Project 173140

There is evidence of increased levels of some chronic diseases among first nations and northern communities when compared with the rest of Canada. While it is well recognized that certain food- and waterborne pathogens can lead directly to chronic conditions, this might be only a part of the story. It is our hypothesis that combined exposures to chemicals and pathogens through food and water can lead to establishment of chronic diseases. The University of Ottawa and its partners have linkages with Indian and Inuit aboriginal communities across Canada. This proposal is for preparation of future larger studies with the ultimate target of disease prevention. Tasks planned here include a) the establishment and consolidation of the interdisciplinary team and its capabilities, b) study and recruitment of the partner communities and of key individuals within the communities, c) community-approved protocols for confidential handling of sensitive personal information, and d) establishing, through pilot sample analyses, optimal methods for collection, handling, transportation and processing of food, water and patient samples.