Our Projects
The Core areas of our Research
Tuberculosis Genomics and Epidemiology
Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance
Viral Genomics and Epidemiology
Artificial Intelligence, Geographical Mapping and Statistical Modeling for Outbreak Prediction and Control
Public Health Outreaches and Interventions
Our Ongoing Projects
Tuberculosis Diagnostics, Genomics and Epidemiology
At the heart of our work is a commitment to advancing Tuberculosis (TB) research and transforming its diagnosis, treatment, and control in high-burden regions. We are harnessing cutting-edge genomics and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop innovative tools for TB surveillance, drug resistance profiling/evolution, and epidemiology
Our lab has pioneered bioinformatics and genomics tools that enhance the analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data for TB research. Currently, we are spearheading the creation of Africa’s largest TB genomics surveillance network that unites national TB programs and research institutions to drive data-driven interventions.
Through our research and community engagements, we are generating new evidence on TB pathogen diversity, transmission dynamics, and patient populations in Nigeria and Africa. Our overarching goal is to bridge research and practice by delivering actionable insights that support evidence-based TB management and capacity building across the African continent.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Surveillance
Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis that threatens the effectiveness of critical medications used to treat bacterial infections in both animals and humans. This resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand antibiotics, rendering these drugs ineffective. A major driver of this phenomenon is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which accelerates the development of resistant strains. Bacteria acquire resistance through genetic mutations or the transfer of resistance genes via mobile genetic elements like plasmids.
Food-producing animals play a significant role in harboring antimicrobial-resistant zoonotic pathogens, which can transfer resistance to humans through direct contact or the food chain. In Nigeria and globally, one of the key concerns is the emergence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae, particularly in Escherichia coli and other bacteria. These enzymes allow bacteria to resist the effects of extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics, a critical class of drugs. ESBLs, especially in pathogens like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, are the most common mechanism of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (Tanko et al., 2020).
Our research focuses on investigating the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance within food animals and its transmission across the human-animal interface. We have successfully isolated various ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae and various ranges of resistant pathogens from livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry, as well as from their environments using phenotypic methods of identification. Our goal is to perform genotypic characterization of these pathogens to identify the various ESBL genes, virulence factors, and their epidemiological relatedness. This will help us understand how resistance spreads and guide strategies to mitigate the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Research
Zoonotic viruses such as Mpox, Lassa fever, Yellow fever, etc., continue to pose a great public health concerns in Africa due to their high transmission potential and negative effects on human, animal, and the environment. These viruses are transmitted from animal reservoirs to humans and vice versa making their epidemiology complex. Despite the ongoing efforts to address these diseases through surveillance, vaccination, and public health interventions, outbreaks persist, especially in rural and urban settings with high human-animal interaction, poor sanitation, and low immunization coverage. Additionally, the lack of integrated, effective epidemiological monitoring systems and a comprehensive understanding of environmental and socio-economic factors driving these zoonotic outbreaks negatively affect effective control strategies.
The primary aim of our research is to understand the patterns of transmission, risk factors, affected populations, geographic distribution of these viruses in endemic regions of Nigeria and Africa, and to ultimately provide interventions to these complex health issues using a One-Health approach.
We employ the use of surveillance data, epidemiological studies,molecular diagnostics (PCR and Sequencing), genomic analysis, Spatial analysis and GIS techniques
We also analyse epidemiological data using statistical tools, including regression models to identify significant correlations between environmental factors, population density, and virus prevalence.
The Ibarapa Meje One Health Initiative aims to ensure the complete welfare of the Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in the Ibarapa Meje region of Oyo State. The expectation was that this initiative, which was based on the Zoonotic TB Road Map, would serve as proof-of-concept for the One Health initiative and pave the way for its expansion and use in other parts of Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world
