A5019435296- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Hepatitis C virus research
- Hepatitis B Virus Studies
- HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
- Bioactive natural compounds
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- vaccines and immunoinformatics approaches
- HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- Antimicrobial agents and applications
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Economic and Financial Impacts of Cancer
- Transgenic Plants and Applications
- COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Immune responses and vaccinations
- Global Cancer Incidence and Screening
- Bioactive Compounds and Antitumor Agents
- Natural product bioactivities and synthesis
- X-ray Diffraction in Crystallography
University of Botswana
2020-2024
University of Health and Allied Sciences
2024
(1) Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in people with HBV and human immunodeficiency (HBV/HIV) Botswana. (2) Methods: sequenced from participants HBV/HIV Botswana Combination Prevention Project study (2013-2018) using Oxford Nanopore GridION platform. Consensus sequences were analyzed for genotypic mutational profiles. (3) Results: Overall, 98 had evaluable reverse transcriptase region coverage. The median...
Abstract Background We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people with human immunodeficiency (PWH) in rural and periurban communities Botswana. Methods PWH from a previous population-based study, Botswana Prevention Combination Project, which enrolled adults 30 across (2013–2018), were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) core antibody (anti-HBc). HBsAg-positive (HBsAg+) samples further immunoglobulin M antibodies (anti-HBc [IgM]) e (HBeAg)....
(1) Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in people with HBV and human immunodeficiency (HBV/HIV) Botswana. (2) Methods: sequenced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from participants HBV/HIV Botswana Combination Prevention Project study (2013–2018) using Oxford Nanopore GridION platform. Consensus sequences were analyzed for genotypic mutational profiles. (3) Results: Overall, 98 had evaluable reverse transcriptase region...
Abstract Objectives To assess whether a single instance of low-level viraemia (LLV) is associated with the presence drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and predicts subsequent virological failure (VF) in adults receiving ART 30 communities participating Botswana Combination Prevention Project. Methods A total 6078 HIV-1 C pol sequences were generated analysed using Stanford HIV database. LLV was defined as plasma VL = 51–999 copies/mL VF ≥ 1000 copies/mL. Results Among people (PWH), 4443 (73%)...
We evaluated naturally occurring nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (NTV/r) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains from Botswana, a country with no NTV/r use to date, in order recommend the usage of agent for high-risk patients disease 2019 (COVID-19).
(1) Background: Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) are a marker of hepatitis virus (HBV) exposure; hence, normal HBV serology profile is characterized by surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBc positivity. However, atypical serologies occur, we aimed to determine the prevalence an (HBsAg+/anti-HBc-) in cohort people with HIV-1 (PWH) Botswana. (2) Methods: Plasma samples from Botswana (2013–2018) were used. The screened for HBsAg anti-HBc. Next-generation sequencing was performed using...
We evaluated subsequent virologic outcomes in individuals experiencing low-level virem ia (LLV) on dolutegravir (DTG)-based first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) Botswana. used a national dataset from 50,742 adults who initiated DTG-based ART June 2016–December 2022. Individuals with at least two viral load (VL) measurements post three months were for first and episodes of LLV (VL:51–999 copies/mL). was sub-categorized as low-LLV (51–200 copies/mL), medium-LLV (201–400 copies/mL) high-LLV...
(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize sequences from participants with surface antigen (HBsAg+) positive serology and occult hepatitis infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: utilized archived plasma samples a cohort of people living (PLWH) in Botswana. DNA was sequenced, genotyped analyzed mutations. compared mutations study those previously generated The impact OBI-associated on protein function...
We characterized the molecular and mutational landscape of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant strains in Botswana.
Monitoring HIV-1 drug resistance mutations (DRM) in treated patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a detectable viral load (VL) is important for the selection of appropriate cART. Currently, there limited data HIV DRM at low-level viremia (LLV) (VL 401-999 copies/mL) due to use threshold VL ≥1000 copies/mL testing. We here assess performance an in-house genotyping assay using plasma detection LLV.
Abstract We sought to investigate whether SARS‐CoV‐2 was present, and perform full‐length genomic sequencing, in a 5‐year‐old male crossbreed dog from Gaborone, Botswana that presented overt clinical signs (flu‐like symptoms, dry hacking cough mild dyspnoea). It only sampled posteriori, because three adult owners were diagnosed with infection. Next‐generation sequencing based on Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) performed amplicons generated using reverse transcriptase real‐time polymerase...
