Facility and Service

Research Units at TIDRC

• Malaria Research and Training Unit

• Vector Biology and Control Research Unit

• Arboviral Diseases Research Unit

• Bioinformatics Unit

• Social Science Research Unit

• Tool Development and Evaluation Unit

• Molecular Biology Lab

• Parasitology Lab

• Bioassay Lab

• Arboviral Diseases Research Lab

• Microbiome Lab

• Genomics Lab

• Malaria Parasite Culture Facility

• Insectaries (Sekoru + Awash)

• Animal House Facility

• Administrative Unit

• Insect Museum

• Library

• Scientific conference hall

• Guest houses (76)

• Student rooms (132)

•  Loung

   

   

   

   

Core Services at TIDRC

The Vector Biology and Control Unit in TIDRC will provide a range of professional and technical/commercial services (according to standard operating procedures and good laboratory practices), such as testing and evaluating novel vector control and supporting tools, which include but not limited to:

• Testing public health insecticide products/IRS products (novel formulations and active ingredients) in collaboration with the industry and research institutes
• Evaluating mosquito repellents and attractants
• Evaluating safety and efficacy of insecticide products for R &D and registration purpose
• Evaluating safety, quality and efficacy, integrity, utilization and acceptability of long- lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)
• Determine level of active ingredients in insecticide treated surfaces and treated products such as LLINs

Evaluating vector surveillance tools

• Undertake bioassays according to WHOPES guidelines and US EPA product performance test guidelines
• Evaluating new diagnostic tools/kits for malaria and insect vectors
• Provide molecular characterization of vectors and infectious agents/disease pathogens
• Consultancy and Advisory

Microscopy and Dissection Room

The microscopy room in a malaria research center serves as a critical hub for parasite detection, species identification, and drug resistance monitoring. Key activities include thin and thick blood smear preparation, staining (e.g., Giemsa), and microscopic examination to detect Plasmodium parasites and determine species (e.g., P. falciparum, P. vivax). Additionally, researchers use advanced microscopy techniques such as fluorescence microscopy (e.g., QBC® tests) and digital imaging systems for high-resolution parasite quantification. The room also supports gametocyte studies, parasite staging, and assessing drug susceptibility through in vitro assays, contributing to both clinical diagnostics and research on malaria transmission dynamics.

Activities in the Dissection Room at a Malaria Research Center
The dissection room is essential for entomological studies, focusing on mosquito vector analysis to support malaria control strategies. Here, researchers perform mosquito dissections to extract salivary glands, midguts, and ovaries for sporozoite detection (confirming malaria infectivity) and oocyst counting (measuring parasite development). Other activities include species identification using morphological keys, insecticide resistance testing (e.g., detecting kdr mutations), and vector competence studies. The room may also facilitate molecular work, such as DNA extraction from dissected tissues for PCR-based pathogen screening, aiding in the understanding of malaria transmission and vector-parasite interactions.

Membrane Feeding Room

At the Membrane Feeding Room in a malaria research center, researchers conduct artificial blood-feeding assays to study malaria transmission dynamics and evaluate interventions. The primary activity involves membrane feeding assays (DMFA/SMFA), where laboratory-reared Anopheles mosquitoes are allowed to feed on Plasmodium-infected blood through a thin membrane, simulating natural infection. This technique is crucial for assessing transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs), drug efficacy, and the impact of novel compounds on parasite development in mosquitoes. Additionally, the room supports direct and indirect mosquito feeding experiments to test the effectiveness of repellents, insecticides, or genetically modified mosquitoes in reducing parasite transmission. Strict temperature and humidity controls ensure optimal conditions for mosquito survival and parasite development, enabling high-quality data generation for malaria control strategies.

Gel Running and Documentation Room

At the Gel Running and Documentation Room in a malaria research center, researchers primarily conduct electrophoresis-based analyses to separate and visualize DNA, RNA, or proteins for molecular studies. Key activities include running agarose gel electrophoresis to confirm PCR-amplified Plasmodium DNA (e.g., species identification, drug-resistance markers like pfkelch13), and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for protein studies (e.g., vaccine candidate analysis). The room is equipped with gel documentation systems to capture high-resolution images of stained gels (e.g., ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe) under UV light, enabling precise data analysis. This space also supports Southern/Northern blotting and quality control of genetic material for downstream applications like sequencing or cloning. The generated data aids in tracking parasite genetics, resistance patterns, and vaccine development efforts.

