Molecular Biology Section trained on Vector Biology Research methods

The under-reporting of arboviral infections poses a serious public health issue due to misdiagnosis as malaria mostimes, and also the presence of multiple co-infections. Active surveillance and the use of improved diagnostic tools to monitor disease dynamics for early warning and appropriate responses therefore, is key to adequate control of the risks posed by arboviral infections. To this effect, a-5 day training was conducted by the Naval Medical Research Unit-3 (NAMRU-3) Cairo, Egypt, to equip the Molecular Biology staff of NAVRC, on relevant Molecular Biology techniques of identification and detection of various disease vectors, viruses and parasites.

Training sessions with the training facilitator, Dr. Halla Basally

       Activities carried out during the trainings are:

• Presentation on introduction to Molecular Biology
• Practicals on RNA and DNA extraction
• Presentation on PCR basics
• Practicals on molecular detection of Dengue virus using Standard PCR
• Practicals on molecular detection of Chikungunya virus
• Presentation on molecular detection of Anopheles gambiae complex using Standard PCR
• Hands-on training on molecular detection of gambiae complex
• Hands-on training on Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method for gambiae molecular forms detection
• Hands-on training on molecular detection of Plasmodium falciparum in mosquitoes using Standard PCR.
• Training wrap up and group photograph.

The training was a successful venture as the Molecular Biology  team was able to demonstrate mastery of all the techniques taught. The Training was facilitated by Dr. Hala Basally.

Members of Staff of the Molecular Biology Section trained.