The Initiative on Genomics & Public Health
Genomics in WHO
Research and Training in Tropical Disease (TDR)
TDR is supporting innovative research on neglected priority needs for disease control. It has 9 research lines of which many genomics related activities are included.
Vector control intervention
TDR's genomics related research projects in this area include integrated tsetse fly ecology and genetics for improved human African trypanosomiasis control in KARI, Kenya; Glossina functional genomics network in SANBI, South Africa; Development of Web based resources for handling and management of Glossina genome data, Sanger Institute, UK; Generation and sequencing of additional Glossina morsitans full length cDNA, University of Tokyo, Japan; Best-practice guidance for deployment of genetic control methods against mosquito vectors in Disease Endemic Countries (DEC's), Imperial College, UK and series of biosafety & biosecurity trainings.
Drug development for NTDs
For Onchocerciasis, ongoing work includes preparations for field validation of the potential genetic ivermectin resistance markers. A standardization process involving 25 laboratories from endemic and non-endemic countries for use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for clinical use in Chagas disease has been initiated.
Quality assured diagnostics
An international network of labs is working on laboratory-based evaluation of rapid diagnostic test for dengue virus. TDR is also involved in multi-country evaluation of existing diagnostics (line probe assays, liquid culture) and new diagnostics (GeneXpert) in paediatric TB.