Mr Calmes Bouaka has defended a thesis under the theme: “Genetic diversity of the tsetse fly microbiome and its implication in new strategies to control trypanosomiasises’‘
The interest of vector control in the fight against African Trypanosomiases (Human and animal disease) has been reinforced in recent years, with the development of small insecticide-impregnated screens, known as “Tiny Targets”. Moreover, as some tsetse biotopes are difficult to access during vector control, other additive tools, involving using bacteria harboured by tsetse vector to block the development of the parasite in the vector are under consideration. To improve knowledge in developing or managing these new vector control strategies, Calmes undertook this work, to study the impact of tiny targets on tsetse fly densities, and to characterise bacterial communities hosted by these vectors, and their association with trypanosome establishment in Campo, a trypanosomoses fucus in Southern Cameroon.
This study showed a high level of trypanosome circulation in tsetse flies captures in Campo. However, during the tsetse control operation with Tiny targets, a good reduction in tsetse densities and trypanosome infection rates was observed, suggesting that this tool could contribute to the elimination of trypanosomiases in Campo. The study also revealed that the microbiome composition of tsetse flies was different between flies with mature trypanosome infections i.e., parasites ready to be transmitted, and other flies. This result suggested that specific bacteria present in those vectors, are associated with the process of parasite development. Such bacteria were identified, and further studies will help to understand how they interact with trypanosomes.
Mr Calmes Bouaka, is a medical and clinical Biochemist who obtained his Bachelor and Master’s degree in Biological Sciences especially in Clinical Biochemistry in 2016 and 2018 respectively. He was selected as PhD student within the PIIVeC (Partnership for Increasing the Impact of Vector Control) project under the mentorship of Dr Tito Tresor Melachio Tanekou and registered as a PhD student in Biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé I under the supervision of Prof Charles Wondji and Prof Jude BIGOGA, who guided him in achieving his goals in the present PhD Thesis, that he defended on Friday 26th January 2024, at the University of Yaoundé I.
This significant accomplishment calls his attention for more work and dedication to research in tropical diseases to make a strong contribution to improve tsetse vector control efficiency, and extend to fight against infectious, debilitating and disabling vector-borne diseases especially in poor resource settings over the world.
