A.R. GRAY
Director General
International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases
P O Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
The International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD) was established in 1973 to undertake programs of research and training aimed at the improved control of livestock diseases. From the outset the emphasis of the Laboratory has been improved control of the forms of animal trypanosomiasis and theileriosis that continue to plague the livestock industries of many countries in Africa.
Much of our work has been concerned with the antigenicity of the causative organisms and immunological aspects of infection with the aim of developing methods of immunization. However, both disease complexes are caused by pathogenic protozoa, and as you all know, effective vaccines against protozoa are hard to find. In recognition of this, our research programs are broadly based and we take a fairly wide view of the epidemiology, biochemistry and pathology of infections, as well as of immunity.
This week, with your help, we will be concentrating on aspects of the problem presented by tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis. This is of particular interest to us and is being tackled at ILRAD in several ways, namely by:
1. The development of improved techniques to diagnose infections, the identification of causal organisms, assessment of their sensitivity to trypanocidal drugs and improvement of therapeutic treatment regimes.2. Basic research studies on the biology of trypanosomes, particularly their antigenicity, metabolic processes and pathways, and control of differentiation processes.
3. Examination of non-specific and specific resistance to infection, particularly the responses of trypanotolerant livestock.
4. Research on selected aspects of the pathogenesis of infection, particularly the development of anaemia and certain reproductive and endocrine disorders.
Our objective at ILRAD is to identify ways in which we can significantly improve the control of trypanosomiasis as a result of work on the parasites in one or several of these research areas. Other organisations are giving their attention primarily to aspects of tsetse control. During the coming week we will be concerned mainly with work on various aspects of trypanosomal metabolism, especially metabolic and synthetic pathways.
The move to convene this workshop came from two sources, ILRAD and United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It has been ILRAD's practice for some years to organise reviews of aspects of ILRAD's research programs, with contributions from ILRAD scientists and scientists working in the same field at other Laboratories. Three years ago we reviewed bovine immune responses, last year the bovine major histocompatability complex and trypanotolerance in African livestock. On this occasion the theme is Protein Traffic in Parasites and Mammalian Cells.
Enthusiasm at ILRAD for this theme received a special boost late last year from UNDP. For ten years ILRAD has received financial support for the research and training program on African trypanosomiasis from the UNDP global and interregional development program. Late last year, UNDP offered additional support to enable ILRAD to organise workshops to examine recent advances in aspects of cellular and molecular biology of parasitic protozoa that are pathogens of both humans and livestock. The UNDP wish to stimulate dialogue among people interested in medical and veterinary aspects of research on trypanosomiasis and fruitful collaboration between ILRAD and leading centres of excellence around the world.
The theme of this week's activities is therefore very appropriate. Protein traffic in parasites has many features in common with corresponding processes in mammalian cells. Such processes are vital to the survival and multiplication of the parasites and thus may offer potential targets for immunological and chemical attack. We have therefore invited you here as scientists distinguished in cell biology to interact with ILRAD staff members and scientists from other organisations who are working on pathogenic trypanosomes and to ensure that current concepts and findings from mammalian cell biology are available to those working towards improved control of parasites. Specifically, therefore, the objectives of the workshop are:
1. To review findings from research on the biology and biochemistry of mammalian cells and other organisms for their possible relevance and application to research programs on trypanosomiasis and other parasitic diseases.2. To review research in progress at ILRAD and elsewhere on aspects of the biochemistry and cell biology of pathogenic trypanosomes for its quality and relevance to the potential control of human and animal trypanosomiasis.
3. To identify research areas where new ideas and new findings offer possibilities for developing new research approaches.
4. To encourage and strengthen links among scientists at ILRAD and elsewhere working on topics of interest and relevance to ILRAD's research programs on cell biology and biochemistry.
At the end of the workshop I trust it will be possible to put together a summary of the presentations and discussions in a report for use at both ILRAD and UNDP. It is also desirable that new personal associations and research activities develop in view of the urgent need to alleviate the continuing burden of trypanosomiasis and other protozoan diseases on the livestock and peoples of Africa. I wish you all a most successful and productive meeting.
