The American University of Antigua

During the week of November 16, 2009, The American University of Antigua’s Center For Tropical Diseases and International Travels celebrated its 5-year anniversary. AUA, in conjuntion with the government of Antigua, created the center on November 12, 2004, to prevent and contain the spread of infectious diseases in less developed areas of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Over the course of the week, the University, as well as the community, celebrated the center’s progress in eradicating infectious disease in the community through a series of research projects.

(L-R) AUA student researcher AnnaMarie Arias, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Dean Dr. Peter Bell, Dr. Nammalwar Sriranganathan of Virginia Tech Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and Dr. Nagra

The presenters on November 16 included Dr. Olusegun Dipeolu, the center’s founder and director, who presented a lecture and his research results on the “Development of Multi-componential Integrated Vector Management for the Control of Dengue Fever in Antigua.” Dr. Olaf Horstick from the special program for research and training in tropical diseases at World Health Organization in Switzerland presented “Global Epidemiology of Dengue Fever and Intervention For Control.”

AUA Vice President of Academic Affairs and Executive Dean Dr. Peter Bell

On November 18, Dr. Nammalwar Sriranganathan from the Virginia Tech Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases presented a lecture entitled “Co-evolution of Zoonosis and Human Races, a Conceptual Dilemma.” Dr. Sriranganathan mainly spoke about vaccines that he and his colleagues are currently working on, one being for the Bovine Brucella virus. He also spoke about the widespread problem of tuberculosis in our society, and the difficulty gaining the necessary funds to treat the infected. As Dr. Srianganathan explained some of his approaches to creating these vaccines, he mentioned, “We as humans are 90% bacteria and only 10% human.” This opened the floor to many questions about the underlying theory behind that statement. Dr. Sriranganathan concluded his presentation by stating, “Don’t be afraid to question everything in science, because not everything in science is always true.”

Dr. Nammalwar Sriranganathan of Virginia Tech Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases

The presenters on November 20, 2009, included Dr. Brian Cooper, Dr. Olusegun Dipeolu, Dr. H. Samuel, and Dr. Anthony Richards. Dr. Brian Cooper from the Environmental Awareness Group in Antigua presented a lecture entitled “The Need for Greater Adoption of Bio-pesticide Use in the Eastern Caribbean.” Dr. Cooper spoke about bringing awareness to the farmers in Antigua about the usage of Neem as a pesticide agent. Dr. Dipeolu then presented a lecture titled “The Efficacy of Some Indigenous Products on Mosquitoes.” Dr. Dipeolu first stated that “The increase in the population allows for more feeding grounds for mosquitoes.” He then explained his study using the Wasp trap and Neem pesticide. Dr. H. Samuel from the Belmont Clinic in Antigua presented his lecture on “Imaging in Antigua into the 21st Century.” With some visuals of normal and abnormal breasts, feet, and chests, Dr. Samuel explained the importance of the integration of modern technology. Dr. Anthony Richards from the Applied Marine Centre Laboratories in the British Virgin Islands then presented a lecture on Caribbean Herbal Pharmacopeia. Dr. Richard focused on the importance of informing the local community about alternative medicinal options.

(L-R) Dr. Brian Cooper of the Environmental Awareness Group, Antigua, Dean of AUA College of Veterinary Medicine and Head of the Center for Tropical Diseases and International Travels Dr. Olusegun O. Dipeolu, Dr. Anthony Richards of the Applied Marine Centre Laboratories, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Dr. H. Samuel of Belmont Clinic, Antigua

November 21 was mainly dedicated to the research completed by AUA students over the course of the semester. The students’ projects included an investigation into the contamination of tap water in local households in Antigua, the processing of lettuce, the use of electronic cigarettes, the merits of hand sanitizer versus hand washing, and an exploration on the effect of Bacillus Subtillis and Klebsiella Pneumoniae on lifecycle stages of culex quinquefasciatus. Dr. Dipeolu presented the lecture: “Lizard (Saurian) Malaria in Antigua: Public Health Implications.” Dr. Olazagasti, AUA’s Interim Consultant Clinical Dean, delivered a presentation on the important role of research in clinical medicine and a brief history of the cholera epidemic.

The panel of judges then presented prizes for the best student presentations. The first-place prize, an all-expenses paid weekend in a hotel resort, was given to Kyle Varner for his project on e-cigarettes. The second-place prize, a tour to Barbuda, the sister island of Antigua, was given to the presenters of the Mosquito project. The third-place prize, 6-foot sandwiches from Subway, was given to each presenter of the Water Contamination project. The prize for the best poster was given to the presenters of the Hand Sanitizer project. Each student in that group received a copy of the 8th edition Robbins’ Pathology book.

In appreciation of his ongoing support and continued belief in the Center, Dr. Dipeolu presented AUA Executive Dean Dr. Peter Bell with two carved statues as a token of his thanks.