Simple models for neuroscience research discoveries: how often are these models used in Africa?

Abstract

Background: Simple animal model systems such as Drosophila, Caenorhabditis Elegans and Zebrafish have enabled numerous breakthroughs in understanding human health and disease. Owing to their cheap maintenance cost, adopting these model systems will improve research in Africa. However, the extent to which these models are used across Africa is unknown. This study aimed to identify how often these models are used in Africa. Methods: We downloaded all the PUBMED-indexed publications from the year 2000 to 2021 that have an African affiliation and have mentioned Drosophila, C. elegans or Zebrafish. We manually curated the information on the experimental use of these model systems, author affiliations and details of funding from research publications. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the major hotspots for the use of the model systems and funders, and the pattern of local and international collaborations.   Results: Of the 1851 publications in which at least one of the models was mentioned, only 168 used at least one for the actual investigation. With an average of 21 articles per country, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia contributed 75% of these studies. The remaining 25% were contributed by seven other countries. Analysis of funding information revealed that 24.4% of the studies were exclusively locally funded, 28.57% exclusively internationally funded, 15.5% received both local and international funding, and the rest (31.5%) were unfunded, revealing that there is satisfactory access to funds for simple animal model studies, especially from external funders. By analysing the pattern of collaborations, we show that collaborations with researchers from other continents predominate over intra-Africa collbaorations. Conclusions: Our work provides data on the current state of research using simple model systems in African laboratories and argues that incorporating these models will advance biomedical science research in Africa.