(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize sequences from participants with surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: utilized archived plasma samples people living human immunodeficiency (PLWH) in Botswana. DNA was sequenced, genotyped analyzed mutations. compared mutations study those previously generated The impact of OBI-associated on protein...
Abstract Background Teratogenic viruses are than can cross the placenta and infect a growing foetus, resulting in malformations birth defects. Some of commonly known teratogenic include cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, herpes simplex varicella zoster (VZV) viruses. Most defects associated with these infections affect central nervous system sensory organs leading to symptoms that mental retardation, hearing loss blindness. The economic burden caused by congenital is high, as many affected...
Abstract Botswana, like the rest of world, has been significantly impacted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In December 2022, we detected a monophyletic cluster genomes comprising sublineage Omicron variant concern (VOC) designated as B.1.1.529.5.3.1.1.1.1.1.1.74.1 (alias FN.1, clade 22E). These were sourced from both epidemiologically linked and unlinked samples collected in three close locations within district Greater Gaborone. this study, assessed...
We assessed HIV-1 drug resistance profiles among people living with HIV (PLWH) detectable viral load (VL) and on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Botswana. The study utilised available 100 residual VL samples from unique PLWH Francistown who had viraemia at-least 6 months after initiating ART Botswana's national program November 2023 to January 2024. Viraemia was categorized as low-level (LLV) (VL: 200-999 copies/mL) or virologic failure (VF) (VL ≥1000 copies/mL). protease,...
We used HIV-1C sequences to predict (in silico) resistance 33 known broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and evaluate the different HIV-1 Env characteristics that may affect virus neutralization. analyzed proviral from adults with documented seroconversion (N = 140) in Botswana (2013-2018). env were bnAb using bNAb-ReP, determine number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) variable region (VC). also assessed presence signature mutations sensitivity vitro. observe varied...
: (1) Background: Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) are a marker of hepatitis virus (HBV) exposure; hence normal HBV serology profile is characterized by surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBc positivity. However atypical serologies occur we aimed to determine the prevalence an (HBsAg+/anti-HBc-) in cohort people with HIV-1 (PWH) Botswana. (2) Methods: Plasma samples from Botswana (2013-2018) were used. Samples screened for HBsAg anti-HBc. Next generation sequencing was done using GridION...
We investigated intra-host genetic evolution using two SARS-CoV-2 isolates from a fully vaccinated (primary schedule x2 doses of AstraZeneca plus booster Pfizer), >70-year-old woman with history lymphoma and hypertension who presented infection for 3 weeks prior to death due COVID-19. Two full genome sequences were determined samples taken 13 days apart both belonging Pango lineage FL.2: the first detection this Omicron sub-variant in Botswana. FL.2 is sub-lineage XBB.1.9.1. The repertoire...
Abstract Background COVID-19 found the world in a state of unpreparedness. While research efforts to develop vaccine are on-going, others have suggested use available vaccines boost innate immunity. Objective We analysed three databases: UNICEF Immunization Coverage, Worldometer Corona Virus Updates and World Bank List Economies establish association, if any, between vaccination for various diseases death rates recoveries across economies. Results Mean percentage were lower countries that...
Chemical investigation of the stem bark
Abstract We used HIV-1C sequences to predict (in silico) resistance 33 known broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and evaluate the different HIV-1 env characteristics that may affect virus neutralization. analyzed proviral from adults with documented seroconversion (N=140) in Botswana (2013-2018). were bnAb using bNAb-ReP, determine number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) variable region (VC). also assessed presence signature mutations sensitivity vitro. observe varied...
<h3>Background</h3> We evaluated the treatment outcomes of individuals experiencing low-level viremia (LLV) on dolutegravir (DTG) based first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Botswana by determining trends LLV over a period 6 years. <h3>Methods</h3> used large national observational cohort (aged≥18yrs) who initiated DTG-based ART for at least 3 months from June 2016 to December 2022. The prevalence viral suppression (VL ≤50copies/mL), (VL:51-999copies/mL) and virologic failure (VF) (any...