIL) and the potential impact of CRISPR technology on East Coast Fever control.
World-Today-News: Dr. Oyaro, thank you for joining us. Your work at AHIL focuses on East Coast Fever, a scourge affecting millions of cattle across Africa.Can you tell us about the devastating impact of this disease?
Dr. Oyaro: Absolutely.East Coast Fever (ECF) is caused by the parasite Theileria parva and spread by ticks. It’s a highly fatal disease wiping out cattle and inflicting notable financial hardship on farmers and their families.
World-Today-News: AHIL is pioneering a new approach to ECF control using CRISPR gene-editing technology. What makes this approach so promising?
Dr. Oyaro: CRISPR allows us to precisely target and modify the genetic makeup of the parasite.We aim to identify and remove the specific genes responsible for its lethality, rendering it harmless while still triggering an immune response in the cattle.This live-attenuated vaccine strategy has the potential to provide stronger, more lasting protection than existing vaccines.
World-Today-News:
What have been some of the key challenges and breakthroughs in your research?
Dr. Oyaro: One major hurdle is the parasite’s inability to be cultured in the lab, making it tough to study its biology.But luckily, we’ve been able to overcome this through innovative techniques and collaborations with other researchers. We’ve successfully identified several non-essential genes that can be safely removed without impacting the parasite’s ability to stimulate immunity.
World-Today-News: Beyond vaccine development, how else is AHIL working to combat ECF?
Dr. Oyaro: AHIL takes a holistic approach. we integrate laboratory research with field interventions, working directly with farmers to implement control measures and improve animal husbandry practices. this integrated strategy empowers communities and ensures the long-term sustainability of our solutions.
World-Today-News:
What are your hopes for the future of ECF control?
Dr. Oyaro: Our goal is to develop an effective, accessible vaccine that can be deployed widely to protect cattle and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Africa. Through continued research, collaboration, and community engagement, we believe we can make a significant impact on this devastating disease.
World-Today-News:
Thank you, Dr. Oyaro, for sharing your insights. Your work is truly inspiring.
