NEWS SPOTLIGHT

KRISP NEWS

CERI: Why genomic sequencing is crucial in COVID-19 response

Cape Town - In December 2020, South Africa detected the Beta variant and in May 2021 the Delta variant, thanks to robust genomic surveillance. Professor Tulio De Oliveira, a renowned bioinformatician who identified the Beta variant, explains the criticality of genomic sequencing. Professor De Oliveira is the Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) and Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) based in South Africa.

CERI: Realizing the Potential of Pathogen Genomics in Africa

The launch of a new genomics facility, CERI, in South Africa bolsters the continent’s epidemic and pandemic public health response

Vaccine: SA expat Dr Soon-Shiong launches R3 billion initiative

SA born billionaire and former local physician Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong has announced an investment of R3 billion to advance vaccine research.

SA to expedite Covid-19, cancer vaccine development at largest genomics facility on continent

Billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong has partnered with local universities. He has set up the biggest genomics facility in Africa at Stellenbosch University. He also set up centres of excellence at the universities to research cancer, Covid-19, HIV/AIDS and TB.

L.A. Times owner plans South Africa vaccine plant

South African-born biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong’s NantWorks has agreed to invest in a manufacturing plant and complex in the country’s Western Cape and aims to produce COVID-19 and cancer vaccines.

Ramaphosa to attend announcement by Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong of launch of NantAfrica Covid-19 and cancer vaccine

President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the guest of honour today, Thursday, 23 September 2021, at an announcement by Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong, founder of the multinational conglomerate, NantWorks LLC, of an initiative ambitious initiative to build capacity for advanced health care in Africa.

The Rockefeller Foundation Supports the Launch of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation To Help Prevent Future Pandemics

CERI: Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation to expand pathogen surveillance capability in Africa in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation.

PUBLICATIONS SPOTLIGHT

KRISP SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Rapid replacement of the Beta variant by the Delta variant in South Africa.
Tegally H, Wilkinson E, Althaus C, Giovanetti M, San J, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Naidoo Y, Ramphal U, Msomi N, Mlisana K, Amoako D, Everatt J, Mohale T, Nguni A, Mahlangu B, Ntuli N, Khumalo Z, Makatini Z, Wolter N, Scheepers C, Ismail A, Doolabh D, Joseph R, Strydom A, Mendes A, Davids M, Mayaphi S, Ramphal Y, Maharaj A, Karim W, Tshiabuila D, Anyaneji U, Singh L, Engelbrecht S, Fonseca V, Marais K, Korsman S, Hardie D, Hsiao N, Maponga T, van Zyl G, Marais G, Iranzadeh A, Martin D, Alcantara L, Bester P, Nyaga M, Subramoney K, Treurnicht F, Venter M, Goedhals D, Preiser W, Bhiman J, vonGottberg A, Williamson C, Lessells R, de Oliveira T, medRxiv (2021), MEDRXIV-2021-264018v1:.

The biological and clinical significance of emerging SARS- CoV-2 variants.
Tao T, Tzou1 PL, Nouhin J, Gupta RK, de Oliveira T, Pond SLK, Fera D, Shafer RW, Nature Reviews Genetics (2021), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41576-021-00408- x:.

