A5023679271- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Reproductive tract infections research
- HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology
- Hepatitis B Virus Studies
- Reproductive System and Pregnancy
- Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment
- Immune Cell Function and Interaction
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
- Biosensors and Analytical Detection
- HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses
- Cervical Cancer and HPV Research
- HIV-related health complications and treatments
- Ethics in Clinical Research
- Hepatitis C virus research
- Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments
- Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
- Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research
University of KwaZulu-Natal
2015-2024
Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa
2015-2024
South African Medical Research Council
2020
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
2016
Fogarty International Center
2016
National Institutes of Health
2015-2016
Education & Research Foundation
2016
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) BA.4 and BA.5 sub-lineages, first detected in South Africa, have changes relative to BA.1 including substitutions the spike receptor binding domain. Here we isolated live viruses measured BA.4/BA.5 neutralization elicited by infection either absence or presence of previous vaccination as well from without infection. In BA.1-infected unvaccinated individuals, declines 7.6-fold for 7.5-fold BA.5. vaccinated individuals with subsequent infection, decreases...
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant first emerged as the BA.1 sub-lineage, with extensive escape from neutralizing immunity elicited by previous infection other variants, vaccines, or combinations of both 1,2 . Two new sub-lineages, BA.4 and BA.5, are now emerging in South Africa changes relative to BA.1, including L452R F486V mutations spike receptor binding domain. We isolated live BA.5 viruses tested them against participants who were Omicron/BA.1 infected but unvaccinated (n=24)...
Abstract The extent to which Omicron infection 1–9 , with or without previous vaccination, elicits protection against the previously dominant Delta (B.1.617.2) variant is unclear. Here we measured neutralization capacity variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in 39 individuals South Africa infected sublineage BA.1 starting at a median 6 (interquartile range 3–9) days post symptom onset and continuing until last follow-up sample available, 23 19–27) symptoms allow...
The antiretroviral agent, tenofovir, formulated as a vaginal microbicide gel, reduces human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition by 39% in women. This study assessed the role of preexisting immune activation HIV women from CAPRISA 004 trial, to identify potential strategies increase effectiveness tenofovir gel. Systemic cytokine and cellular mediators (platelets natural killer [NK] cells) were at high risk for assigned either or placebo gel trial. Notwithstanding use, who acquired had...
Introduction In light of the limited impact syndromic management approach has had on global sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic, we assessed a care model comprising point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment, and expedited partner therapy (EPT) among cohort young women at high HIV risk in South Africa. Methods findings negative presenting for underwent POC testing Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), swabs were sent NG culture...
Globally, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease. Effective prevention strategies for HSV-2 are needed to achieve goals World Health Organization global strategy and control sexually transmitted infections.We assessed effectiveness pericoital tenofovir gel, an antiviral microbicide, in preventing acquisition a subgroup 422 HSV-2-negative women enrolled Centre AIDS Programme Research South Africa (CAPRISA) 004 study, double-blind,...
CD4 + T cells expressing α 4 β 7 play an important role in HIV pathogenesis.
In Africa, the persistently high HIV incidence rate among young women is major obstacle to achieving goal of epidemic control.To determine trends in coverage prevention and treatment programs incidence.This cohort study consisted 2 sequential, community-based longitudinal studies performed Vulindlela Greater Edendale area KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Participants enrolled from June 11, 2014, 22, 2015 (2014 survey), with a single follow-up visit 24, 2016, April 3, 2017 (2016 cohort), or July...
Introduction Young African women bear a disproportionately high risk for HIV acquisition. technologies that empower to protect themselves are needed. Safe, potent antiretroviral agents such as tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), formulated long-acting subdermal implants, offer an innovative solution. Methods and analysis CAPRISA 018 is phase I/II trial evaluate the safety, acceptability, tolerability pharmacokinetics (PKs) of TAF free base silicone implant containing 110 mg with anticipated 0.25...
Despite substantial progress in the delivery of HIV prevention programs, some communities continue to experience high rates infection. We report on temporal trends prevalence pregnant women a community rural KwaZulu-Natal South Africa.Annual, anonymous cross-sectional sero-prevalence surveys were conducted between 2001 and 2013 among first visit prenatal clinic attendees. The time periods 2003 defined as pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART), 2004 2008 early ART, 2009 contemporary ART roll-out,...
<h3>Objective</h3> Adolescents in southern African high schools are a key population for HIV prevention interventions. We report on the prevalence of HIV, HSV-2 and pregnancy as indicators high-risk sexual behaviour among school students rural KwaZulu-Natal. <h3>Design</h3> Bio-behavioural cross-sectional survey. <h3>Methods</h3> Students completed self-administered structured, standardised demographic behavioural questionnaire. Dried blood spot specimens were collected testing. Urine used...
Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection correlates with higher rates of HIV acquisition, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unclear. Here we study associations between HPV and acquisition relate these to vaginal cytokine profiles in an observational cohort women at high risk (CAPRISA 004, n = 779) 74% prevalence. We report here that associates a 2.5-fold increase this population (95% CI: 1.2–5.3). Among 48 cytokines profiled, associated overlap substantially risk, distinct...
Objectives HPV infection causes cervical cancer, yet information on prevalence and risk factors for in Africa remain sparse. This study describes the of genotypes associated with among young women ≤ 30 years age KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Methods Cervicovaginal lavage samples were tested 224 enrolled a prospective cohort study. Clinical, behavioural demographic data collected. We measured using logistic regression, examined HPV. Results Median participants was 21 [interquartile range...
South Africa has over 6,000,000 HIV infected individuals and the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is most severely affected. As public health initiatives to better control epidemic are implemented, timely, detailed robust surveillance data needed monitor, evaluate inform programmatic interventions policies time. We describe rationale design Incidence Provincial Surveillance System (HIPSS) monitor prevalence incidence. The household-based survey will include a sample men women from two...
We evaluated whether genital inflammation affects the selection of transmitted virus. Among South African women, we found that preinfection facilitates transmission less infectious human immunodeficiency virus, but highly viruses are able to establish infection regardless status. This suggests viral phenotype can influence risk.
The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in need treatment monitoring low-and-middle-income countries has been rapidly expanding, placing an increasing burden on laboratories. Promising new point-of-care (POC) test have the potential to reduce laboratory workloads, but implementation cost is uncertain. We sought estimate costs decentralized POC testing compared centralized for PLHIV initiating South Africa.We conducted a microcosting analyses comparing clinic-based viral load,...
Effective, long-acting prevention approaches are needed to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence. We evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of VRC07-523LS PGT121 administered subcutaneously alone in combination as passive immunization for young women South Africa.CAPRISA 012A was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation phase 1 trial. enrolled 45 HIV-negative into 9 groups assessed safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, neutralization activity,...
Young girls in sub Saharan Africa are reported to have higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared boys the same age group. Knowledge HIV status amongst high schools learners provides an important gateway prevention and treatment services. This study aimed at determining prevalence explored feasibility testing among school learners. Between September 2010 February 2011, a linked, anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted two public sector rural KwaZulu-Natal...
New HIV prevention strategies are urgently required. The discovery of broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) has provided the opportunity to evaluate passive immunisation as a potential strategy and facilitate vaccine development. Since 2014, several bNAbs have been isolated from clade C-infected South African donor, CAPRISA 256. One particular bNAb, CAP256-VRC26.25, was found be extremely potent, with good coverage against C viruses, dominant in sub-Saharan Africa. Challenge studies...