Project title: Human Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance of Especially Dangerous Pathogens in Georgia, CBR-DTRA GG-21; Project duration:  21.05.2014 – 30.06.2017.

a).Project  Objective:

This proposed CBR project is designed to expand on the successes of the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) Collaborative Biological Research (CBR) and (Threat Agent Detection and Response) TADR surveillance efforts, and examine the human disease incidence and prevalence of pathogens of public health and/or Biodefense importance in Georgia.  The overall goal of this study is to improve the knowledge of important infectious pathogens in Georgia, and to utilize and reinforce the current CBEP infrastructure required to monitor these important infectious disease agents in Georgia. 

b).Project activities:

This project is divided into two key clinical studies:

The first part of this project focuses on agents causing febrile illness.  We will be testing in patients treated at participating hospitals with an undifferentiated febrile illness.  These agents will include: EDPs - Brucella species, C. burnetii, CCHFV, F. tularensis, Hantavirus, Rickettsia species, and TBEV; several other pathogens, with similar clinical manifecstation, are also included to develop a comprehensive differential diagnostic algorithm, these include: Bartonella species, Borrelia species, Ehrlichia species, Leishmaniasis, and Leptospira species.

The second clinical protocol is developed to conduct seroprevalence study in selected population of Georgia.  Pathogens to be studied in the seroprevalence protocol include EDPs – Bacillus anthracis, Brucella species, Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Hantavirus, Rickettsia species, and Tick borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).  In addition, several other pathogens will be tested in order to develop a comprehensive differential diagnostic algorithm and antibody prevalence of these similar diseases; these include Bartonella species, Borrelia species, Ehrlichia species, Leptospira species, Salmonella typhi, and West Nile virus (WNV). 

c).Expected results:

Estimate the public health burden of selected pathogens in Georgia. Strengthen early identification and control capacity.

Describe the characteristics and antimicrobial resistance patterns of recovered isolates

Provide better recognition and treatment reducing the burden of disease and its concomitant socioeconomic impact.

Enhanced surveillance will facilitate development of cooperative disease control efforts in the region to further anticipate outbreaks and contain transmission.