Avian Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Project AIVEP OSROEGY801USA

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Avian Influenza Vaccine Efficacy Project (AIVEP)
(OSRO/EGY/801/USA)
Jointly implemented by NLQP and FAO
Second Quarter Report (Jan-Mar, 2009)
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Project Objectives

• Identification of Circulating HPAI H5N1 Strains
  and select an Egyptian seed vaccinal strains.
• Evaluation of currently available/used vaccines
  against the identified isolates.

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Outputs
1 Identifying all AI isolates available
1- Screening and evaluation of genetic and
antigenic variants among existing field strains
(2006 - Early 2008)
2- Intensify HPAI Field sample collection and
evaluation of genetic and antigenic variants
among (Mid 2008- 2009) isolates
2 Selection of Variants for Challenge Studies
Challenge Testing of Antigenic Variants and
Existing Vaccines
Effective
Non effective
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Partners

• South East Poultry Research Lab (SEPRL), USA.
• Erasmus University Medical Centre, The
  Netherlands.
• Naval Medical Research Unit 3 (NAMRU-3), USA.
• Central Lab for Evaluation of Veterinary
  Biologicals (CLEVB), Egypt.

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Simple laboratory Protocol for AI virus detection
in different bird species
Common RT-PCR
Isolation typing


HA test
-ve
ve
ve -ve
Typing RT-PCR
(H5, H7)
AGPT or Ag Capture ELISA


ve -ve
ve -ve

Isolation Typing

H5 H7
HI Typing
Sequence and phylogenetic analysis
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Progress to date1.a Screening and evaluation of
genetic and antigenic variants among existing
field strains (2006-early 2008)
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Progress (Cont)
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Progress (Cont)1.a.02 Sequencing and
phylogenetic analysis
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Progress (Cont)1.a.02 Sequencing and
phylogenetic analysis
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Progress (Cont)1.a.06 Assessment of Biosecurity
and Biosafety of Laboratory and Lab Operations
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Progress (Cont)1.b Intensified HPAI Field
Isolate Collection
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Total sample examined by NLQP and its satellites
during January till May 2009
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Progress (Cont)1.b.03 Identifying all AI
isolates available mid-2008 to 2009
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Progress (Cont)

• NLQP started its activities while in parallel
  processing administrative matters to avoid any
  delay in implementation.
• Two major LOAs prepared and signed between
• Erasmus and FAO
• SEPRL and FAO
• All procurement of Equipment and consumables
  completed - delivery in few weeks time.
  (delayed).
• Training arrangement finalized with SEPRL 5
  Experts (April and May 2009)
• 3 from NLQP (gene sequence and vaccine
  evaluation)
• 2 from CLEVB (vaccine evaluation)

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Progress (Cont) 2.04 Capacity Building
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Progress (Cont.)

• Procurement of LIMS required additional
  consultation
• A project overview was published on the OFFLU web
  site http//www.offlu.net/OFFLU20Site/Egypt20Pro
  ject.pdf

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Main Challenges and Response

• USAID fund for NLQP not yet transferred (big
  challenge)
• Discussion with USAID continues
• Signature of Material transfer agreement (MTA)
  delayed - faced drawbacks in including previously
  sent isolates
• FAO (OFFLU) acted promptly to ensure that a
  revised version is agreed upon
• the newly revised MTA will be signed during next
  reporting period
• NLQP preparing new 20 isolates to be sent to
  SEPRL and added to MTA

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Plan for 3rd quarter (as per DIP)

• Finalizing and signing litter of agreement
  between USAID and NLQP
• Receipt procurement (reagents and equipments).
• Staring the laboratory training program.
• Collection, Isolation, RRT-PCR testing and
  Sequencing activities continue per agreed DIP.
• Continuing the surveillance activity with SAIDR.

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Conclusion

• The project activities are implemented well in
  advance vs DIP.
• The project helps NLQP in improving the capacity
  building of its satellites.
• Training at SEPRL lead to Capacity strengthening
  the gene analysis unit at NLQP.
• The primary results of the sequenced isolates
  showed to us continue mutation and changes in our
  isolates which takes us to complete the work
  faster than the time plan to know all the unknown
  side about the Egyptian HPAI H5N1 isolates.
• Project Coordinator relocated to NLQP
  -Opportunity to closely work with NLQP without
  affecting communication with ECTAD-FAO

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Thank You