Insectary

TIDRC has a standard mosquito insectary (14.7 m x 8.7 m) which has been established in 2010. In addition to basic insectary facilities, it is equipped with an Insect Growth Chamber, Stero microscopes, Compound microscopes, Humidifier, Heater,

Water distilling machine, etc., There is an Anopheles arabiensis colony maintained in the insectary which is fully susceptible to DDT, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids and thus used as a reference colony for insecticide susceptibility test, wall bioassay for IRS quality control, cone bioassay for evaluation of LLINs efficacy test, membrane feeding assay, residual efficacy test, decay rate test, etc.

Parasitology and Immunology Laboratory

The Parasitology and Immunology Laboratory (8.7 m x 7.3 m) is equipped with ELISA plate reader, Washer, spectrophotometer, Analytical balance, vortex, pH meter, Refrigerator, Freezer -20⁰C, Compound microscopes, Fluorescent microscope, Membrane feeding machine, etc., and is dedicated to run:

• Immunologic assays such as sporozoite ELISA to determinate mosquito infection rate
• Blood meal ELISA to determine blood source in mosquitoes
• Quantification of level of enzyme activity to assess metabolic resistance in mosquitoes

Molecular Biology Laboratory

TIDRC has the first Molecular Entomology Laboratory in Ethiopia which became fully operational in 2012. The laboratory has an area of 8.7 m x 7.3 m. All mosquito morphological identification and ovarian dissection are done in the lab. Moreover, the molecular entomology lab has state-of-the-art facilities (Conventional PCR Thermocycler, RT-PCR Thermocycler, Microvolume Spectrophotometer, Ice Maker Machine, Water Purification System, -20⁰C Freezer, -86⁰C Freezer, Heat Block, Cold Centrifuges, Micro centrifuges, Water bath (-37⁰C), Digital analytical balance, Gel Electrophoresis system, etc.,) to do:

• Molecular identification of mosquito species complexes using PCR
• Determination of blood source of mosquitoes using PCR
• Detection of mosquito infection using parasite PCR
• Detection of insecticide resistant alleles in mosquitoes such as kdr-East, kdr– West mutations, ACE1 mutation, N1575Y mutation and rdl

Parasite Culture Facility (8.7 m x 3 m)

TIDRC has established Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria parasite culture units for drug efficacy study, mosquito infection experiments, etc., The culture unit has a Class II Laminar Flow Hood, Carbon dioxide incubator, Shaker incubator, Vacuum pump, Inverted Phase Contrast Light Microscope, Autoclave, etc.,

Experimental Huts

The research facility houses a total of 22 experimental huts, divided into two distinct types: 12 West African-style huts measuring 4 meters by 3 meters, and 10 traditional circular tukul huts. These structures serve as invaluable tools for evaluating the efficacy of various vector control products, including insecticide-treated nets (IRS), repellents, attractants, and innovative insecticide formulations. By conducting experiments within these controlled environments, researchers can meticulously assess the effectiveness of different strategies in combating mosquito populations and reducing the transmission of malaria.

Malaria Sphere

The malaria sphere, measuring 18.9 meters by 9.7 meters, is a unique facility in Ethiopia dedicated to malaria research. This specialized chamber is used for various studies, including host preference, mosquito survival strategies during dry seasons, mosquito flight range, mosquito infection experiments, and the evaluation of vector control products. Additionally, the malaria sphere serves as a platform for biotechnology-based applications, such as research involving transgenic or genetically modified mosquitoes.

Animal House Facility

The animal house at the research facility measures 9.9 meters by 6.0 meters, providing a dedicated space for housing and breeding laboratory animals. This facility is specifically designed to accommodate rabbits and Swiss albino mice, which serve as a crucial blood meal source for mosquito research and are also utilized in various animal model. experiments.

Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center Data Center

Tropical And Infectious Diseases Research Center Data Center is a modern research data warehouse that has the capability of handling huge amount of data size with easy and fast access.

Guest House at TIDRC

TIDRC offers 76 guest rooms that meet exceptional standards, providing a comfortable and convenient stay for attendees of long-term training programs, workshops, meetings, and conferences. Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including reliable Wi-Fi access, ensuring that guests can stay connected and productive throughout their stay. The TIDRC’s guest rooms are designed to cater to the needs of individuals and groups who require accommodations for extended periods. Whether you are participating in a multi-day training session or attending a series of conferences, our rooms offer a comfortable and conducive environment for both work and relaxation.

Scientific Conference Hall

The TIDRC is equipped with a state-of-the-art conference hall, designed to accommodate a large number of participants simultaneously. This versatile space serves as a venue for a variety of events, including conferences, meetings, training sessions, and workshops. The spacious and well-appointed conference hall provides a conducive environment for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among attendees.

Loung

The TIDRC cafeteria is a modern facility equipped with all the necessary materials for food preparation. It can accommodate a reasonable number of people and is suitable for food preparation at any time.