A year of genomic surveillance reveals how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic unfolded in Africa .
Wilkinson E, Giovanetti M, Tegally H, San EJ, Lessells R, Abdoul K. Sangare, Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo, Abdul K. Sesay, Abechi Priscilla, Adedotun-Sulaiman Kemi, Adewunmi M. Olubusuyi, Adeyemi O.O. Oluwapelumi, Adnène Hammami, Adrienne A. Amuri, Ahmad Sayed, Ahmed E.O. Ouma, Aida Elargoubi, Ajayi N. Anthony, Ajogbasile F. Victoria, Akano Kazeem, Akpede George, Alexander J. Trotter, Ali A. Yahaya, Alpha K. Keita, Amadou Diallo, Amadou Kone, Amal Souissi, Amel Chtourou, Ana V. Gutierrez, Andrew J. Page, Anika Vinze, Arash Iranzadeh, Arnold Lambisia, Arshad Ismail, Audu Rosemary, Augustina Sylverken, Ayoade Femi, Azeddine Ibrahimi, Baba Marycelin, Bamidele S. Oderinde, Bankole Bolajoko, Beatrice Dhaala, Belinda L. Herring, Berthe-Marie Njanpop-Lafourcade, Bronwyn Kleinhans, Bronwyn McInnis, Bryan Tegomoh, Cara Brook, Catherine B. Pratt, Cathrine Scheepers, Chantal G. Akoua-Koffi, Charles N. Agoti, Christophe Peyrefitte, Claudia Daubenberger, Collins M. Morang’a, D. James Nokes, Daniel G. Amoako, Daniel L. Bugembe, Danny Park, David Baker, Deelan Doolabh, Deogratius Ssemwanga, Derek Tshiabuila, Diarra Bassirou, Dominic S.Y. Amuzu, Dominique Goedhals, Donwilliams O. Omuoyo, Dorcas Maruapula, Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko, Eddy K. Lusamaki, Edgar Simulundu, Edidah M. Ong'era, Edith N. Ngabana, Edwin Shumba, Elmostafa El Fahime, Emmanuel Lokilo, Enatha Mukantwari, Eromon Philomena, Essia Belarbi, Etienne Simon-Loriere, Etilé A. Anoh, Fabian Leendertz, Faida Ajili, Fakayode O. Enoch, Fares Wasfi, Fatma Abdelmoula, Fausta S. Mosha, Faustinos T. Takawira, Fawzi Derrar, Feriel Bouzid, Folarin Onikepe, Fowotade Adeola, Francisca M. Muyembe, Frank Tanser, Fred A. Dratibi, Gabriel K. Mbunsu, Gaetan Thilliez, Gemma L. Kay, George Githinji, Gert van Zyl, Gordon A. Awandare, Grit Schubert, Gugu P. Maphalala, Hafaliana C. Ranaivoson, Hajar Lemriss, Happi Anise, Haruka Abe, Hela H. Karray, Hellen Nansumba, Hesham A. Elgahzaly, Hlanai Gumbo, Ibtihel Smeti, Ikhlas B. Ayed, Ikponmwosa Odia, Ilhem Boutiba-Ben Boubaker, Imed Gaaloul, Inbal Gazy, Innocent Mudau, Isaac Ssewanyana, Iyaloo Konstantinus, Jean B. Lekana-Douk, Jean-Claude C. Makangara, Jean-Jacques M. Tamfum, Jean-Michel Heraud, Jeffrey G. Shaffer, Giandhari J, Jingjing Li, Jiro Yasuda, Joana Q. Mends, Jocelyn Kiconco, John M. Morobe, John O. Gyapong, Johnson C. Okolie, John T. Kayiwa, Johnathan A. Edwards, Jones Gyamfi, Jouali Farah, Joweria Nakaseegu, Joyce M. Ngoi, Joyce Namulondo, Julia C. Andeko, Julius J. Lutwama, Justin O’Grady, Katherine Siddle, Kayode T. Adeyemi, Kefentse A. Tumedi, Khadija M. Said, Kim Hae-Young, Kwabena O. Duedu, Lahcen Belyamani, Lamia Fki-Berrajah, Lavanya Singh, Leonardo de O. Martins, Lynn Tyers, Magalutcheemee Ramuth, Maha Mastouri, Mahjoub Aouni, Mahmoud el Hefnawi, Maitshwarelo I. Matsheka, Malebogo Kebabonye, Mamadou Diop, Manel Turki, Marietou Paye, Martin M. Nyaga, Mathabo Mareka, Matoke-Muhia Damaris, Maureen W. Mburu, Maximillian Mpina, Mba Nwando, Michael Owusu, Michael R. Wiley, Mirabeau T. Youtchou, Mitoha O. Ayekaba, Mohamed Abouelhoda, Mohamed G. Seadawy, Mohamed K. Khalifa, Mooko Sekhele, Mouna Ouadghiri, Moussa M. Diagne, Mulenga Mwenda, Mushal Allam, My V.T. Phan, Nabil Abid, Nadia Touil, Nadine Rujeni, Najla Kharrat, Nalia Ismael, Ndongo Dia, Nedio Mabunda, Nei-yuan Hsiao, Nelson B. Silochi, Ngoy Nsenga, Nicksy Gumede, Nicola Mulder, Nnaemeka Ndodo, Norosoa H Razanajatovo, Nosamiefan Iguosadolo, Oguzie Judith, Ojide C. Kingsley, Okogbenin Sylvanus, Okokhere Peter, Oladiji Femi, Olawoye Idowu, Olumade Testimony, Omoruyi E. Chukwuma, Onwe E. Ogah, Onwuamah Chika, Oshomah Cyril, Ousmane Faye, Oyewale Tomori, Pascale Ondoa, Patrice Combe, Patrick Semanda, Paul E. Oluniyi, Paulo Arnaldo, Peter K. Quashie, Philippe Dussart, Phillip A. Bester, Placide K. Mbala, Reuben Ayivor-Djanie, Richard Njouom, Richard O. Phillips, Richmond Gorman, Robert A. Kingsley, Rosina A.A. Carr, Saâd El Kabbaj, Saba Gargouri, Saber Masmoudi, Safietou Sankhe, Salako B. Lawal, Samar Kassim, Sameh Trabelsi, Samar Metha, Sami Kammoun, Sanaâ Lemriss, Sara H.A. Agwa, Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer, Stephen F. Schaffner, Seydou Doumbia, Sheila M. Mandanda, Sherihane Aryeetey, Shymaa S. Ahmed, Siham Elhamoumi, Soafy Andriamandimby, Sobajo Tope, Sonia Lekana-Douki, Sophie Prosolek, Soumeya Ouangraoua, Steve A. Mundeke, Steven Rudder, Sumir Panji, Sureshnee Pillay, Susan Engelbrecht, Susan Nabadda, Sylvie Behillil, Sylvie L. Budiaki, Sylvie van der Werf, Tapfumanei Mashe, Tarik Aanniz, Thabo Mohale, Thanh Le-Viet, Tobias Schindler, Ugochukwu J. Anyaneji, Ugwu Chinedu, Ramphal U, Uwanibe Jessica, Uwem George, Fonseca V, Vincent Enouf, Vivianne Gorova, Wael H. Roshdy, William K. Ampofo, Wolfgang Preiser, Wonderful T. Choga, Yaw Bediako, Yeshnee Naidoo, Yvan Butera, Zaydah R. de Laurent, Amadou A. Sall, Ahmed Rebai, Anne von Gottberg, Bourema Kouriba, Carolyn Williamson, Daniel J. Bridges, Ihekweazu Chikwe, Jinal Bhiman, Madisa Mine, Matthew Cotten, Sikhulile Moyo, Simani Gaseitsiwe, Ngonda Saasa, Pardis C. Sabeti, Pontiano Kaleebu, Yenew K. Tebeje, Sofonias K. Tessema, Happi Christian, John Nkengasong, de Oliveira T, Science (2021), DOI: 10.1126/science.abj4336:.

