Using iDNA to Increase the Protected Status of the Djeke Triangle and Enhance Disease Surveillance in the Congo Basis

The Congo Basin has long been considered an epicenter of emerging infectious diseases. Unprecedented levels of habitat conversion and increased contact between wildlife and human populations have become more common and widespread throughout this region, which harbors the majority of remaining critically endangered western lowland gorillas and endangered central chimpanzees. Disease surveillance and biodversity assessments of elusive wildlife in remote areas are costly, time intensive, and difficult to validate. High-throughput sequencing (metabarcoding) of environmental DNA from invertebrates feeding on the wildlife or their remains has emerged as a possible alternative to invasive or noninvasive sampling of wild-living vertebrates. iDNA also provides a novel, noninvasive approach to survey viral and bacterial pathogens in wildlife which can aid in determining the factors underlying the emergence of infectious diseases impacting both wildlife and humans. Wildlife health surveillance can inform public health systems on pathogen distribution and provide opportunities to investigate the ecology of zoonotic pathogens. As part of a comprehensive conservation medicine approach, our research team will also work to identify enhanced surveillance tools to associate pathogens in the environment to symptoms in great apes. 

Research Team

Crickette Sanz, WashU (Anthropology)
Sharon Deem, Saint Louis Zoo
Peter Fischer, WashU (School of Medicine)
Maris Brenn-White, Saint Louis Zoo
Heidi Hellmuth, Saint Louis Zoo
Fabian Leendertz, Robert Koch Institute
Livia Patrano, Robert Koch Institute
Wen Mayoukou, Wildlife Conservation Society
David Morgan, Lincoln Park Zoo