Nipah Virus, Arboviral Disease & AMR Research in Bangladesh
Research
Rigorous, collaborative science at the human–animal–environment interface.
Research Focus
CPEZ conducts research across eight interconnected focus areas, reflecting the complexity of pathogen ecology and the breadth of expertise within the consortium. Each area contributes to a unified understanding of how pathogens emerge, spread, and can be controlled.
8 Focus Areas
1
Pathogen Discovery & Characterization
Identification and study of novel and known pathogens from wildlife, livestock, and humans using advanced molecular and genomic tools.
2
Host–Pathogen Interaction
Understanding mechanisms of infection, replication, immune evasion, and host response across animal and human hosts.
3
Capacity Building
Strengthening local and regional research infrastructure through training, mentorship, and laboratory development at CVASU and partner institutions.
4
One Health Surveillance & Epidemiology
Integrated surveillance at the human–animal–environment interface, linking veterinary, human, and environmental health data.
5
Data Integration, Bioinformatics & Modeling
Cross-disciplinary data management, spatial risk mapping, and predictive analytics to anticipate and respond to disease threats.
6
Environmental & Ecological Studies
Ecology of reservoir hosts, disease vectors, and environmental persistence of pathogens across Bangladesh’s diverse landscapes.
7
Diagnostics, Vaccines & Therapeutics
Translational research supporting rapid diagnostic development, vaccine candidates, and therapeutic strategies for priority pathogens.
8
Communication & Public Engagement
Science communication, community engagement, policy translation, and global partnerships to ensure research has real-world impact.
Indian flying foxes (Pteropus medius) roosting on a red silk-cotton tree in Bangladesh — the primary reservoir species for Nipah virus.
Priority Pathogens
Nipah Virus
A bat-borne paramyxovirus with high case fatality rates, transmitted to humans through date palm sap contaminated by fruit bats. Bangladesh reports near-annual outbreaks, making it a critical research priority.
Dengue & Chikungunya
Arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes with rapidly expanding geographic range and increasing burden in Bangladesh. CPEZ investigates vector ecology, disease burden, and early warning systems.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
The emergence and spread of resistant pathogens across human, animal, and environmental compartments represents a growing One Health threat requiring integrated surveillance.