Enhancing microbiome research in sub-Saharan Africa

Kolawole I Ayeni; David Berry; Chibundu N Ezekiel; Benedikt Warth

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.003

Enhancing microbiome research in sub-Saharan Africa

Trends Microbiol. 2024 Feb;32(2):111-115. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.003. Epub 2024 Jan 10.

Authors

Kolawole I Ayeni¹, David Berry², Chibundu N Ezekiel³, Benedikt Warth⁴

Affiliations

¹ University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Währinger Str. 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
² Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
³ University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), Institute for Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Konrad-LorenzStr. 20, 3430, Tulln, Austria; Clifford University, Owerrinta, Ihie Campus, Abia State, Nigeria.
⁴ University of Vienna, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Währinger Str. 38, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: benedikt.warth@univie.ac.at.

PMID: 38212192
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.003

Abstract

While there are lighthouse examples of microbiome research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a significant proportion of local researchers face several challenges. Here, we highlight prevailing issues limiting microbiome research in SSA and suggest potential technological, societal, and research-based solutions. We emphasize the need for considerable investment in infrastructures, training, and appropriate funding to democratize modern technologies with a view to providing useful data to improve human health.

Keywords: cloud computing; microbiome; next-generation sequencing; public and environmental health; sub-Saharan Africa.

MeSH terms

Africa South of the Sahara
Humans
Microbiota*