Leishmania Division
Introduction
Leishmania Division is involved in research in Leishmaniasis which includes disease surveillance and epidemiological studies with the goal of identifying new foci of leishmaniasis transmission. This involves sand fly trapping, dissections and utilizing molecular techniques for sand fly and parasite identification and mapping of endemic areas so as to control disease transmission.
The division is also involved in the evaluation of the anti-leishmanial activity of plant extracts and novel compounds in the mouse model and in vitro. Sandflies are reared in Leishmania Division, where they are utilized for insecticidal research involving plant extracts and novel compounds. Other studies undertaken in the Division include anti-leishmaniasis vaccine studies, use of aptamers in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and cytokine profiling of BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania parasites.
Current Projects
Current projects being undertaken at the Leishmania Section include;
- An epidemiological investigation of Leishmania donovani in Merti Division, Isiolo County, Kenya.
- Mapping emerging infectious diseases in Kenya within the context of climate change.
- Laboratory study on determination of discriminating concentrations of selected insecticide compounds for monitoring resistance in Phlebotomus duboscqui sand fly vector of leishmaniasis.
Division Head: Dr. Josyline Cirindi
Other Scientific Staff:
- Ms. Milka Mwangi
- Mr. Bernard Ongondo – on study leave
Technical Staff:
- Mr. David Siele
- Mr. Reuben Ruttoh
- Ms. Alphine Chebet
- Mr. Johnstone Ingonga