Active Field Research Projects in Bangladesh

Active CPEZ field research in Bangladesh: Nipah virus ecology, arboviral surveillance, drone-based environmental modeling, and Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence studies.

Projects

Active field research, surveillance, and capacity building initiatives.

Active Projects

Date Palm Sap & Nipah Virus Ecology

Investigating the ecology of Nipah virus transmission through date palm sap in Bangladesh. This study examines bat roosting behavior, sap contamination dynamics, and human exposure patterns to inform targeted prevention strategies.

Lead: CVASU & University of Pécs
Methods: Bat surveillance, environmental sampling, mobile laboratory diagnostics
Status: Active

Arboviral Surveillance & Vector Ecology

A comprehensive study of dengue and chikungunya epidemiology in Bangladesh, integrating molecular entomological surveillance with human serological data and vector habitat mapping.

Lead: CVASU & UW–Madison
Methods: Mosquito trapping, PCR diagnostics, spatial risk modeling
Status: Active — BANBEIS funding application submitted

Drone-Based Environmental Modeling

Application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for high-resolution habitat analysis and disease risk mapping across field sites in Bangladesh.

Lead: UW–Madison
Methods: Drone surveys, remote sensing, GIS analysis
Status: Active

Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence Study

Serological and molecular identification and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from spontaneous aborted fetuses of women in Bangladesh, contributing toward vaccine development.

Lead: CVASU
Status: BANBEIS funding application submitted

Five-Year Outcomes (2025–2030)

By the end of the initial five-year phase, CPEZ expects to publish high-impact research papers informing public health policy, train a new generation of Bangladeshi scientists, develop and deploy innovative methods for pathogen surveillance, build enduring partnerships with government agencies, and secure sustainable external funding.