Training Years: 2016-2017
Training Site: Kenema Government Hospital
Country: Sierra Leone
Mentor: John Schieffelin, MD, MSPH; Sahr Moses Gevao, MBBS, FWACP, FMC(PATH1) (Nig), MISH
Title: Immunologic and Behavioral correlates of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Kenema district, eastern province of Sierra Leone
Project Objectives:
Aim 1: To determine the existence and durability of serologic evidence of EVD in a cohort of survivors and close contacts. This aim will test the hypothesis that EVD survivors will have long-lasting serologic evidence of infection than close contacts. We will determine the prevalence of serologic markers indicative of EBOV infection in a cohort of cases and household and community controls. Serologic markers measured over time for survivors will determine the durability of the response, while those markers found in household/community contacts will suggest asymptomatic Ebola infections.
Aim 2: Evaluate EVD related knowledge, attitude and practices among a cohort of survivors and household/community contacts in Kenema district, eastern province of Sierra Leone. This aim will test the hypothesis that EVD survivors have a greater understanding of the risk of Ebola transmission than their household contacts. The study of attitudes and practices will determine the level of contact that put contacts at increased risk of infection contacts. The study of attitudes and practices will determine the level of contact that put contacts at increased risk of infection.
NIH Support: Fogarty fellowship postdoctoral training award
