Immunization of cattle with Ra86 impedes Rhipicephalus appendiculatus nymphal-to-adult molting – Highlighting our Publications

Commercial vaccines based on the tick gut protein Bm86 have been successful in controlling the one-host tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and provide heterologous protection against certain other non-target ixodid tick species. This cross protection, however, does not extend to the three-host tick R. appendiculatus, the vector of the protozoan parasite Theileria parva. When transmitted to … Continue reading →

Scientists discuss current knowledge and research approaches that could lead to a next generation ECF vaccine

The next generation vaccine for East Coast fever (EFC), an important cattle disease was the discussion agenda in a 2.5 day workshop organized by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural-Research Service (USDA-ARS) and Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) on April 16-18. Stakeholders from Nairobi-ILRI, USA, UK, Belgium, … Continue reading →

Study shows promising new avenues to develop a product that could help in the control of Theileriosis

A recent study on ‘Identification of virulence factors of Theileria parva’ has confirmed the existence of a low virulent strain and identified the mechanism that was at the basis of this low virulence, showing some promising new avenues to develop a product that could help in the control of Theileriosis. This low virulent strain, Chitongo … Continue reading →

Molecular characterization of live Theileria parva sporozoite vaccine stabilates reveals extensive genotypic diversity: Highlighting our publications

‘Highlighting our publications’ is a new blog series that will feature publications from the Biotech theme.  The success of scientific research is greatly pegged on existing information and published scientific work to provide crucial information and knowledge that is important to the progress of science. Our publications represent the latest results in areas such as: … Continue reading →

Combating East Coast Fever (ECF); Muguga Cocktail

East Coast fever (ECF) is one of the major diseases affecting cattle and among the major livestock diseases that the Biotech team at ILRI is researching on to develop and improve vaccines for. ECF is caused by a tick-borne parasite called Theileria parva and has been affecting cattle in 11 countries in Eastern, Central and … Continue reading →