Research Projects

Research Interests

Augustino Chengula’s main research interests have always been, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Viral epidemics in human and animals
• Emerging and re-emerging viral zoonosis
• Molecular biological characteristics of viruses
• Virus-host interactions (ecology of viruses)
• Development of affordable diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antivirals against viral diseases
• Phage Technology for controlling antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria strains

Augustino Alfred Chengula is involved in several research projects of which he is the lead investigator and others co-investigator as shown below.

List of research projects

1. Moodley A, Conrady B, Geeel G, Olago D, Muloi DM, Mwangi T, Chengula AA, Bohmann K, Bukachi SA, Muhairwa AP, Olsen JE (1 October 2023 – 30 September 2028). Climate influence on zoonoses at human-livestock-wildlife interfaces in the transboundary region between Kenya and Tanzania. Participating Institutions: Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), University of Nairobi and International Livestock Research institute (Kenya) and University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University (Dernamrk). Funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), DKK 10,349,805; Principal Investigator.
2. Investigation of clinical cases presumed to be caused by viruses (mainly respiratory viral diseases and Gumboro disease) and bacteria (enterobactericeae family) and antimicrobial resistance profiling of isolated bacteria ( coli and Salmonella) in Tanzania. Participating institutions: Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania) and Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse (France). Funded by Ceva Santé Animale (French company), USD 20,620 (December 2023 to December 2024). Principal Investigator.
3. Enabling Laboratory Capabilities for Molecular Testing on Animal Samples Collected in Response to Marburg Virus Disease in Kagera Region. Participating institutions: Tanzania Prime Minister’s Office, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (Tanzania and Kenya); Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania); Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (Tanzania). Funded by the Prime Minister’s Office, 55,000,000 Tanzanian shillings (2023 to 2024); Co-Investigator.
4. Sanga G, Lupala AS, Chengula AA and Emma PN (2023-2025). The potentiality of mushrooms as animal feed additive for reducing pathogenic bacteria colonization and improving the health of food animals. A SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS), 30,000,000 Tanzanian shillings; Co-Investigator.
5. Lupala AS, Yona CM, Chengula AA, Njau EP, Moshiro E, Keyyu J, Ndossi BA, Mwakibuka IA, Hakizimana JN and Misinzo G (2023-2025). Surveillance and Control of viral epidemics of domestic pigs in National protected areas for improvement of food security, and income of small and large-scale farmers. A SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS), 30,000,000 Tanzanian shillings; Co-Investigator.
6. Kasanga CJ, Chengula AA and Kifaro E (2022-2025). Practical development of microparticles-based assay for direct detection of viral RNA from non-invasive and complex animal matrices. The Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), USD 84,000; Principal Investigator.
7. Chengula AA, Sanga G, Hoza A (2022-2024). Application of Phage Technology in Poultry industry: An alternative to antibiotics for control of antimicrobial resistance and enhancing productivity. A SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS), 30,000,000 Tanzanian shillings; Principal Investigator.
8. Chengula AA. (2022-2024). Surveillance and molecular characterization of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) strains circulating in Tanzania. International Foundation for Science, USD 13,982; Principal Investigator.
9. Yona CM, Chengula AA and Misinzo G. (2021-2022). Improvement of livelihoods and nutritional security of small-scale farmers and fishing communities through viral epidemics control. A SUA Research and Innovation Support (SUARIS), 30,000,000 Tanzanian shillings; Co-Investigator.
10. Mboera LEG, Hee-Young L, Misinzo G, Sindato C, Rumisha S, Chengula A, Misago S, Bwana V, Jung-Sun Y and Kyung-Chang K. (2020-2022). Consolidation of Research Base Centre in Africa through International Collaborative Research on Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic fevers and Mosquito-borne Viral Diseases in Tanzania. Korea National Institute of Health. 248,756 USD. Co-Investigator.
11. Health of Aquatic Resources 2014-2020. Norwegian Development Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Capacity Building for Training and Research in Aquatic and Environmental Health in Eastern and Southern Africa (TRAHESA) project, grant/project No. TAN-13/0027. PhD Student.
12. Jongejan F, Swai ES, Chengula AA, Rukambile EJ (2015-2016). Parasite mapping project in Tanzania. ClinVet International; Project Involvement; Co-Investigator.
13. Socio-economic impact and spatial distribution of Rift Valley Fever and its management capacity enhancement in East Africa: RUFORUM Project 2009 – 2012. MSc Student.