The emergence and ongoing convergent evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 N501Y lineages .
Martin DP, Weaver S, Tegally H, San EJ, Shank SD, Wilkinson E, Lucaci AG, Giandhari J, Naidoo S, Pillay Y, Singh L, Lessells RJ; NGS-SA; COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK), Gupta RK, Wertheim JO, Nekturenko A, Murrell B, Harkins GW, Lemey P, MacLean OA, Robertson DL, de Oliveira T, Kosakovsky Pond SL. , Cell (2021), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2021.09.003:.

Implementation of an efficient SARS-CoV-2 specimen pooling strategy for high throughput diagnostic testing. .
Singh L, Anyaneji UJ, Ndifon W, Turok N, Mattison SA, Lessells R, Sinayskiy I, San EJ, Tegally H, Barnett S, Lorimer T, Petruccione F, de Oliveira T. , Scientific Reports (2021), 11(1):17793. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-96934-z:.

Two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induce robust immune responses to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Skelly DT, Harding AC, Gilbert-Jaramillo J, Knight ML, Longet S, Brown A, Adele S, Adland E, Brown H, Medawar Laboratory Team, Tipton T, Stafford L, Mentzer AJ, Johnson SA, Amini A, OPTIC, Tan TK, Schimanski L, Huang K-Y A, Rijal P, PITCH Study Group, C-MORE/PHOSP-C Group, Frater J, Goulder P, Conlon CP, Jeffery K, Dold C, Pollard AJ, Sigal A, de Oliveira T, Townsend AR, Klenerman P, Dunachie SJ, Barnes E, Carroll MW, James WS, Nature Communications (2021), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25167-5:.

West Nile Virus in Brazil.
Costa WE, Giovanetti M, Silva Catenacci L, Fonseca V, Aburjaile FF, Chalhoub FLL, Xavier J, Campos de Melo Iani F, da Cunha E Silva Vieira MA, Freitas Henriques D, Medeiros DBA, Guedes MIMC, Senra Álvares da Silva Santos B, Gonçalves Silva AS, de Pino Albuquerque Maranhão R, da Costa Faria NR, Farinelli de Siqueira R, de Oliveira T, Ribeiro Leite Jardim Cavalcante K, Oliveira de Moura NF, Pecego Martins Romano A, Campelo de Albuquerque CF, Soares Feitosa LC, Martins Bayeux JJ, Bertoni Cavalcanti Teixeira R, Lisboa Lobato O, da Costa Silva S, Bispo de Filippis AM, Venancio da Cunha R, Lourenco J, Alcantara LCJ, Pathogens (2021), 10(7):896. doi: 10.3390/pathogens10070896:.

KRISP VIDEOS

Genomics in Africa: KRISP, Africa CDC & Illumina support INS Mozambique with hands-on lab training
By: Nalia Ismael, Tulio de Oliveira and Jennifer Giandhari

KRISP BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS