CLIMSOCTRYPBOL

Duration

08/05/2023 - 07/05/2026

Coordinator

Xavier Rodó

Funded by

Ayuda PCI2023-143449

The project is part of a multidisciplinary EU-LAC project for the study of the transmision risk of Zoonotic American Tripanosomiasis (Chagas disease) and Leishmaniasis in the Gran Chaco of Bolivia. The distribution and temporality of these transmisible diseases is linked to climate change, and also to the behaviour and social nature of their human hosts, domestic reservoirs and vector populations. Both Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are considered to be in an emergency and/or re-emergence situation in various parts of the world.

In the Bolivian Chaco region, Chagas disease is highly endemic while leishmaniasis outbreaks have been very recently described, including visceral leishmaniasis cases. In close coordination with social actors, local authorities and research centres, the project will deploy the team experience in community engagement and co-creation in order to design, implement and evaluate a strategy to meet community needs related with prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

A range of complimentary modelling techniques will investigate their climatic drivers of transmission in the area, considering vector ecology and human disease outcomes. For that, we will prospectively assess the presence of Chagas and leishmaniasis vectors in human dwellings and peridomestic environments, and the seroprevalence in domestic reservoirs (dogs). Triatomine samples will be used for a detailed population genomic analysis in order to evaluate and identify management-units of Triatoma infestans, main vector of Chagas disease in Bolivia, and sand flies samples will be analysed for the first time to obtain data on their genetic population. The populations of T. cruzi and the Leishmania species/s in the area will be characterized. Specifically, the team will collaborate in providing data for climatic studies, in the preparation of material and surveys for social studies and in the epidemiological study (canine reservoir and vectors), emphasizing in the study of cross-reactions between T. cruzi and Leishmania, and their genetic profiling (study of the populations of T. cruzi and Leishmania spp.).

Total Funding

157.300 €