Development of Surveillance System and Control Strategy for Leishmaniasis in Georgia

Project title: Development of Surveillance System and Control Strategy for Leishmaniasis in Georgia; BTEP 89/ISTC G-1081; Project duration: 01.04.2005 - 30.06.2015

 Project summary

 a).Project objectives : The main goal of the project is investigation of the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) active foci in Tbilisi.

b). Project implementation:

  • to determine the prevalence and incidence rates of infection in children 1-14   years of age in active  VL foci.
  • to determine the prevalence rate of infection in domestic and stray dogs in active VL foci.
  • to identify and study potential or proven vectors of VL.
  • to isolate Leishmania parasites from children, dogs and sand flies, and identify and compare these isolates using current molecular biology technique.
  • to identify the relevant proteins in saliva of VL vector in Georgia and perform an initial demonstration of their immunogenic profile.

c). Expected results: the new data will be generated about molecular characteristics of salivary glands of the VL vector in Georgia

  • first time the study of pharmacologically active components of salivary glands from P. kandelakii and P. balcanicus species will be performed.
  • new potential candidates will be identified for a vaccine development against VL.